List of dangerous supplements announced

CLEVELAND - Consumer Reports has released a list of supplements its researchers say could do you more harm than good-- and in some cases, could even kill you.

Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. They can interact with prescription drugs. It's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, regardless of whether it's on the Consumer Reports list.

1. Aconite, also known as aconiti tuber, aconitum, radix aconiti

Purported uses: Inflammation, joint pain, wounds, gout

Possible risks: Toxicity, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, respiratory system paralysis, heart rhythm disorders, death

2. Bitter Orange, also known as aurantii fructus, citrus aurantium, zhi shi

Purported uses: Weight loss, nasal congestion, allergies

Possible risks: Fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, heart attack, stroke, death

3. Chaparral, also known as creosote bush, larrea divaricata, larreastat

Purported uses: Colds, weight loss, infections, inflammation, cancer, detoxification

Possible risks: Liver damage, kidney problem

4. Colloidal Silver, also known as ionic silver, native silver, silver in suspending agent

Purported uses: Fungal and other infections, Lyme disease, rosacea, psoriasis, food poisoning, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS

Possible risks: Bluish skin, mucous membrane discoloration, neurological problems, kidney damage

5. Coltsfoot, also known as coughwort, farfarae folium leaf, foalswort

Purported uses: Cough, sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma

Possible risks: Liver damage, cancer

6. Comfrey, also known as blackwort, common comfrey, slippery root

Purported uses: Cough, heavy menstrual periods, chest pain, cancer

Possible risks: Liver damage, cancer

7. Country Mallow, also known as heartleaf, sida cordifolia, silky white mallow

Purported uses: Nasal congestion, allergies, asthma, weight loss, bronchitis

Possible risks: Heart attack, heart arrhythmia, stroke, death

8. Germanium, also known as Ge, Ge-132, germanium-132

Purported uses: Pain, infections, glaucoma, liver problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer

Possible risks: Kidney damage, death

9. Greater Celandine, also known as celandine, chelidonii herba, Chelidonium majus

Purported uses: Upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, liver disorders, detoxification, cancer.

Possible risks: Liver damage

10. Kava, also known as awa, Piper methysticum, kava-kava

Purported uses: Anxiety

Possible risks: Liver damage

11. Lobeli, also known as asthma weed, Lobelia inflata, pukeweed, vomit wort

Purported uses: Coughing, bronchitis, asthma, smoking cessation

Possible risks: Toxicity; overdose can cause fast heartbeat, very low blood pressure, coma, possibly death

12. Yohimbe, also known as yohimbine, Corynanthe yohimbi, Corynanthe johimbi

Purported uses: Aphrodisiac, chest pain, diabetic complications, depression; erectile dysfunction

Possible risks: Usual doses can cause high blood pressure, rapid heart rate; high doses can cause severe low blood pressure, heart problems, death