Warning Issued On Herbal Laxative

Americans should not use an herbal laxative sold as part of the “Arise & Shine” dietary supplement line because it may cause life-threatening heart problems, the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.

The herbal laxative, called “Chomper,” is believed responsible for hospitalizing a young Massachusetts woman about a week ago, the FDA said in a national consumer warning.

Analysis uncovered “powerful substances which are found in a number of poisonous plants” and “may result in severe, potentially fatal heart block even in otherwise healthy individuals,” the FDA said.