An herbal remedy caused the death of CA congressman’s wife

According to a recent report from Kaiser Health News, the untimely and sudden death of Lori McClintock, the 61-year-old wife of US Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Was caused by a variety of herbal remedies. This information was obtained from autopsy reports and death certificates, as well as documents obtained from the coroner.

On December 15, 2021, at their residence in Elk Grove, Tom McClintock, who serves as a representative for a district in Northern California, discovered his spouse in an unresponsive state after returning from Washington, DC. McClintock mentioned that his wife was generally in good health. As per the coroner’s report, she had expressed discomfort with an “unsettled stomach” the day before her passing. McClintock added that she was eagerly anticipating Christmas, engaging in gift wrapping, organizing a family celebration, and had recently become a member of a fitness center.

The cause of death listed on her updated death certificate was an accident. Independent pathologists confirmed that the signs of dehydration were present.

White mulberry is claimed to assist with various conditions including arthritis, joint pain, the common cold, weight loss, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Studies on diabetic mice have suggested that the tree, which is native to China, contains anti-diabetic compounds that can lower blood glucose levels. However, there is limited evidence supporting the use of white mulberry for treating a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes. Nonetheless, many people still turn to herbal remedies like white mulberry in the hope of finding relief.

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Unresolved queries

According to the coroner’s report, it was suggested that at the time of her death, McClintock had consumed fragments or entire white mulberry leaves. Consuming mulberry leaves is commonly done through extracts, powders, and teas. This could potentially imply that she was using the leaves for the purpose of losing weight, as Tom McClintock mentioned that his wife was being mindful of her diet. However, the exact reason why McClintock was ingesting white mulberry leaves remains unclear.

It is unclear why she had such a severe reaction to the leaves. KHN notes that in the last 10 years, there have been no reported deaths linked to white mulberry. However, most reports of accidental intake by children were related to ingestion of poison control centers, with nearly 150 cases reported in that time period.

Some people think that the leaves of mulberry trees are nutritious snacks for livestock, but they are generally not considered toxic to animals and humans. However, silkworms are an exception as the milky sap in the veins of mulberry leaves, called latex, is rich in toxic alkaloids and sugar-mimicking compounds with anti-diabetic properties.

In 2011, researchers in Thailand published data on 23 individuals who consumed mulberry leaf tablets to lower cholesterol levels. The findings indicated that 4 percent experienced bloating, 9 percent reported dizziness, and 26 percent developed mild diarrhea. Despite the positive results observed, it is important to note the occurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort in a significant portion of the participants.

Medications such as the FDA, minerals, botanicals, and nutrients that are not thoroughly examined for safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration bring attention to the persistent issue of McClintock’s situation. Additionally, the FDA faces challenges in overseeing and monitoring the numerous supplements available in the market. Numerous inquiries still remain.