The wife of a California Republican congressman died in December of dehydration after ingesting the herbal remedy, according to a report released Wednesday. Lori McClintock, the 61-year-old wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, died of dehydration due to gastroenteritis — an inflammation of the stomach and intestines — caused by “unwanted effects of ingesting white mulberry leaves,” Kaiser Health News reported. Wednesday, citing a March 10 report from the Sacramento County medical examiner recently obtained by the news outlet. The medical examiner’s report ruled the death an accident and said a “partially intact” white mulberry leaf was found in Lori McClintock’s stomach, although it was unclear whether she consumed the herb through a dietary supplement, taking fresh or dried leaves, or drinking them in a tea. According to Healthline, white mulberry leaves, especially rich in vitamin C and iron, have long been used in natural medicine to treat various ailments, and some studies show that it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and help regulate blood sugar levels. blood sugar and cholesterol. Healthline warned of possible allergic reactions. FORMER OFFICIAL SAN FRANCISCO WITH DIRTY ROAD CLEANING AWAITS SENTENCE FOR CORRUPTION, BRIBER SCANDAL The herb, native to China, has also been linked to weight loss. Lori McClintock and then-Senator Tom McClintock, in Sacramento, California, on October 7, 2003. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) At his wife’s funeral, McClintock told mourners that he was on a “careful diet,” had recently hit the gym, was enjoying a new job at a real estate office in Sacramento and was busy wrapping presents to “make it the best family Christmas ever . ” He said he spoke to his wife the night before he returned from Washington, only to find her unresponsive the next day at their home in California. The coroner’s report said she had “complained of stomach upset” the day before she died. her. Negative side effects of white mulberry leaf also include nausea, diarrhea and sometimes dehydration. REP. MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE SAYS ‘COVERED’ IN HER HOME Fox News Digital did not immediately obtain a copy of the medical examiner’s report, autopsy report or amended death certificate containing an updated cause of death obtained by Kaiser Health News in July. A request for comment sent to Rep. McClintock’s communications director was not immediately returned Thursday. Tom McClintock speaks to reporters with his wife Lori at California State University, Sacramento on September 24, 2003. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Daniel Fabricant, CEO and president of the Natural Products Association that oversaw dietary supplements at the FDA during the Obama administration, told Kaiser Health News that suggesting McClintock’s death from dehydration was due to the white mulberry leaf found in her system it would be “entirely speculative. ” “There’s a science to it. It’s not just what a medical examiner feels,” Fabricant said. “People unfortunately go through dehydration every day, and there are many different reasons and many different causes.” FLORIDA JUDGE TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTING TO DEFRAUD FAMILY OF MATT GAETZ OF $25 MILLION He suggested that the family could voluntarily report her death to the FDA for a more thorough investigation. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom McClintock speaks to reporters with his wife Lori, daughter Shana and son Justin after attending a debate at California State University, Sacramento, September 24, 2003. (Justin Sullivan/Getty images) The FDA regulates dietary supplements, which are classified as foods and are not subject to the same strict controls as pharmaceutical products. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Mike Braun, R-Ind., have pushed for legislation to increase oversight of the dietary supplement market.
“Many people assume that if this product is sold in the United States of America, someone has inspected it and it must be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always true,” Durbin said on the Senate floor this spring. “Our family’s darkest day and worst nightmare has come. Lori is gone,” McClintock and the rest of Lori’s family said in a statement after her death eight months ago. “And with her all the light, warmth, fun, friendship and love she brought wherever she went and to everyone she met.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “We are devastated and our world is shattered. Only those who knew her can understand the enormous tragedy of her death for her family and many friends,” the statement continued. “Our only consolation is that her boundless charity, kindness and faith ensure eternal life in heaven, where she will surely watch over all who loved her and those she loved. On behalf of our grieving family, we extend our deepest thanks to all who have offered so many kind memories and tributes as condolences.We will always love her “more than all the stars in the sky.” Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @danimwallace.