Wife of US congressman dies from reaction to herbal remedy

Lori McClintock, the wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove), died in December after taking an herbal remedy that is touted for treating high cholesterol, according to a coroner’s report.

McClintock died of dehydration caused by “adverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion,” the Sacramento County coroner said in the death report.

White mulberry leaf is advertised as having numerous health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, helping manage diabetes and helping “block cancer cell growth,” according to the Healthline website.

But the supplement can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, and McClintock’s death was caused by “dehydration” and “gastroenteritis,” according to the report.

The report notes that McClintock was found unresponsive by her husband at their California home.

“The day prior she had complaints of an upset stomach,” the report says. “There was no suspicious circumstances found.”