According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds, in England, and published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Medicine, common herbal remedies sold all over the world, such as ginseng and gingko biloba, may be missing crucial information pertaining to their possible side effects, interactions with other drugs or supplements, and the impact they may have on consumers who suffer from various illnesses.
Only a few months ago, an EU law regulating the commercialization of "traditional herbal remedies" came into effect, urging manufactures to clearly state all safety-related information on the product label or instructions for use that come with each supplement. Products such as echinacea and St. John's wort have already been regulated by this new law, although batches of supplements manufactured before the law passed, and missing crucial safety information, may still be found on numerous pharmacy shelves.
The research team at the University of Leeds looked at popular herbal supplements sold over the counter and produced prior to the passing of the EU law. They concluded that the majority of herbal remedies did not, in fact, come with clear safety information. According to the study leader, Professor of Pharmacy Theo Raynor, there is further cause for concern, as little is truly expected to change in the long run, even with the enforcement of the new EU law. Professor Raynor reminds us that the best thing to do is to simply be aware of the potential dangers of herbal medicines, and treat them like any other drugs.
"Many people believe herbal medicines are somehow different to other medicines because they are 'natural'. However, any substance that affects the body — no matter where it came from — has the potential to do harm if it is not taken correctly", he added.
Ginseng, one of many such herbal remedies sold over the counter in Europe and the United States, is used in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, adaptogen, and nourishing stimulant, as well as for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and type II diabetes. Ginseng extract is often added to energy drinks, teas, and cosmetic products, to enhance their restorative properties. Ginseng may cause an array of disturbing side effects, including persistent insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, epistaxis (nose bleeds), elevated blood pressure or low blood pressure, and breast pain, and it may even induce states of mania in patients suffering from depression.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - Dr Joseph S Maresca
Herbal supplementation should be discussed with the medical health care providers.
A good health care provider will assign a professional nutritionist and physical therapist to manage the patient's needs.
The National Institutes of Health in the USA has opened up a National Center for Complementary Medicine to evaluate herbal supplements, as well as alternative medicinal protocols. The Journal of the Lancet is another good source of information for articles on Alternative Medicine.
2 - sangos
This reverses the very definition of an Adaptogen: They are non-toxic and they establish Homeostasis. I have a feeling the author is talking about 'active ingredient extracts' which are more 'drugs' than the herb in its natural state.
3 - Dr Biloba
Yeah, the safety information should be marked on the license.
However, the evaluation of risks of these herbs needs many clinical data. this thing might be done by an organization which could carry out large scale clinical trails. On the other hand, a database of the adverse reactions of these herbs should be set up. This help monitor the side effcts of these herbs.