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Risks associated with herbal medicinal products.

E Ernst1, M H Pittler

  • 1Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, U.K. E.Ernst@exeter.ac.uk

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 23, 2002
PubMed
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Herbal medicinal products (HMPs) carry significant health risks, including toxicity and dangerous interactions with conventional drugs. Consumers need more information to ensure their safety when using these popular remedies.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Herbal medicinal products (HMPs) are increasingly popular globally.
  • Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of HMPs.
  • Emotional discussions often surround the health risks of HMPs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a factual overview of the health risks associated with HMPs.
  • To review evidence on the toxicity, interactions, and quality of HMPs.
  • To inform consumers and healthcare professionals about potential HMP risks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific evidence on HMP toxicity.
  • Analysis of reported herb-drug interactions (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic).
  • Examination of quality control issues, including contamination and adulteration in HMPs.

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Main Results:

  • Some HMPs possess the potential to cause serious adverse events and fatalities.
  • HMPs can alter drug efficacy and duration of action, leading to herb-drug interactions.
  • Contamination, adulteration, and substitution of botanical materials are recurring quality concerns, particularly with Asian HMPs.

Conclusions:

  • Herbal medicinal products are not inherently safe and carry demonstrable risks.
  • Further research is essential to fully understand and mitigate HMP-related risks.
  • Enhanced consumer information and regulatory oversight are crucial for maximizing safety.