[Herbs on the Internet: risky information]
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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Fabio Firenzuoli1, Luigi Gori, Luisa Di Simone
1Unità Operativa Centro di Medicina Naturale, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Azienda Usl 11, Empoli. f.firenzuoli@usl11.toscana.it
Abstract:
We analyzed Internet information about herbal products and dietary supplements regulated by Ministry of Public Health. We screened 522 Italian web sites and we found information about toxic risks on Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), Red yeast fermented rice (Monascus ruber), Borage (Borago officinalis) and Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) respectively in: 63%, 47%, 3% and 22% of the web sites. It is also possible the on-line purchase. Results show that in Internet there are not correct instructions about risks of herbal products.
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