The safety concern of plant-based supplements: A public health topic

Nowadays, the use of food supplements has increased globally. Among them, there are also plant-based supplements that contain phytochemical extracts with a pharmacological effect and consequently potential adverse reactions. We cannot estimate their safety profile as there are not required evidence-based proofs before marketing. Though European Food Safety Authority is responsible for the risks derived from food supplements, there is not any centralized surveillance system of the commercialized supplements in Europe. Moreover, these products do not rely on a harmonised marketing legislation. The population is exposed unconsciously purchasing them in internet or other places that lack of a professional healthcare. Fragile subgroups like pregnant women, patients with concomitant therapies, are not aware of the risks of plant-based supplements because the education strategies are not promoted enough. In the context of public health, the challenge is to implement measures in order to protect consumers against health risks. Future efforts are required to ensure standardised supplements. European regulatory programs should be harmonised. More clinical trials and toxicological studies should be conducted on commercial preparations. Accurate information sources could assure consumers about the correct use of botanicals.