Labeling of Herbal Products
The quality of consumer information about the product is as important as the fin-
ished herbal product. Warnings on the packet or label will help to reduce the risk
of inappropriate uses and adverse reactions [70]. The primary source of informa-
tion on herbal products is the product label. Currently, there is no organization or
government body that certifies an herb or a supplement as being labeled correctly.
It has been found that herbal remedy labels often cannot be trusted to reveal what
is in the container. Studies of herbal products have shown that consumers have
less than a 50% chance of actually getting what is listed on the label, and published
analyses of herbal supplements have found significant differences between what is
listed on the label and what is in the bottle. The word “standardized” on a product
label is no guarantee of higher product quality, since there is no legal definition of
the word “standardized.” Consumers are often left on their own to decide what is
safe and effective for them and the lack of consistent labeling on herbal products
can be a source of consumer frustration.
Certain information such as “the product has been manufactured according to
Pharmacopoeia standards,” listing of active ingredients and amounts, directions
such as serving quantity (dosage) and frequency of intake of the drug, must be in-
46 2 Quality Control, Screening, Toxicity, and Regulation of Herbal Drugs
cluded on the labels of all herbal products and packages. The label should also in-
dicate the method of extraction and relative amount of macerate and menstruum
used, and possible side effects. It should indicate that the product’s content has
been standardized to contain a particular amount of a specified biochemical con-
stituent. Standardization gives the buyers a measure of potency by which to judge
the quality of the product and to compare dosage with those indicated by clinical
trials. This will also ensure that the correct herb has been used. In addition to the
above information, the label should include the name and origin of the product, its
intended use, net quantity of contents, other ingredients such as herbs and amino
acids, and additives, for which no daily values have been established, storage con-
ditions, shelf life or expiry date, warnings, disclaimer, and name and address of
manufacturer, packer or distributor.
A herb categorized as a nutritional supplement cannot claim any health benefits
or “disease claims” on the label, leaving the consumer with little information [137].
Marketing plays a big role in the use of herbal products and the media help signif-
icantly to provide information about natural health products. One of the problems
with mass media “propaganda” is scientific inconsistency. Unless the packaging
contains a medical claim, herbal products are not reviewed by any government
agency. Food and drug administrations that regulate prescription drugs only re-
view a herbal product if the item is suspected of being harmful or if the label con-
tains medical claims. Scientists use several approaches to evaluate botanical die-
tary supplements for their potential health benefits and safety risks, including their
history of use and laboratory studies using cell or animal models. Studies involving
people can provide information that is relevant as to how botanical dietary supple-
ments are used.
The quality of consumer information about the product is as important as the fin-
ished herbal product. Warnings on the packet or label will help to reduce the risk
of inappropriate uses and adverse reactions [70]. The primary source of informa-
tion on herbal products is the product label. Currently, there is no organization or
government body that certifies an herb or a supplement as being labeled correctly.
It has been found that herbal remedy labels often cannot be trusted to reveal what
is in the container. Studies of herbal products have shown that consumers have
less than a 50% chance of actually getting what is listed on the label, and published
analyses of herbal supplements have found significant differences between what is
listed on the label and what is in the bottle. The word “standardized” on a product
label is no guarantee of higher product quality, since there is no legal definition of
the word “standardized.” Consumers are often left on their own to decide what is
safe and effective for them and the lack of consistent labeling on herbal products
can be a source of consumer frustration.
Certain information such as “the product has been manufactured according to
Pharmacopoeia standards,” listing of active ingredients and amounts, directions
such as serving quantity (dosage) and frequency of intake of the drug, must be in-
46 2 Quality Control, Screening, Toxicity, and Regulation of Herbal Drugs
cluded on the labels of all herbal products and packages. The label should also in-
dicate the method of extraction and relative amount of macerate and menstruum
used, and possible side effects. It should indicate that the product’s content has
been standardized to contain a particular amount of a specified biochemical con-
stituent. Standardization gives the buyers a measure of potency by which to judge
the quality of the product and to compare dosage with those indicated by clinical
trials. This will also ensure that the correct herb has been used. In addition to the
above information, the label should include the name and origin of the product, its
intended use, net quantity of contents, other ingredients such as herbs and amino
acids, and additives, for which no daily values have been established, storage con-
ditions, shelf life or expiry date, warnings, disclaimer, and name and address of
manufacturer, packer or distributor.
A herb categorized as a nutritional supplement cannot claim any health benefits
or “disease claims” on the label, leaving the consumer with little information [137].
Marketing plays a big role in the use of herbal products and the media help signif-
icantly to provide information about natural health products. One of the problems
with mass media “propaganda” is scientific inconsistency. Unless the packaging
contains a medical claim, herbal products are not reviewed by any government
agency. Food and drug administrations that regulate prescription drugs only re-
view a herbal product if the item is suspected of being harmful or if the label con-
tains medical claims. Scientists use several approaches to evaluate botanical die-
tary supplements for their potential health benefits and safety risks, including their
history of use and laboratory studies using cell or animal models. Studies involving
people can provide information that is relevant as to how botanical dietary supple-
ments are used.
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