Safety info still missing from herbal medicines

Some herbal remedies lack clear safety information on possible side effects, researchers say.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Aug 2011, 15:41 BST
Updated 8th Aug 2011, 23:32 BST

Earlier this year, new EU rules said many herbal products should carry warnings on side effects and interactions with prescription medicines.

But new research has shown that products that come under these new rules are available online and in shops without safety information.

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Experts are now warning people to look out for a "THR" logo on products, showing they have traditional herbal registration.

The study looked for information on precautions, such as Asian ginseng not being suitable for people with diabetes, interactions with conventional medicines, such as St John's Wort, which should not to be used with the contraceptive pill and warfarin, and any side effects, such as ginkgo leading to possible allergic reactions.

75 per cent of 68 products examined contained none of the key safety messages. Many products were unlicensed, meaning they fell outside of rules saying they should carry warnings.

Professor of pharmacy Theo Raynor, who led the study published in the journal BMC Medicine, said: "The best advice to consumers is buyer beware."

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