A European crackdown on herbal treatments may be widely circumvented – denying users critical information on side-effects, British researchers say today.
A registration system for herbal therapies came into force in April throughout the European Union.
It requires herbal medicines to be marked with a "THR" logo and to include a wide range of information.
But a study conducted by Leeds University found that few sellers were making preparations for registration.
Instead, the researchers claim, manufacturers are getting round the restrictions by selling herbs for other purposes, such as food supplements.
The researchers bought 68 substances before April from major pharmacies and health food stores and found that 93 per cent were not registered and did not contain information about side-effects.
The substances were all combinations of St John’s wort, echinacea, ginseng, garlic and ginkgo.
About half were marketed as food supplements.
Leeds Professor of Pharmacy Theo Raynor says some popular remedies such as ginseng and ginkgo – which are used in herbal teas – are not covered.
He said: "The best advice to consumers is buyer beware, as it always has been. Many people believe herbal medicines are somehow different to other medicines because they are natural.
"However, any substance that affects the body – no matter where it came from – has the potential to do harm if it is not taken correctly.”
He added: "I would advise anyone buying a herbal medicine to check that the box or packaging contains the THR logo, which shows that the information it comes with has been approved.
"Herbal medicines should, ideally, be purchased where trained staff are available, so that consumers can have any questions answered. This information should be available from pharmacists. People should also always tell their doctor about herbal medicines they are taking, so they receive the best possible care."
Buyer beware? Does the information provided with herbal products available over the counter enable safe use? David K Raynor, Rebecca Dickinson, Peter Knapp, Andrew F Long and Donald Nicolson. BMC Medicine August 9 2011
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