The Truth about Herbal

Supplements La Tisha San Pedro-Lintag

Kaplan University

HW499

Background on Herbal Supplements

Subset of botanicals Must improve or maintain the quality of health to be

considered a Herb Dietary Supplement is the following:

Intended to supplement the diet Contains one or more of dietary supplements; herbs,

amino acids, or other botanicals Intended to be taken by mouth in the form of a pill,

capsule, liquid, or tablet Labeled on the front panel as a dietary supplement

What You Need to Know Are regulated by FDA but not like food & prescription drugs FDA approval is not required before the product is marketed Manufactures can claim the product addresses certain needs

so long as they have supporting research and included a disclaimer that their claim has not been FDA approved

Manufactures must adhere to certain manufacturing processes to ensure quality standards are being met

Once a product is on the market the FDA is responsible in monitoring safety

What You Need to Know Rules do not guarantee herbal supplements are

safe for everyone Often contain active ingredients that can pose

unexpected risks Taking a combination of herbal supplements and

prescribed medication can have life threatening results

Advise your medical team of any herbal supplements you may be taking

What You Need to Know Be a smart consumer Do your research – scientific research findings Consult your doctor Speak to your pharmacists Research the manufacturer

Who Shouldn’t take Herbal Supplements

Serious side effects with OTC medication and prescribed medication Aspirin Blood thinners Blood pressure medication

Pregnant or breast-feeding Having surgery Children and the Elderly

Safety Tips Follow manufacturers instructions Monitor intake – take 1 supplement at time to

monitor your body’s reaction Be cautious of herbal supplements manufactured

outside of the United States Check advisories periodically – FDA & NCCAM

Risky Herbs St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) –ease

depression Kava (Piper methysticum) – ease anxiety Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – heal injured

tissues Chaparral (Larrea divaricata, Larrea tridentata) -

reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) - has not been

proven to have any effective uses

Resources For periodic reviews -

FDA - http://www.fda.gov/default.htm NCCAM - http://nccam.nih.gov/

Complete list of Herbs (A-Z) http://nccam.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm?nav

=gsa

References National Institute of Health –

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html WebMD –

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/features/risky-herbal-supplements

Mayo Clinic – http

://www.mayoclinic.org/herbal-supplements/art-20046714?pg=1 Office of Dietary Supplements –

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-HealthProfessional/