Herbal products information sources

In 2006, a survey in Italy revealed that herbal products were taken in combination with drugs by nearly 45% of the population. The information provided was derived from a multitude of sources that described interactions in the form of case reports, animal studies and, rarely, human volunteer studies. 

Although there is limited information regarding the therapeutic efficacy and standards for herbals some resources do exist. The most widely recognized source is the German E Commission E monographs, which contain information on more than 300 herbal products. Other well referenced resources include the American Herbal Pharmacopeia, the British Herbal Pharmacopeia (BHP), the British Herbal Compendium, the European Scientific Cooperative for Phytomedicines (ESCOP), the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The medical use of botanicals in their natural and unprocessed form undoubtedly began when the first intelligent animals noticed that certain food plants altered particular body functions. Much information exists about the historical use and effectiveness of botanical products. Unfortunately, the quality of this information is extremely variable. One of the most complete compendiums of clinical recommendations regarding the use of botanicals is the Report of the German Commission E (a committee that sets standards for herbal medications in that country Blumenthal, 2000). Interest in the endocrine effects and possible nutritional benefits of certain purified chemicals such as dehydroepiandrosterone. melatonin, high-dose vitamins, and minerals has led to a parallel development of consumer demand for such substances. These substances, together with the botanicals, constitute a substantial source of profits for those who exploit the concept of "alternative medicine."... 

In 2009, in the UK, drugs are increasingly available over the counter and on-line without prescription. Furthermore, there is widespread use of numerous herbal medicines from relatively under-regulated suppliers and the constituents of such products are often not known, This clinical reality of the widespread use of potent medicines - be they allopathic or traditional - showed us the need for a practical hands-on guide that aims to be a compact, succinct and accessible source of information for practitioners, prescribers and the public about adverse drug interactions,... 

The aim of this book is to present, in both comprehensive and summative formats, objective information on herbal supplements from the most reliable sources, with an emphasis on information not readily available elsewhere (i.e., detailed descriptions of case reports of adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, interactions, etc.). It is not designed to be a prescribes handbook the intended audience is both forensic and health care professionals, particularly researchers and clinicians interested in more detailed or context-oriented clinical information than is available in most herbal or natural product references. 

---