Susan A. Latta, Herbs: magic, medicine, or mystery?, Kansas State University, March 1999

Latta, Susan A.

K-State Research Exchange

Research and ExtensionKansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension ServiceHerbs: Magic, Medicine, or Mystery? The use of herbs for medicinal purposes isgrowing in popularity. Billions of dollars inherbal products are bought by individuals whouse them, rather than synthetic (manufactured)drugs, to prevent or treat medical conditions.Why do people use herbal productsrather than manufactured ones?There are four main reasons why peoplechoose herbal products:1) They erroneously believe herbal productsare superior to manufactured products.2) They believe herbal products are lessexpensive than synthetic drugs.3) They are not satisfied with the results theyget with manufactured drugs.4) They do not feel their physicians haveidentified the problem, so they turn to herbalremedies as another option.What are herbs?An herb might be considered a diluted drug.To achieve the desired benefit, an individualmust take an adequate amount over a certainlength of time.Each herb is different. While some are safeand effective for specific uses, others are not.Herbs can produce undesirable side effects, justlike other drugs. People often assume thatbecause herbs are from natural plants, they aresafe. But herbal products can be as toxic asmanufactured ones. However, it may take moreto cause toxicity, because herbs usually are notas potent as manufactured drugs.How are herbal products regulated?Herbal products, categorized as nutritionalsupplements, are not regulated. Unless thepackaging contains a medical claim, herbalproducts are not reviewed by any governmentalagency. The Food and Drug Administration,which regulates prescription drugs, only re-views an herbal product if the item is suspectedof being harmful or if the label contains amedical claim.Consumers can buy herbal products withouta prescription and may not recognize thepotential hazards. For example, an herb may beincluded on the Generally Recognized As Safe(GRAS) list, but that does not mean it has beenapproved for therapeutic uses.Potency and quality of an individual herbalproduct can be unclear because of this lack ofregulation. Studies of herbal products haveshown that consumers have less than a 50percent chance of actually getting what is listedon the label. Look for herbal products withlabels showing they are manufactured accord-ing to United States Pharmacopeia standards.The lack of consistent labeling on herbalproducts can be a source of consumer frustra-tion. An herb is categorized as a nutritionalsupplement, so its possible health benefitscannot be stated on the label, leaving theconsumer with little information. The label maynot list why the product should be taken, howmuch to take, how often, the active ingredients,how much of the active ingredients are in thesupplement, or the side effects. Some herbalOutdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.products include medical claims on their labelsalong with an asterisk, which means the claimhas not been approved by the FDA. The labelmust say that the product is not intended todiagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Under current law, drug companies do notusually find it cost-effective to research thesafety and effectiveness of even the mostpromising herbal products. Getting an herbalproduct approved as a new drug is time-consuming and costly. Since natural productscannot be patented, it is not profitable for mostcompanies to go through the approval process.How do people learn about the usesof herbs?Consumers learn about herbs from advertise-ments, articles in the popular media and infor-mation provided by health food stores. It isoften difficult to decide if the information isbased on good research, or is just opinion, withno valid and reliable scientific evidence tosupport it. The processor can make outrageousadvertising claims as long as the claims are notmade on the product’s packaging or label. Lookfor information written by experts in the area ofmedicine or pharmacognosy, the science ofdiscovering medicinal products in nature.Be wary of authors in the popular media whotake a sentence or paragraph out of a researchreport and make it fit their purpose. Such usagetakes the information out of context and canbe misleading.Cautions regarding herbal productsPlacebo effectClaims that certain herbs provide benefitsone might not find in any peer-reviewed re-search journal involve the placebo effect. Thesubstance provides relief simply because theconsumer believes it is effective, rather thanthere being any physiological change. A pla-cebo does for you what you think it will do.Placebos “work” about one-third of the time.Self-medicationMost herbal treatments in the United Statesare self-selected. Self-medication is not recom-mended: Knowing which conditions to self-treat and which deserve professional attentionis difficult. For example, depression can maskother medical conditions, such as an unbal-anced thyroid. Treating the symptom ratherthan the underlying illness can cause long-termhealth problems.How do you know if you are getting theproduct shown on the label?It is the consumer’s responsibility to investi-gate the quality of the nutritional supplement.Since herbs are not strictly regulated, it isimportant to buy them from a reputable supplierwho uses good manufacturing practices. Wherethe herbs are grown, soil fertility, length of thegrowing season, temperature, amount of mois-ture, time harvested, and how the herbs areprocessed are significant factors in detectingtheir quality and potency.When considering quality herbal products,look for the words “standardized” or “guaran-teed potency.” “Standardized” means that theherbal product has been processed a bit toguarantee a known minimum level of one ormore of the major active compounds. This maybe an indicator that the herb contains the activeingredient, but there is no real guarantee. To becertain, call the company, and ask for an assayof the particular lot of the herb that you arebuying. The company will send you a report ofthe chemical breakdown, which can be com-pared with the label.Price does not always indicate quality.Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.Questions to ask before taking anherbal product for medicinal useWhy am I taking this herb?There should be a reason you are taking anherbal product. You should not just take an herbwithout a specific reason.Does research-based informationconfirm this herb to be beneficialfor the intended use?Question statements regarding an herb’susefulness in preventing or treating ailments. Isthe statment based on research or opinion?Are there side effects or safety concerns?All drugs have side effects. Talk to yourdoctor, pharmacist, or other reliable source ofinformation. While an herb is considered adiluted drug, and therefore side effects may beless severe, be cautious. If an herb disagreeswith you, or if you develop any symptoms aftertaking it, discontinue its use. Allergies or otherside effects are possible.Avoid herbal remedies if you are pregnant ornursing. Herbal remedies should not be com-bined with prescription or other over-the-counter drugs. For example, if an individualtakes garlic along with some type of blood-thinning medication, and then requires emer-gency surgery, the blood may not clot as itshould, causing complications.What are the recommended forms anddosages of the herb?Herbs are available as capsules, tablets,powder, liquid, fresh, tea, or candy. Do not takemore than the amount recommended on thepackaging or by your doctor. Unless the herb’slong-term effects have been well studied, do notconsume high doses for months or years. Formany herbs, the active compounds and long-term effects are not well known.Have you talked to your physician aboutthe herbs you are taking?It is the consumer’s responsibility to talkwith the physician to identify the root of thehealth problem and how best to treat it. If youare planning to take herbal products, or arealready taking them, consult your physician.The physician should know what herbs youtake to make sure they do not have a negativereaction with other medications. If asked to listmedications, include herbal products as well.Conclusion:Learn about herbal products before takingthem for medicinal purposes. Be skeptical:Misinformation is abundant. Look for signs thatthe information is credible. Consider the authoror the person or organization supporting theinformation. Because of regulations, herbs arecategorized as nutritional supplements, butshould be considered diluted drugs. Keep theprevious five questions in mind beforepurchasing herbal products, and make sureyour physician is aware that you are using them,especially if you are taking other medications.Sources:Tyler, V. (1993). The Honest Herbal. TheHaworth Press. Binghamton, N.Y. 3rd edition.Tyler, V. (1994). Herbs of Choice. TheHaworth Press. Binghamton N.Y.Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements, MayoClinic Newsletter. June 1997. pp. 1-7.Respect Grows for Botanicals, But Can YouTrust the Herbs You Buy? EnvironmentalNutrition. May 1995.From Vitamin A to Zinc, Here’s EN’s 1996Nutrition Guide. Environmental Nutrition.January 1996.Outdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.Prepared by Susan A. LattaMarshall County Extension AgentReviewed by Mary P. ClarkeExtension Specialist, Nutrition EducationKansas State UniversityAuthor’s Disclaimer:The information in this fact sheet is for educational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for advicefrom your health care physician.Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended,nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.Publications from Kansas State University are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.oznet.ksu.eduContents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case,credit Susan A. Latta, “Herbs: Magic, Medicine or Mystery?” Kansas State University, March 1999.Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension ServiceMF-2378 MARCH 1999It is the policy of Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service that all persons shall have equalopportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and materials without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ageor disability. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity organization. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 andJune 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of AgricultureCooperating, Marc A. Johnson, Director.File code: Foods & Nutrition 2-2 NPOutdated Publication, for historical use. CAUTION: Recommendations in this publication may be obsolete.

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