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NISCAIR ONLINE PERIODICALS REPOSITORY (NOPR) >
NISCAIR PUBLICATIONS >
Research Journals >
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR)
[Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)] >
NPR Vol.5 [2006] >
NPR Vol.5(1) [January-February 2006] >
| Title: | Herbal Medicines : Are they safe? |
| Authors: | Parle, Milind
Bansal, Nitin |
| Keywords: | Herbs
Cardiotoxic
Contaminants
Hepatotoxic |
| Issue Date: | Feb-2006 |
| Publisher: | CSIR |
| IPC Code: | Int. cl.7— A61K 35/78 |
| Abstract: | The herbal drug industry is growing at an astounding rate all over the world.
Herbal remedies are now available not only in drug stores, but also, in food
stores and supermarkets. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of herbal drugs is
very crucial. One of the most serious hazards associated with herbal medicines
is that consumers mistakenly assume that since herbs are obtained from nature,
they must be safe. However, herbal medicines need to be used with utmost
caution. Strychnine, curare and morphine are a few examples of poisonous
alkaloids obtained from plant source. Ginkgo biloba Linn. has been
shown to be beneficial in managing Alzheimer’s disease, but is recently reported
to precipitate epileptic seizures. No doubt, many herbs are found to be
miraculous cures for several diseases such as vincristine for cancer treatment
and codeine as an anti-tussive agent. The authors are of the view that before
marketing, herbal remedies must undergo animal studies and clinical trials so as
to establish their therapeutic value. This has become important, since Dietary
Supplement Health and Education Act 1994 have included herbs along with
vitamins, as food supplements. Thus, FDA has almost lost its control over herbal
drugs. There is a need to ponder over some basic issues such as uniform
nomenclature, authentication and standardization of plants and plant parts,
acceptable impurities, contaminants, pharmacokinetic profile and shelf life
before advocating herbal remedies. |
| Page(s): | 6-14 |
| ISSN: | 0975-1092 (Online); 0972-592X (Print) |
| Source: | NPR Vol.5(1) [January-February 2006]
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