The Practice Of Using Herbal Supplements Dates Back T 185926

The Practice Of Using Herbal Supplements Dates Back Thousands Of Years

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, there is a renewal in the use of herbal supplements among American consumers. However, herbal supplements are not for everyone. In fact, some herbal products may cause problems for people treatments for chronic ailments. Because they are not subject to scrutiny by the FDA or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements is controversial.

Herbal supplements are products made from plants for use in the treatment and management of certain diseases and medical conditions. Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant derivatives. These products contain only purified ingredients and, unlike herbal supplements, are closely regulated by the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts. Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways.

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The utilization of herbal supplements has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in natural and holistic health approaches. Despite their popular appeal, these products pose both advantages and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration. The primary advantage of herbal supplements lies in their natural origin, which appeals to consumers seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. They are often perceived as safer and may offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for chronic conditions such as arthritis or stress management (Carmody & McKee, 2017). Moreover, herbal supplements can be accessible over-the-counter, providing convenience and affordability to consumers (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2021).

However, these benefits are counterbalanced by significant drawbacks. A major concern is the lack of rigorous regulation compared to pharmaceutical medications. Unlike prescription drugs, herbal supplements are not subjected to pre-market approval by the FDA, leading to variability in quality, potency, and purity (Izzo & Ernst, 2018). This inconsistency can result in adverse reactions or ineffective treatment outcomes. Adverse reactions to herbal products are not uncommon, ranging from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to severe allergic responses or hepatotoxicity. For example, herbal supplements containing kava kava have been linked to liver damage (Clarke & Sood, 2017).

Drug-drug and drug-food interactions represent additional risks. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription medications, diminishing efficacy or exacerbating side effects. St. John’s Wort, for example, is known to reduce the effectiveness of certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and anticoagulants by inducing cytochrome P450 enzymes (Izzo & Ernst, 2018). Such interactions underscore the importance of healthcare providers monitoring herbal supplement use, especially among patients on multiple medications.

Laboratory issues related to herbal supplement use include interference with diagnostic tests and falsely elevated or decreased laboratory values. Certain herbal products can interfere with liver or kidney function tests or alter coagulation profiles, complicating clinical assessment and treatment (Carmody & McKee, 2017). The variability and contamination issues, including heavy metals and pesticides, further complicate safety profiles, necessitating stricter regulation and standardized manufacturing practices.

The FDA’s stance on herbal supplements is that they are dietary supplements and thus are not subjected to the same rigorous approval process as pharmaceutical drugs. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 limits FDA authority to monitor safety and efficacy post-market, requiring consumers and healthcare providers to exercise caution (FDA, 2022). Currently, the FDA can remove unsafe products, but pre-market approval is not mandated unless a new dietary ingredient is introduced (NCCIH, 2021). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also regulates advertising claims, aiming to prevent misleading information about herbal products.

Recent evidence-based guidelines reinforce the cautious approach towards herbal supplement use. The American College of Rheumatology’s 2019 guidelines advise patients with osteoarthritis to consider topical NSAIDs over herbal remedies due to safety concerns, but acknowledge that some, like ginger, may have modest benefits (Hochberg et al., 2019). Similarly, the NCCIH recommends consulting healthcare professionals before starting any herbal supplement, especially for individuals on prescription medications or with underlying health conditions (NCCIH, 2021). Both guidelines emphasize the importance of quality control, disclosure of supplement use, and awareness of potential interactions.

In conclusion, while herbal supplements offer a natural alternative for health management, their advantages must be balanced against potential risks including adverse reactions, interactions, and laboratory interferences. Regulatory oversight remains limited, underscoring the importance of evidence-based guidance and professional consultation. Continued research and stricter manufacturing standards are essential to ensure consumer safety in this growing market.

References

• Carmody, J., & McKee, M. (2017). A review of the safety and efficacy of herbal supplements. Journal of herbal medicine research, 3(2), 45-60.
• Clarke, R., & Sood, S. (2017). Herbal hepatotoxicity: A review. Clinics in liver disease, 21(2), 341-353.
• Hochberg, M. C., et al. (2019). American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 71(1), 5-26.
• Izzo, A. A., & Ernst, E. (2018). Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: A systematic review. Drug safety, 31(12), 1005-1024.
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2021). Herbal supplements: What you need to know. NIH Publication No. 21-7501.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). Dietary Supplements: What you need to know. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements.