The Truth About Herbal Supplements

The Truth About Herbal Supplements

by Lisa Hummel

Despite an official stamp of approval, Americans are expected to spend some $4.3 million on herbs this year, taking it upon themselves to look for an alternative in an attempt to heal what ails them. But even numbers of people and millions of dollars cannot ensure the safety of a product or guarantee its effectiveness — only time, research, and, ultimately, the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can do that.

So, where does that leave the consumer? Are herbal supplements a bad thing? What is the public to make of the often-contradicting findings that now exist on the most popular herbal products?

Much of the speculation that surrounds herbal remedies is the very fact that they are not regulated in the same ways that prescription medicines are regulated. Long classified as a dietary supplement of sorts, herbal remedies are not viewed by the FDA as a drug and are therefore not treated with the same restrictions and regulations that would ordinarily ensure the products’ safety and effectiveness. And while the absence of FDA approval does not necessarily indicate a poor product, it is that existence of the unknown that is enough to make proponents of traditional medicine wary of the new trend in healing.

What the lack of FDA approval does indicate, more than a bad product, is the very fact that the unknown exists. Without FDA studies, consumers can not be sure of what they are buying — the exact ingredients, many of which are not listed on the product’s label; the varying strength of the product; the side effects that may occur when used in combination with other drugs, prescription and herbal products alike. In addition, very few clinical studies have been conducted in the United States at all until recent years, leaving medical practitioners to look to European studies — such as the German Federal Commission E, Europe’s principal source of information on herbal medications — for findings, many of which fall below the levels of standards common to American medical practices. Add that to the fact that those few clinical studies that have been done have often arrived at conflicting results … and the debate begins.

While it may be years before the FDA gives its endorsement of herbal products, the fact remains that consumer after consumer continues to line up at the checkout line in an effort to end suffering — from asthma to Alzheimer’s — or prevent the onslaught of the common cold. Just as the debate of the safety and effectiveness of the product is sure to rage on, so will the ringing of the registers and the smiles on the faces of those who believe in the healing power of the plants.

Although there are some 200-plus recognized herbal products available, the following herbs are some of the most popular in use today:

Echinacea

Very little research has been conducted in the United States. Has been studied for its effectiveness on the frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections. One of the most commonly used and top-selling medicinal herbs in this country. Appears to stimulate the immune system, thereby fighting off infections. Originally used centuries ago by Native Americans. Supposedly works best when taken at the first hint of a cold in the hopes of escaping illness or making the symptoms disappear sooner. Has received conflicting findings in clinical studies.

St. John’s Wort

Named for St. John the Baptist — because the plant’s blood-red flowers are said to bloom on the anniversary of his execution. Contains the substance hypericin that has germicidal, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. Used both internally and externally, for aid with both wounds and depression. Billed by the New York Times as “A Rival to Prozac” it is licensed to treat depression in Germany. One of the most often studied herbal medicines, it is thought to have some effectiveness — in a review of studies that was published in a 1999 issue of the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics it was concluded that the herb helps depression in patients as well as standard antidepressants — although these findings are not to the complete satisfaction of the some U.S. physicians and regulatory systems like the FDA. Clinical studies have found some concerns with dosage amounts, the length of duration one should take the product, and the possibly dangerous repercussions of individuals self-diagnosing themselves and not seeking professional help. It could also be dangerous if St. John’s Wort is used in combination with other antidepressants without the approval of a physician.

Gingko Biloba

Studies have shown that the herb has exhibited positive — small, but significant — results in treating Alzheimer’s disease. It appears to improve blood flow to the brain, thereby keeping the brain ‘sharper’. Is believed to expand blood vessels and combat the constricting of bronchial tubes during an asthma attack. Could also be used for ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and headaches among other things. Is an anticoagulant, a blood thinner, which may cause problems for those with clotting disorders or in surgical situations. A clinical study of the herb was recently done at the New York Institute for Medical Research in Tarrytown, NY.

Kava Kava

Frequently prescribed as an antidepressant, for anxiety and tension. Long used in the South Pacific region, $100 million of the herb was exported from Fiji in 1996. In addition to its sedative qualities, kava kava can also be used to treat urinary disorders, gout, rheumatism, and insomnia. While not much clinical research has been done on the herb, some findings have determined that consistent long-term of large quantities has been associated with liver, skin, and eye damage. Usage of kava kava should not be combined with other prescribed or herbal antidepressants.

Garlic

Long recognized for its medicinal quality in Chinese and Western cultures, the herb has made an impact on the American culture for its believed affect on the human cholesterol and blood pressure. Various studies have been done to determine the ability of the herb to reduce cholesterol, although the research has arrived in conflicting results. A natural antibiotic, garlic can also be used to aid colds and coughs and some digestive disorders and bladder infections. External use of garlic has been used to aid ringworm and athlete’s foot. As with gingko biloba, garlic may inhibit blood clots from forming, a factor that may cause excessive bleeding under specific circumstances.

Valerian

Billed by some as “nature’s own Valium” Valerian has been lauded as a mild hypnotic, acting as a sedative and sleep aid. In use for more than 1000 years, the herb and its calming characteristics have been of great help for insomniacs, inducing sleep, improving sleep quality, and reducing nighttime awakenings. In addition to sleep effects, Valerian can also be used to aid headaches, menstrual cramps, and restlessness and irritability.

Like most herbal medicines, study findings have yet to exclusively determine the quality and effectiveness of the herb. Valerian should not be taken without the approval of one’s physician, as interaction with other sedatives could be harmful. As a sedative, Valerian should also be taken with caution when operating machines or an automobile. Conversely, some findings have determined that the use of Valerian can cause excitability in some users.