Herbal Supplement Information

Herbal supplements are a kind of dietary supplement. In the United States, these are regulated by the FDA. They must contain certain information on their labels, and are expected to meet certain good manufacturing practices ensuring their quality and consistency. Safety and effectiveness of an herbal supplement depends on the herb used, its preparation and its dose.

What is an Herbal Supplement?

• According to the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), an herbal supplement is a kind of botanical supplement. These products are made from plants and are taken to "maintain or improve health." They can be found in fresh and dried forms, or as extracts, tablets, capsules, powders or tea bags.

Regulation in the United States

• Since 1994, herbal supplements--and other dietary supplements, like vitamins--have been regulated by the FDA. According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), a dietary supplement is any non-tobacco product that contains one or more dietary ingredients that is meant to supplement the diet, is taken by mouth as a pill or liquid, and is labeled on the front panel as a dietary supplement.

How to Read an Herbal Supplement Label

• By law, all dietary supplements (including herbal supplements) are required to contain certain information on their labels. According to the ODS, all supplements should include:

  Name of supplement
  Total quantity of contents
  Name and location of manufacturer
  Directions for use

  In addition to this information, all supplements should include a box on the label entitled "Supplement Facts." This looks similar to the Nutrition Facts label on food items, or the Drug Facts label on pharmaceuticals. The ODS states that this information should be inside the box:

  Serving size
  Ingredients
  Amount per serving
  The scientific name of the plant
  The part of the plant used
  Percent of Daily Value of each ingredient (if established)
  If the product contains a proprietary blend, it should contain the total weight of the blend and the list of the blend's ingredients (from greatest amount to least)

Standardization

• According to the ODS, "standardization" can be a misleading term. It frequently refers to a manufacturer's practice of identifying certain chemical compounds in herbal products and manufacturing its products to contain a standard amount of this chemical. Often, this chemical "marker" is the compound that scientists believe is the active therapeutic component of the herb. Since the compounds in an herb can vary for many natural reasons (for instance, differences in soil), this would--ideally--be a way to ensure a consistent, high-quality product. However, there are a couple of problems with this. One, herbs are complex, and there are probably more than one or two active medicinal compounds in any one herb. Two, standardization has no legal or regulatory definition. This means that "standardization" can mean something totally different depending on the manufacturer. It could just mean that a manufacturer uses a uniform recipe for its products.

Safety

• Just because herbal supplements are "natural" does not mean they are necessarily safe. Herbal supplements can have very real effects--including side effects. According to the ODS, the strength of a supplement often depends on its preparation and dose. A teaspoon of tincture might equal an entire cup of tea. When using a supplement, always follow the manufacturer's directions or the advice of your health care provider.

  Herbal supplements may trigger an allergic reaction. Take care when trying a new supplement for the first time.

Choosing Herbal Supplements

• When choosing an herbal supplement, note that manufacturers are not allowed to claim that a supplement cures, treats or prevents a disease. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a manufacturer may only make a claim that the product supports health, addresses a nutrient deficiency or effects a particular body function (but only if research supports such a claim). When choosing which herb to use, consult a trained professional.

  There are a wide variety of herbal preparations available, including capsules, teas and tinctures. Each has a different strength and shelf life. If one preparation of an herb does not work for you, try another.

Warning

• According to NCCAM, as of 2008, all large manufacturers of herbs are required to follow "good manufacturing practices," which ensure that products are consistent and of good quality. However, small manufacturers are not required to abide by these practices until 2010. Until then, according to the ODS, there is a possibility of wrong labeling and packaging, contaminants, wrong ingredients and wrong ingredient quantities being included in a product.