How does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate herbal products?
Despite what many consumers believe, herbal products are not approved by the FDA. Most herbs have not been tested by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. However, the FDA does test some products and will issue warnings about harmful side effects to consumers. MedWatch, the FDA’s medical products reporting program, tracks reports of serious adverse events of products. MedWatch can be contacted at 888-723-3366 (web address: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch). You can also call the FDA consumer hotline at 888-Info-FDA (888-463-6332). Past reports Here are three examples of reports of harmful products. Information on specific herbs can also be found in the resources listed below. Chomper Chomper is an herbal laxative and “cleansing agent” distributed by the company Arise & Shine. Laboratory tests of CHOMPER revealed that it contains digitalis-like cardiac glycosides. These substances stimulate the heart and can cause an abnormal heart rhythm and cardiac arrest. Plantain Plantain is an ingredien
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