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The terms "herbal", "natural" don't guarantee a remedy is safe

02/2/2012

The UK's MHRA has released a press release which, in my opinion, clearly demonstrates why there was a need to regulate the herbal industry in Europe. 

 

The product under scrutiny is Butterbur which contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).  Studies have shown that it can cause serious liver damage and organ failure.  Whether or not the current regulation (which came into full force at the end of April 2011) is suitable is still being debated. 

 

The general consensus, however, is that some form of regulation was needed.  Interestingly a MORI poll carried out by the UK Government prior to the new regulation coming into force highlighted the fact that the public thought herbal remedies were already regulated.  Imagine their surprise to learn otherwise!

 

Author: Greer Deal, Director of Global Regulatory Services (GRS)

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