By providing clinical documentation of its efficacy as a migraine prophylaxis, McNeil gained the right to market Tanacet. But while there is little dispute over HPB's responsibility to ensure product quality, some feel that extreme conservatism regarding product packaging amounts to a dangerous suppression of information. Even claims for vitamins, which have DIN numbers, are limited to a few vague statements, according to Brown. Both she and LaValley see a need to provide consumers with more information as well as appropriate disclaimers. Many retailers have racks of pamphlets detailing the uses of botanical products, typically with little or no supporting evidence.
Illegal products are available too.
Pharmacists and physicians share concerns about people who self-medicate with herbs because of the small amount of accurate information that's readily available to the average consumer. The outcome you achieve depends on how closely you identify your problem and consider your medical history. In recent years, the CPhA has been educating pharmacists about herbal products through a regular series in the Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal . The growing popularity of herbal medications appears to have taken the HPB, physicians, pharmacists and even drug companies by surprise. LaValley, who says explosive growth in the herbal-drug market is imminent, says large pharmaceutical companies are currently buying companies that produce herbal products.