Modern-day regulatory systems governing conditions for how health products enter national markets constitute a barrier of access for traditional herbal medicines on an international level. Regulatory intentions are focused on ensuring that consumers are being provided with safe, efficacious and high-quality products that, however, collaterally limit opportunities for traditional herbal medicinal products, especially those that do not already have a long-standing tradition of use established in the respective national marketplaces. This case study investigates and compares how a Southern African herbal medicine with great potential as an anxiolytic and mild antidepressant - Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe recent publication of a World Scientists' Warning to Humanity highlighted the fact that climate change, absent strenuous mitigation or adaptation efforts, will have profound negative effects for humanity and other species, affecting numerous aspects of life. In this paper, we call attention to one of these aspects, the effects of climate change on medicinal plants. These plants provide many benefits for human health, particularly in communities where Western medicine is unavailable.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Pharmacol Ther
September 2018
Several Cinnamomum species' barks are generally labeled as cinnamon, although only Cinnamomum verum carries the common name of true cinnamon. Cassia, a common name for a related species, is rarely used on labels; instead, various cassia types may also be labeled "cinnamon." Confusion of true cinnamon and cassia spices in foods generally does not present a risk to health, except possibly at the highest intake levels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAstragalus mongholicus Bunge (Fabaceae) is an important plant source of the herbal drug known as Radix Astragali, which is used worldwide as a medicinal ingredient and a component of food supplement. Russian Federation, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China are the main natural distribution areas of A. mongholicus in the world.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPanax quinquefolius (PQ) is one of the best-selling natural health products due to its proposed beneficial anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-stress, anti-fatigue, and anxiolytic effects. In recent years, the quality of PQ has received considerable attention. Sensitive and accurate methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical constituents are necessary for the comprehensive quality control to ensure the safety and efficacy of PQ.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The southern U.S. region has among the highest incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
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