Full Description
Americans seeking herbal medicines now face confusion and even danger. There is great potential for these medicines to improve the health of consumers--if current regulations can be revised!Herbal Medicine: Chaos in the Marketplace is a prize-winning critique of the regulation and business of herbal medicine in the United States. It is the first book that examines the big picture issues-it tells the story of how the present situation developed, looks at what it means for consumers, compares approaches taken in other industrialized countries, and recommends where we need to go from here. Convenient reference tables provide easy access to information.Concerns about herbal medicines are hitting the headlines regularly, yet no other book has examined the core issues in depth from a public health perspective. Herbal Medicine: Chaos in the Marketplace fills that gap. It is highly relevant today, and you'll find it will continue to be indispensable reading for years to come as the situation plays out.This balanced, unique, and insightful volume will add to your knowledge of herbal medicine regulation and its impact on consumer health by:
framing the limitations of the current situation with brief examples
reviewing the regulatory history of herbal medicines in the United States
placing the situation in an international context by also examining regulations in Canada, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom
illustrating the practical implications of U.S. regulations with six examples that demonstrate how herbal medicines could contribute more to consumer health--and the public health risks associated with the current regulatory situation
analyzing the public health issues related to safety, research, clinical practice, consumer interests, business, media, and federal government
offering key, high-impact recommendations for future policyConsumers, health care professionals, business people in the domestic and foreign herb industries, researchers, health plan executives, food and drug attorneys and policymakers, as well as educators and students, will all find this book essential to their understanding of the workings of the herbal medicine industry. Visit the author's website at http://www.herbalchaos.com
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: Introduction
Chapter 1. Overview
The Dilemma
Purpose of This Book
Part II. Review of Regulations
Chapter 2. United States
History of Regulation of Botanicals
Current Legal Classification of Botanicals
Current Regulation and Surveillance of Botanicals
Chapter 3. Canada
Legal Classification
Proof of Safety and Efficacy
Manufacturing Standards
Labeling, Advertising, Distribution, and Retail Sale
Postmarket Safety and Surveillance
Chapter 4. Germany
Legal Classification
Proof of Safety and Efficacy
Manufacturing Standards
Labeling, Advertising, Distribution, and Retail Sale
Postmarket Safety and Surveillance
Chapter 5. France
Legal Classification
Proof of Safety and Efficacy
Manufacturing Standards
Labeling, Advertising, Distribution, and Retail Sale
Postmarket Safety and Surveillance
Chapter 6. United Kingdom
Legal Classification
Proof of Safety and Efficacy
Manufacturing Standards
Labeling, Advertising, Distribution, and Retail Sale
Postmarket Safety and Surveillance
Chapter 7. Summary of International Regulatory Review
Part III. Illustrative Examples
Chapter 8. Examples with Potential Public Health Benefits
St. John's Wort and Moderate Depression
Ginkgo and Alzheimer's Disease
Echinacea and the Common Cold
Chapter 9. Examples That Present Public Health Risks
Ephedra
Adulteration Case Report
Comfrey
Part IV. Analysis of Current and Potential Impact on Public Health
Chapter 10. Safety
Absence of Premarket Approval
Postmarket Surveillance
Chapter 11. Research
Patent Protection
Product-Specific Research by Manufacturers
Government Research Funding
Epidemiological Research
Chapter 12. Clinical Practice, Managed Care, and Health Insurance
Education of Medical Professionals
Coordination of Treatment
Access to Botanical Treatment
Opportunities for Cost Savings
Chapter 13. Consumer Interests
Consumers As a Political Force
Sorting Through the Morass
Chapter 14. The Role of Business, Media, and the Government
The Role of Business and Marketing
The Role of Media
The Role of the Federal Government
Part V. Conclusion
Chapter 15. Summary and Recommendations
Summary of Findings
Recommendations
Appendix A. U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994
Appendix B. Recommendations of the Canadian Standing Committee on Health
Appendix C. Abbreviations and Acronyms
Notes
Index
