USA - Regulation of Herbal Supplements

[nick760]

SWIM uses/is interested in supplements such as Valerian Root, Melatonin, Kava, St. John's Wort, etc. SWIM uses melatonin, for example, on a nearly daily basis as a sleep aid. SWIM was having a discussion with SWIM's father about the use of such supplements; SWIM's father said that the US government will sooon be regulating these supplements, and that SWIM will have to obtain them over the counter. SWIM said that this was ridiculous, and SWIM's father responded saying that "a law has already been passed."

Does SWIY have any knowledge that this is indeed false?

[fiveleggedrat]

Nonsense, although Swim can see the day every single drug will be impossible and illegal to get except for nutmeg, just as a cruel joke

[Paracelsus]

This may be a very good thing. Pharmaceutical products have to undergo lots of testing before hitting the market, and even this system fails quite often (which from time to time results in multi-million dollar lawsuits). Herbal supplements are not regulated at all. Which means that somebody can mix up a herbal cocktail and claim anything, as long as the little disclaimer is on there ("these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, ..."). Regulation will increase the "selection pressure" for supplements, ridding the market of ineffective or particularly dangerous products.

[Powder_Reality]

Not sure about the United States, but Canada's Conservative government is in the process of trying to pass a bill that would be similar to this. It's called Bill C-51.

There's a thread about it here -----> http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/sho...688#post424688

Although it may appear to be a good thing on the surface, Bill C-51 is one step forward and two steps waaaay back. The bill would make upwards of 70% of Canada's natural health products illegal, and would allow unwarranted search and seizures. Ridiculously high fines could be laid on people if they are caught growing unregistered herbal supplements (up to $5,000,000.000 ).

I believe people have the right to purchase any natural health product they want, and the government is not responsible for babysitting us in this aspect of life. It's unfortunate that the natural health industry tries to sell their (sometimes dangerous) herbal products as miracle cures, and there should probably be better and more strict guidelines regarding this, but that doesn't mean that we have to outlaw upwards of 70% of the industry.

The only thing this law is going to do is make more money for pharmaceutical companies, because Canadian citizens will have to start turning to (usually more dangerous) prescription alternatives for their herbal supplements. And I must once again point out that Tony Clement (Canada's health minister, and the brains behind this bill) owns 25% of a Toronto-based pharmaceutical company, which means this bill is going to line his wallet nicely. Can you say, "ulterior motive"?

[Alfa]

This looks very much like a global effort of the pharmaceutical industry to get hold of exclusive rights to herbal products. In Europe this is already quite far on its way. Many herbs and herbal products which rival pharmaceuticals have already been classed as prescription only medicines. All herbs and herbal products need to be proved safe in a way that goes way beyond what is required for food. Very few companies outside of the pharmaceutical industry can afford this procedure. The EU works with a white list. Anything that is not on it, will soon be illegal. St. Johnswort which has been proven to be a good antidepressant is already restricted in many countries. Meanwhile pharmaceutical companies have produced and registered products based upon the herbs actives.