Herbal product safety standards must be enforced
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, today commended the actions of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in recalling a product contaminated with the herb, aristolochia.
Dr Phelps said the importer had cooperated with the TGA in recalling the herbal product - Longdan Qiegan Wan - a product claimed to 'assist in the maintenance of wellbeing' - by placing a recall advertisement in today's press.
"There is clear evidence that links aristolochic acids to kidney failure and urinary tract cancer,' Dr Phelps said.
"The AMA supports an evidence-based approach to evaluating complementary medicines such as herbal products.
"In this case, the evidence indicates that products with aristolochia contamination are seriously harmful to health.
"The TGA recall is proof that all raw imported herbs must be required to meet quality and safety standards.
"More resources are needed to ensure imported raw herbs are safe.
"This incident also suggests that any person recommending herbal treatments should be aware of the potential contamination and how to recognise possible adverse effects," Dr Phelps said.
Dr Phelps said it was important, too, for medical practitioners to be aware of the information provided by the TGA and to be a part of the system of alerts.
"The AMA is in the process of providing a link to the TGA website to assist doctors to receive up-to-date information on products and product alerts," Dr Phelps said.
"The complementary medicine industry is growing rapidly and doctors need to be able to advise their patients about the possible beneficial and harmful effects of complementary medicines on their health."
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761