Internet Marketing of Herbal Products

Essentials of Herb-Drug Interactions in the Elderly With Cardiovascular Disease

“…196 No package inserts for herbal supplements describing potential adverse events or drug interactions are required, and patients have no way of distinguishing safe from potentially harmful supplements. Direct-to-consumer advertisement featuring extravagant, unsubstantiated and dubious health claims by the supplement industry 197 continues despite regulatory guidelines. The Federal Trade Commission provides oversight and guidance but relies on advertisement surveillance for enforcement of its guidelines rather than approval before use.…”

“…208 While some media sources provide a wealth of accurate information, others contain false, unsubstantiated information or even conflicting statements. For example, in a study of Internet marketing of herbal products 197 at least 81% of websites were found to make one or more health claims, with more than 50% claiming to treat, prevent, diagnose or cure specific diseases despite regulations barring such statements. Another study investigating 12 weight-loss supplements sold online identified eight ingredients with reported lifethreatening cardiac adverse effects or death.…”

Provider and Patient Expectations for Dietary Supplement Discussions

“…[9][10][11] This is problematic because patients procure supplements without a prescription, and may seek information about supplements on their own, instead of turning to their providers for advice. 12,13 But these other sources of information may often minimize supplement risks, 14 make unsubstantiated health claims about supplements, 15,16 or provide harmful inaccurate information. [17][18][19] Primary care providers know about their patients' medical conditions and medications, and are well-positioned to identify and advise patients about supplementdrug interactions and other potential supplement risks.…”

Internet websites selling herbal treatments for erectile dysfunction

“…Studies have shown that more than half the population of North America has access to the internet and up to 62% of users were seeking health or medical information. 7,8 Many websites address health and medical issues in conjunction with the sale of products that may alleviate health problems and diseases, including prescription and nonprescription drugs and health supplements. In the US, from 1990 to 1997, there was a 380% increase in the use of herbal remedies and in 2001 over half the population of America were regularly taking herbal supplements.…”

“…In the US, from 1990 to 1997, there was a 380% increase in the use of herbal remedies and in 2001 over half the population of America were regularly taking herbal supplements. 8 Herbal treatments are health supplements that are chemically rich in plant or plant parts containing single or multiple ingredients in the form of tablets, capsules, creams or tinctures. 9 Since Viagra (sildenafil) was first introduced as an effective tablet treatment for ED by Pfizer in 1998, there has been a rise in the sale of herbal substitutes of Viagra on the internet.…”