South Africa Perspectives for BRICS - ‘Finger Print’ Profiling of the Trace and Heavy Metals in Ginseng and Hypoxis Commercial Available Herbal Products - A Quality Control Tool

Abstract

PreambleThis research paper seeks to illuminate an important requirement for laboratory (or improved) systems to monitor the quality and consistency of commercially available products as may be traded among emerging national economies of, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). These plant-based products may previously have been used in traditional setting only, but demand by consumers in both rural and urban setting (migration to city) makes commercialization of such products or product equivalents attractive as enterprising business [1]. This is specifically so in context of the Human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) setting, where the use of Ginseng and African potato is common practices.

The potential impact of dietary supplement adulteration on patient assessment and treatment from a healthcare provider’s perspective

“…As an illustration: the upsurge in the use of natural products, in general, includes: (i) the cost effectiveness and availability, (ii) the perceived safety and lack of side effects, (iii) a weakened belief in the efficacy and safety of orthodox drugs, and (iv) the public tendency towards self-medication. 13 Concern associated with herbal supplement use includes the potential exposure to toxic substances, whether as an expected component of the formulation or as an unintended contaminant. 13 There is no reason to suspect an offending herbal supplement to be at risk of overexposure to heavy metals, until the consumer shows signs of toxicity.…”

“…13 Concern associated with herbal supplement use includes the potential exposure to toxic substances, whether as an expected component of the formulation or as an unintended contaminant. 13 There is no reason to suspect an offending herbal supplement to be at risk of overexposure to heavy metals, until the consumer shows signs of toxicity. 13 Thus, it is important for proper clinical evaluation of the patient to determine the use of herbal supplements as part of diagnosis, as the patient may not necessarily declare such use to the physician provider.…”

“…13 There is no reason to suspect an offending herbal supplement to be at risk of overexposure to heavy metals, until the consumer shows signs of toxicity. 13 Thus, it is important for proper clinical evaluation of the patient to determine the use of herbal supplements as part of diagnosis, as the patient may not necessarily declare such use to the physician provider. Evidence from the work of Gabriels et al 14,15 on contamination/adulterants in dietary supplements is that of fluoxetine 14 and melamine, 15 which may potentially have harmful short-and long-term health consequences for the patient.…”