The Global Regulatory Framework for Medicinal Plants

Naturally complex: Perspectives and challenges associated with Botanical Dietary Supplement Safety assessment

“…Regulation of botanical dietary supplements in the United States differs from that in other countries (Low et al, 2017) and differences in regulatory standards across countries can make maintaining quality and safety difficult. Over the years, various publications have reviewed and compared the regulatory guidelines for botanical products around the world (Alostad et al, 2018; Dobos et al, 2005; Fan et al, 2012; Low et al, 2017; Picking, 2017; WHO, 1998). The country-to-country differences begin with classification of botanical products.…”

“…The country-to-country differences begin with classification of botanical products. While botanicals are classified as either Traditional Chinese Medicines or natural medicinal products in China, they are classified as dietary supplements in the United States and natural health products in Canada (Picking, 2017). In Japan, botanical products are classified generally as food, either with or without health claims (Low et al, 2017).…”

“…For example, if they are being used as medicinal products in the European Union, then pre-market review of safety and efficacy are required (Low et al, 2017). Alternatively, in the United States, dietary supplements are prohibited from including label claims that they can be used to “diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent” illnesses (Picking, 2017). Other important differences include country-specific limits on contaminant levels (e.g., pyrrolizidine alkaloids, pesticides) and guidelines for executing and enforcing good manufacturing practices (Low et al, 2017; Picking, 2017).…”

A Comparative Review on the Standard Quality Parameters of Turmeric

“…[2] A tremendous upsurge and continuous growth in the herbs and related products has resulted in high demand for medicinal plant resources both collected wildly and cultivated worldwide. [3][4][5] According to the report of the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), the total commercial demand for herbal raw drugs has been estimated at 5,12,000 (Dry wt. in MT) for the year 2014-15 in India.…”