Herbal Drugs - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

The chemical composition of herbal drugs is highly complex and uncertain, especially when compared with conventional drugs. Herbal drugs contain all the chemicals present in a plant. They may also have additives, contaminants such as pesticides or metals, and even different plants than they are supposed to have in them.

Even when the active ingredient in an herbal product is known (or suspected), it is difficult for manufacturers to standardize how much active ingredient their product contains. The strength of herbal drugs is affected by growing conditions, storage, handling, and the way the product is manufactured.

Herbal Facts

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), available at http://nccam.nih.gov, offers extensive information on dietary supplements. Some key facts to remember about herbal supplements are:

  • Most herbal remedies have not been tested by medical experts.
  • The term "natural" on an herbal supplement label does not mean that the product is safe.
  • NCCAM researchers are working to identify the active ingredients in many herbal remedies. As of 2005, experts did not clearly understand how various herbs affect the body.
  • Herbal supplements sometimes contain ingredients that are not listed on their labels.
  • In general, herbals should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or small children.
  • The most common side effects of herbal remedies are headache, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.