Herbal products and phytomedicines are derived from plants and used to maintain health, treat diseases and improve quality of life. They differ from many purified prescription drugs derived from plants regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Herbal supplements or preparations may contain parts or whole plants in their constitution and their manufacture is not fully regulated by the FDA. However, since 2007, the FDA has applied a list of recommendations for the manufacture of dietary supplements described as current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). These allow producers to certify their products for the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants, for example.
This is a topic of concern since inadvertent use of herbal medicines concomitantly with prescribed medications can lead to ineffective treatment or toxicity due to pharmacological interactions. Because of this, the FDA offers resources to report any adverse event related to dietary supplements.
Another important point is that a herbal supplement’s efficacy depends on its active compounds being present in optimal amounts for the effect to be achieved in the body. These bioactive compounds can vary greatly depending on specie variety or cultivation characteristics. To achieve the proper concentrations, many important steps in plant production and processing should be followed, including the correct time of year when the plant will be collected. For example, St. Jhon’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a medicinal plant known for its antibacterial, antioxidant and antidepressive activities. Herbal medicines made from its flowers are more effective when the raw material is collected in August and processed fresh.
A safe and reliable chain of suppliers of plant materials and extracts is of utmost importance in the production and distribution of herbal products, extracts and dietary supplements. Verum Ingredients offers you ingredients from our network of reliable partners that meet all food safety and quality standards, mitigating risks to the supply chain. Contact one of our consultants today through one of our channels to learn more about these products.