Positive Health Online

Abstract

SPAULDING-ALBRIGHT, Boca Raton Community Hospital Inc, Fla 33486 USA write that in view of progress regarding benefits of phytochemicals in foods, it would appear possible that chemical compounds from herbs could also be helpful in the prevention or treatment of cancer and other diseases. Prior to 1994, the burden of proving that a product was not harmful was the responsibility of the manufacturer. Now, however, the FDA must prove beyond a doubt that the product is unsafe in order to remove it from the market . At present, product standardisation is optional and substitution with less expensive herbs may present a risk. The FDA will soon be publishing a proposal for good manufacturing practices developed by a coalition of supplement organisation in order to assist in the establishment of quality control. Nutrition professionals can contribute to this area by talking with patients, keeping interested physicians informed and keeping information regarding alternative therapies.

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References

Spaulding-Albright N. A review of some herbal and related products commonly used in cancer patients. J Am Diet Assoc 97(10 Supp 2): S208-15. Oct 1997.

Comment

These authors must be living in a virtual reality world ! Where have they been while commonly used herbs such as comfrey have been removed from sale, or when the Canadian government destroyed all records of the herbal formulation Essiac, renowned for its efficacy in cancer patients? Or even the laetrile fiasco ! Even the ubiquitous and essential vitamin B6 is about to be severely restricted in the UK . Suggesting in 1997 that perhaps it is feasible that herbs or certain phytochemicals may be useful in the prevention or treatment of cancer is an unbelievable statement, given the well-documented historical practices of using herbs in cancer treatment, Taxol, from the Yew tree being one of the "drug" success stories.