Herbal Supplements Sold In America Especially For COVID-19 Found To Contain Substandard Or Undeclared Ingredients And Had Misleading Claims!

Herbal Supplements: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and spurred individuals worldwide to seek alternative remedies to boost their immunity and combat the virus. Herbal supplements, particularly those rooted in Ayurvedic traditions from India, saw a significant rise in popularity. However, a recent study conducted by the Schmid College of Science and Technology at Chapman University reveals alarming issues within this burgeoning market.


Herbal Supplements Sold In America Especially For COVID-19 Found
To Contain Substandard Or Undeclared Ingredients And Had Misleading Claims

The Study: Investigating Herbal Supplements
The research team, led by Professor Rosalee Hellberg and students Calin Harris, Diane Kim, Miranda Miranda, and Chevon Jordan, set out to examine the authenticity and safety of Herbal Supplements marketed for their purported COVID-19 treatment benefits. They focused on products containing Ayurvedic herbs, which have been traditionally used to treat respiratory illnesses and boost overall health.
 
Methodology: DNA Barcoding as a Tool for Verification
To assess the authenticity of these supplements, the researchers employed DNA barcoding techniques. This method uses a short section of a DNA sequence to identify the species of an organism, making it a valuable tool for verifying the ingredients in processed products. The team collected 54 different supplements, including ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, vacha, amla, guduchi, and tribulus, purchased both online and from local retailers in Orange and Los Angeles counties, California.
 
Findings: Alarming Discrepancies and Undeclared Ingredients
The results of the study were concerning. In 60% of the products tested, the researchers did not detect the expected ingredient. While this does not conclusively indicate fraud, it raises significant questions about the quality and transparency of these products. The DNA barcoding method has limitations, particularly in detecting degraded DNA, meaning a negative result does not necessarily prove the absence of the species in the product. However, the absence of declared ingredients still points to potential issues in the manufacturing process.

Moreover, the researchers discovered undeclared plant species in 19 products. Common fillers like rice and other unlisted Ayurvedic herbs were found, indicating possible fraudulent practices. Instead of containing 100% of the declared species, some manufacturers might be mixing in cheaper fillers to cut costs. This practice not only misleads consumers but also poses health risks, as undeclared ingredients can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects.
 
The Implications: Health Risks and Quality Control Issues
The presence of undeclared ingredients in herbal supplements is a serious concern. Consumers might unknowingly ingest substances that could trigger allergic reactions or other health issues. Altho ugh the study could not determine the quantity of each ingredient, Professor Hellberg emphasized that higher amounts of these undeclared substances could exacerbate health risks.
 
"Any time you're detecting things that aren't on the label, that can indicate some quality control issues. That could also suggest that there are other health risks going on or maybe things aren't being handled properly," Hellberg said. The study highlights the urgent need for increased scrutiny and regulation of herbal supplements to ensure consumer safety and product integrity.
 
Broader Context: The Complexity of the Herbal Supplement Market
The study's findings are part of a larger issue within the global herbal supplement market. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified demand for these products, creating opportunities for unscrupulous manufacturers to exploit consumers' fears and health concerns. The processed nature of these supplements and the complexity of the global supply chain further complicate efforts to ensure product authenticity and safety.
 
The Role of DNA Barcoding: Benefits and Limitations
DNA barcoding proved to be a useful tool in identifying the species present in the supplements, but it also has its limitations. The technique's inability to detect degraded DNA and quantify the amount of each ingredient highlights the need for complementary methods. Future research should incorporate chemical characterization techniques to provide a more comprehensive analysis of herbal supplements.
 
The study found that using a combination of genetic loci, such as matK and rbcL, increased the success rate of species identification. This multi-locus approach could improve the accuracy and reliability of DNA barcoding in verifying the authenticity of herbal supplements.
 
Conclusion: The Need for Stricter Regulation and Consumer Awareness
The Chapman University study underscores the critical need for stricter regulation and oversight of the herbal supplement market. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with these products and exercise caution when purchasing supplements, especially those claiming to treat or prevent serious illnesses like COVID-19.
 
Regulatory agencies must implement more rigorous testing and quality control measures to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of herbal supplements. By combining advanced scientific techniques like DNA barcoding with robust regulatory frameworks, it is possible to enhance the safety and reliability of these products.
 
As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of transparent, high-quality health products cannot be overstated. Consumers deserve to know that the supplements they rely on for their health are both safe and effective, free from misleading claims and undeclared ingredients.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Phytochemical Analysis.
https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/pca.3320
 
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/covid-19-herbs
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/thai-herbs-and-supplements