Safety warnings and messages for herbal medicines

Advice to manufacturers, suppliers and practitioners of herbal medicine
It would be helpful if you could note information about each safety issue and follow any advice or requests which are made to protect public safety.

Advice to consumers
On any issue where no specific advice is given to consumers please follow this general advice if you are currently taking the product:

• you are advised to discontinue use and consult your pharmacist or doctor;
• when speaking to your doctor of pharmacist you may find it helpful to take a copy of this MHRA advice about the product with you;
• you should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Please see list below for details of the current specific safety issues associated with herbal medicines. You can search the current  safety issues using the 'Section search' facility at the left of this page.

• 12 Sep 2008| "Goldenroot Complex" for sexual dysfunction

  We are aware of a number of cases where a product is being sold under the name of “Goldenroot Complex”, promoted as a herbal alternative to Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, are being incorrectly advertised on the Internet as registered and approved by the MHRA.

• 20 Jun 2008| More evidence of poor professional practice in the herbal medicine sector

  We continue to receive complaints highlighting poor professional practice in the unlicensed herbal medicine sector.

• 10 Jun 2008| Seizure of OSAS (Intensive Body Lotion with Aloe Vera)

  We have seized nearly 500 boxes of OSAS worth thousands of pounds from a flat in East London.

• 30 Apr 2008| Warnings about products marketed for treatment of erectile dysfunction

  We have received several warnings from overseas authorities about seven products being marketed as dietary supplements or "herbal Viagra" for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

• 17 Mar 2008| Hong Kong issues warning about capsules for the treatment of sexual dysfunction

  We have received a warning from the Department of Health in Hong Kong about a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) claiming to treat male impotence.

• 17 Mar 2008| Sale, supply or importation of unlicensed medicinal products for internal use which contain Senecio to be prohibited

  The Medicines for Human Use (Prohibition) (Senecio and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008 is due to come into force on 1 April 2008. The Order will prohibit the sale, supply or importation of unlicensed medicinal products for internal use which contain Senecio species.

• 17 Mar 2008| Warnings about poor practice in the unlicensed herbal sector

  Our investigations into parts of the unlicensed herbal sector have found serious examples of very poor practice.

• 12 Feb 2008| Warning issued about slimming drugs containing ephedrine

  The Danish Medicines Agency and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration have issued strong warnings about the Therma Power slimming drug following the death of a 36 year old man.

• 20 Dec 2007| Traditional Chinese Medicines found containing Aristolochic acids

  We have issued a press release warning of the dangers of four unlicensed Traditional Herbal products, Xiao Qin Long Wan, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan, Bai Tou Weng Wan and Xie Gan Wan, reported to contain aristolochic acids that have been found on the UK market.

• 11 Dec 2007| OSAS (Intensive Body Lotion with Aloe Vera) found to contain steroids

  We have recently found that samples of OSAS (Intensive Body Lotion with Aloe Vera) have tested positive for variable amounts of Betamethasone dipropionate.