59 - Herbal Supplements

Question 1

Identify criteria that should be followed when choosing between the different brands of dietary supplements.

Answer 1

Product Quality

• Select formulations that have been studied in clinical trials.
• Select formulation that have been independently tested for quality.
• Use botanicals that are standardized to contain a specific quantity of the active ingredients
• Look for USP, NSF, CL label to ensure the manufacturing process is verified
• Look at “Natural Medicines” or NIH office of dietary supplements websites for a rating of each product (safety, effectiveness, product quality)

Question 2

Describe potential reasons for conflicting results between clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements.

Answer 2

• Large double-blind, randomized, trials are lacking (expensive to run, can’t be patented, no incentive)
• Doses and formulations vary between studies
• It is not always known which chemical(s) are responsible for the beneficial effect (they control one chemical level, but not others in a supplement)

Question 3

Identify which dietary supplements can potentially decrease serum drug levels by inducing cytochrome p450 enzymes.

Answer 3

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