AHPA Adopts Herbal Labeling Guidance

AHPA Adopts Herbal Labeling Guidance

SILVER SPRING, Md.--The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) adopted guidance for the labeling of two herbal products, St. John's wort and saw palmetto. The guidance was appropriated in a July 25 meeting of its Board of Trustees. Its Scientific Advisory Board supported the guidance, which was made with the recommendation of its Standards and Government Relations Committees.

The AHPA guidance dictated that the following (or "significantly similar") statement must be used on the labels of St. John's wort products: "NOTICE: Do not use this product while taking any prescription drug(s) without the advice of your prescribing physician. Avoid excessive exposure to UV irradiation (e.g. sunlight, tanning) when using this product."

The statement for saw palmetto follows: "NOTICE: The National Institute on Aging recommends that men get regular medical checkups with a thorough prostate exam. You should inform your health care practitioner that you are using this product."

The use of the labels is at AHPA members' discretion. For more information about AHPA and its policies, visitwww.ahpa.org.