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Labeling of active compounds in ginseng varies from actual content

Since passage of the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994, sales of herbal products have increased at about 10% per year. However, these products are not subject to the same chemical standardization that is required of pharmaceuticals. In an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Harkey et al. tested the composition of 25 different brands of ginseng, one of the most popular herbs worldwide. Commercial ginseng preparations from two genera—Panax and Eleutherococcus—were analyzed to determine the labeling accuracy of the plant species and their active compounds. Though the supplements were correctly labeled as to plant genus, the concentrations of the main active components varied widely, from 10.8% to 327.7% of the labeled amounts.

The study illustrates that the presence of a particular marker compound in an herbal product does not guarantee its pharmacological activity, and numerous other bioactive compounds are present in most herbal medicines.

Harkey, Martha R., et al. Variability in commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J. Clin Nutr 2001;73:1101–6.

This media release is provided by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, to provide current information on nutrition-related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor. To see the complete text of this article, please go to:

http://faseb.org/ajcn/June/11949-Harkey.pdf

For more information, please contact: martha@mother.com

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