LETTER
Acute Hepatitis Associated with Jin Bu Huan
Graham M. Woolf, MD, and
John M. Vierling, MD
15 April 1995 | Volume 122 Issue 8 | Page 636
IN RESPONSE:
We appreciate the comments of Mr. Kaptchuk about our article. We concur that this herbal product contains a single active ingredient, L-tetrahydropalmatine, and therefore can be classified as a drug. We consulted with herbalists and botanists were aware that this product contained one active ingredient and who informed us that its origin was either the genus Stephania or Corydalis but was not Polygala as stated in the package insert. This mislabeling of the package insert was clearly stated in our article. Further, we commented on the fact that misidentification of the plant genus and an incorrect percentage of the active ingredient suggested improper manufacturing. Despite its ingredients, the Jin Bu Huan sold to our patients remains an "herbal product." As discussed in our article, we agree that the buyer must be aware that the word "natural" does not ensure product safety. Subjecting these herbal products to governmental rules and regulations may result in safer and more effective products.
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