MHRA warns of herbal product ingredients

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned people of the dangers of using herbal remedies containing black cohosh.

The agency claims that black cohosh is often used to treat symptoms associated with the menopause, but a recent analysis of data has concluded that the use of the substance is associated with an increased risk of developing liver disorders.

Labels will be enforced on products containing black cohosh to warn of the risks of using the product, while the MHRA will work with the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee to ensure the changes are carried out across the industry.

Professor Philip Routledge, chair of the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, stated: “After reviewing all available data, the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee has come to the conclusion that black cohosh may be associated with liver disorders. This is rare, but can be serious.”

The MHRA’s chief executive, Professor Kent Woods, added: “In the light of this advice, the MHRA is working with the herbal sector to ensure that labels of black cohosh products carry updated safety warnings.”

Some previous studies had linked some types of Chinese herbal medicines used for skin conditions to liver damage.

© Adfero Ltd