AHPA Releases Updated Entries to Botanical Safety Handbook Ahead of Botanical Congress

Silver Spring, MD—The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announced that five updated entries have been posted to the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook 2^nd Ed, an online reference source with safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. Sample entries can be viewed here.

“The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook is just one of the many educational resources available to both AHPA members and non-members," said Jane Wilson, Director of Program Development, AHPA, in a press release. "This reference book is an essential tool for anyone who manufactures, recommends, or uses herbal products, from formulators to marketers to healthcare practitioners.”

AHPA's overview of the updated entries, which are reviewed by an Expert Advisory Council that includes renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts prior to publication:

- Crocus sativus (saffron): A September 2020 review identified numerous clinical trials, case reports, pharmacology studies, and toxicity studies.
- Vaccinium spp. (cranberry): A November 2020 review identified additional drug interaction and clinical trial information.
- Vaccinium spp. (blueberry fruit): A January 2021 review identified clinical trial and case reports relevant to this botanical.
- Vaccinium spp. (blueberry leaf): A December 2020 review changed the safety class from 2d to 1, based on review of new studies and re-evaluation of human chronic exposure concerns.
- Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle): A July 2020 review identified a clinical trial of vincamine and references for potential side effects.

“With the 9^th AHPA Botanical Congress coming up on May 24, we view the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook as the perfect companion to this virtual event which focuses on business, regulatory and the human element of botanicals," said Amber Bennett, AHPA’s Vice President, Marketing & Engagement, in the release. "Therefore, we’re offering the industry and other interested parties a limited-time, value-added promotion to save money on both educational resources."

AHPA's special promotion: Those who register before May 22, 2021 will receive 15%* off the registration rate (AHPA members use Code 21BCBSHM; Non-members, Code 21BCBSHG). After the virtual event, AHPA will send an email with a promotional code to purchase an annual online subscription for the Botanical Safety Handbook at a 50%* discount. Registration rates for the AHPA Botanical Congress are $449 for AHPA members and $575 for non-members, prior to applying the promotion code. The Botanical Safety Handbook (on-line subscription) can be purchased for $95 for AHPA members and $119.95 for non-members, prior to applying the promotion code.

*The promotion ends on May 22, 2021. The Botanical Safety Handbook promotion is available only to those who purchased the AHPA Botanical Congress and is valid for 30 days after receipt of a promotion code and is for new subscriptions only. The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook (print edition) and ordering multiple subscriptions are excluded from the promotion.

Want a sneak preview of the event?Catch this episode The Natural View. WholeFoods Editor-in-Chief Maggie Jaqua and Todd Pauli of 24 Stories Marketingtake a look at what’s in store for the 9th AHPA Botanical Congress, themed “Botanicals in the time of COVID."