Silver Spring, MD—The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has released updates to seven botanicals via the online Botanical Safety Handbook 2nd ed. The updates, as outlined in a press release: 


Asparagus adscendens

An animal pharmacology study and an acute toxicity study have been added. The family name was updated to Asparagaceae.

Asparagus cochinchinensis (Chinese asparagus)

An animal pharmacology study and a short-term toxicity study have been added. The family name was updated to Asparagaceae.

Asparagus racemosus (shatavari)

Review of this Ayurvedic herb added animal pharmacology studies related to glucose regulation; clinical studies related to use during lactation; acute and subchronic toxicity studies. The family name was updated to Asparagaceae.

Cinnamomum aromaticum (cassia)

A literature review identified an interaction case report, as well as additional pharmacological studies of glucose regulation in humans and animals, adverse events reported in clinical trials and case reports, and toxicity studies.

Cinnamomum camphorum (camphor)

An additional acute toxicity study and information about use of camphor in animal feed have been added.

Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon)

A  review identified an interaction case report, additional pharmacological studies of glucose regulation in humans and animals, and adverse events reported in clinical trials and case reports.

Curcuma longa (turmeric)

A review updated the Interactions class for this herb from Class A to Class B – “clinically relevant interactions are biologically plausible.” Updates also include the addition of numerous additional clinical trials, pharmacology studies, and toxicity studies.

The Handbook provides safety information on more than 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. All entries are reviewed by an Expert Advisory Council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States.

AHPA members can obtain a hard copy or an annual individual subscription to the onlineBotanical Safety Handbook for $95, with multi-user rates available. Subscribers can review short descriptions of updated entries in the “Revisions” panel on the homepage when they log in.

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