Eryngium foetidum L.: a review.

Eryngium foetidum L. is a biennial herb which is used extensively as a medicinal plant in most tropical regions. It is of increasing importance as a spice plant cultivated in India, Vietnam, Australia and elsewhere with well documented procedures for maximum yield. It also possesses a wide range of ethnomedicinal uses including treatment for burns, earache, fevers, hypertension, constipation, fits, asthma, stomach ache, worms, infertility complications, snake bites, diarrhea and malaria. Chemical evaluation of the leaves indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, a saponin and several triterpenoids; but no alkaloids were reported. A significant constituent of the essential oil of the plant is E-2-dodecenal ("eryngial"), with isomers of trimethylbenzaldehyde being present in lesser proportions. Variability in the composition of essential oil was clearly dependent on the geographic location of the growing plant. Pharmacological studies of the aerial plant parts have demonstrated anthelmintic activity due to eryngial, anti-inflammatory action due to the phytosterol fractions, anti-convulsant activity in the respective models, and selective antibacterial activity against Salmonella species and the Erwinia genus of bacteria. A fraction of the essential oil rich in eryngial is the subject of a US patent application for its effectiveness against parasitic trypanosomes, nematodes, fungi and bacteria in humans and other mammals. These findings suggest the need for further research of this herb and its products.

Case Study - Regulation of herbal products in Trinidad & Tobago

The use and sale of Herbal Medicinal Products continue to grow rapidly both regionally and globally. Many research institutions around the world are working to provide answers to questions, such as "What is/are the active ingrident(s) in ths plant?", "What is the best /safest dosage?", Are there any side-effects/contraindications?", "is it possible that there can be drug interactions?", Should this product be availabe without consulting a professional" They highlight the importance of safety, efficacy, quality and evidence-based usage when dealing with herbal products, as well as the need for some level of screening and evaluation to be done before these products are officially licensed for sale, -- whether as drugs or as 'food supplements". In Trinidad & Tobago, the (final) Draft Regulations permit the Drug Advisory Committee to the Minister of Health to appoint a Herbal Sub-Committee specifically to assist the Drugh Advisory Committee on Standards, Schedules and Conditions of sale for herbal medicinal products. The "herbal medicinal products" are categorized as either "Herbal Medicine" (HM) or as a 'traditional Herbal Remedy: (THR). some companies and distribution have already started the process of herbal product registration, and once the regulations become law all herbal medicinal products intended for sale will have comply with the legislation under the anticipted, newly revised Food and Drugs ActAU)

Integration through education

As herbal and nutritional supplements increasingly find their way onto the shelves of pharmacies and health-food shops, the healthier provider and consumer may find themselves confused and inappropriately informed as to the safe and rational use of these products. As such, there must be focused and unbiased education targeting the consumer, the orthodox healthcare advisor (such as pharmacists, nurses stc.), and the alternative/complementary healthcare advisor (such as massage therapists, health-food shop employee etc.) The historical and traditional use of herbs can no longer be regarded as the main basis for the recommendation of use in our modern society. Recommendations must be made based on current evidence of safety, efficacy and quality assurance. Specialized education will encourage more scientific investigations and evlauations of herbal products, appropriate regulations for the maintenance of safe, high-quality products and an increased emphasis on herb-drug interactions. One of the first steps towards integration is proper education of all involved

Integration through education

As herbal and nutritional supplements increasingly find their way onto the shelves of pharmacies and health-food shops, the healthier provider and consumer may find themselves confused and inappropriately informed as to the safe and rational use of these products. As such, there must be focused and unbiased education targeting the consumer, the orthodox healthcare advisor (such as pharmacists, nurses stc.), and the alternative/complementary healthcare advisor (such as massage therapists, health-food shop employee etc.) The historical and traditional use of herbs can no longer be regarded as the main basis for the recommendation of use in our modern society. Recommendations must be made based on current evidence of safety, efficacy and quality assurance. Specialized education will encourage more scientific investigations and evlauations of herbal products, appropriate regulations for the maintenance of safe, high-quality products and an increased emphasis on herb-drug interactions. One of the first steps towards integration is proper education of all involved (AU)