A review of the potential forensic significance of traditional herbal medicines

Multi-target mechanism of Solanum xanthocarpum for treatment of psoriasis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) has been used to treat a variety of diseases, including skin disorders like psoriasis (PSO). SX possesses many pharmacological activities of anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive, and healing qualities. However, the multi-target mechanism of SX on PSO still needs clarity. Materials and methods: The Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database and the Swiss Target Prediction online tool were used to find the active phytochemical components and their associated target proteins. OMIM and GeneCards databases were used to extract PSO-related targets. A Venn diagram analysis determined the common targets of SX against PSO. Subsequently, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core PPI target analysis were carried out using the STRING network and Cytoscape software. Also, utilising the online Metascape and bioinformatics platform tool, a pathway enrichment analysis of common targets using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases was conducted to verify the role of targets in biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions with respect to KEGG pathways. Lastly, molecular docking simulations were performed to validate the strong affinity between components of SX and key target receptors. Results: According to the IMPPAT Database information, 8 active SX against PSO components were active. According to the PPI network and core targets study, the main targets against PSO were EGFR, SRC, STAT3, ERBB2, PTK2, SYK, EP300, CBL, TP53, and AR. Moreover, molecular docking simulations verified the binding interaction of phytochemical SX components with their PSO targets. Last but not least, enrichment analysis showed that SX is involved in several biological processes, including peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, peptidyl-tyrosine modification, and peptidyl-serine modification. The relevant KEGG signalling pathways are the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance pathway, and the MAPK signalling pathway. Conclusion: The network pharmacology technique, which is based on data interpretation and molecular docking simulation techniques, has proven the multi-target function of SX phytoconstituents.

Intestinal epithelial damage due to herbal compounds - an in vitro study

Intestinal epithelial injury from herbal products has rarely been reported, despite the gut being the first point of contact for oral preparations. These products often consist of multiple herbs, thereby potentially exposing consumers to higher levels of reactive phytochemicals than predicted due to pharmacokinetic interactions. The phytochemical coumarin, found in many herbal products, may be taken in combination with herbal medicines containing astragalosides and atractylenolides, purported cytochrome P450 (CYP) modulators. As herbal use increases, the need to predict interactions in multiple at-risk organ systems is becoming critical. Hence, to determine whether certain herbal preparations containing coumarin may cause damage to the intestinal epithelium, Caco2 cells were exposed to common phytochemicals. Coumarin, astragaloside IV (AST-IV) or atractylenolide I (ATR-I) solutions were exposed to Caco2 cultures in increasing concentrations, individually or combined. Coumarin produced a significant concentration-dependant fall in cell viability that was potentiated when CYP enzymes were induced with rifampicin and incubated with CYP3A4 inhibitor econazole, suggesting a role for other CYP enzymes generating toxic metabolites. ATR-I alone produced no toxicity in uninduced cells but showed significant toxicity in rifampicin-induced cells. ATR-I had no effect on coumarin-induced toxicity. AST-IV was nontoxic alone but produced significant toxicity when combined with nontoxic concentrations of coumarin. The combination of coumarin, ATR-I and AST-IV was significantly toxic, but no synergistic interaction was seen. This investigation was conducted to determine the likelihood for intestinal-based interactions, with the results demonstrating coumarin is potentially toxic to intestinal epithelium, and combinations with other phytochemicals can potentiate this toxicity.

Mechanisms and Health Aspects of Food Adulteration: A Comprehensive Review

Food adulteration refers to the alteration of food quality that takes place deliberately. It includes the addition of ingredients to modify different properties of food products for economic advantage. Color, appearance, taste, weight, volume, and shelf life are such food properties. Substitution of food or its nutritional content is also accomplished to spark the apparent quality. Substitution with species, protein content, fat content, or plant ingredients are major forms of food substitution. Origin misrepresentation of food is often practiced to increase the market demand of food. Organic and synthetic compounds are added to ensure a rapid effect on the human body. Adulterated food products are responsible for mild to severe health impacts as well as financial damage. Diarrhea, nausea, allergic reaction, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc., are frequently observed illnesses upon consumption of adulterated food. Some adulterants have shown carcinogenic, clastogenic, and genotoxic properties. This review article discusses different forms of food adulteration. The health impacts also have been documented in brief.

Implications for herbal polypharmacy: coumarin-induced hepatotoxicity increased through common herbal phytochemicals astragaloside IV and atractylenolide I

Hepatotoxicity is a well-known adverse effect of many substances, with toxicity often resulting from interactions of drugs with other drug-like substances. With the increased availability of complementary and alternative medicines, including herbal medicines, the likelihood of adverse interactions between drugs and drug-like substances in herbs increases. However, the impact of potential herb-herb interactions is little understood. To assess the potential of two cytochrome P450 enzyme modulating phytochemicals common to many herbal medicines, atractylenolide I (ATR-I) and astragaloside IV (AST-IV), to interact with coumarin, another phytochemical common in many foods, a hepatocyte function model with a liver carcinoma cell line, HepG2, was exposed to these agents. To determine the effects of cytochrome P450 modulation by these phytochemicals certain cells were induced with rifampicin to induce cytochrome P450. Increasing concentrations of ATR-I combined with a fixed, nontoxic concentration of coumarin (200 µM), demonstrated significant additive interactions. 300 µM ATR-I produced a 31% reduction in cell viability (p < 0.01) with coumarin in rifampicin uninduced cells. In rifampicin-induced cells, ATR-I (100-300 µM) produced a significant reduction in cell viability (p < 0.01) with coumarin (200 µM). AST-IV with fixed coumarin (200 µM) showed 27% toxicity at 300 µM AST-IV in rifampicin uninduced cells (p < 0.05) and 30% toxicity in rifampicin induced cells (p < 0.05). However, when fixed coumarin and AST-IV were combined with increasing concentrations of ATR-I no further significant increase in toxicity was observed (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate the potential toxic interactive capabilities of common traditional Chinese herbal medicine phytochemicals and underline the potential importance of coumarin-mediated toxicity.

Treatment of Lupus Nephritis from Iranian Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine Points of View: A Comparative Study

Objective

Nephritis or kidney inflammation is characterized as one of the most common renal disorders leading to serious damage to the kidneys. Nephritis, especially lupus nephritis (LN), has remained as the main cause of chronic renal failure which needs serious therapeutic approaches such as dialysis and kidney transplant. Heredity, infection, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases such as lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease, and drug-related side effects are known as the main causes of the disease. According to Iranian traditional medicine (ITM), infectious diseases and fever are the main reasons of nephritis, which is called “Varam-e-Kolye” (VK).

Results

There are various plant-based remedies recommended by ITM for the treatment of nephritis, as discussed herein, comparing with those available in the modern medicine. There is no definite cure for the treatment of nephritis, and immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, diuretics, analgesics, and finally dialysis and kidney transplantation are usually used. Based on the efficacy of medicinal plants, jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), almond (Prunus amygdalus), pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and fig (Ficus carica) were found to be effective for the treatment of kidney inflammation in ITM.

Conclusion

Considering the fact that there is no efficient strategy for the treatment of nephritis, use of herbal medicine, particularly based on the fruits or nuts that have been safely used for several years can be considered as a versatile supplement along with other therapeutic methods.

The potential side effects of herbal preparations in domestic animals

A recent series of deaths in previously healthy dogs in Victoria, Australia associated with the ingestion of raw meat contaminated by indospicine derived from native Australian plants of the Indigofera species draws attention to the potential that exists for herbal toxicity in domestic animals. Although the efficacy of herbal remedies generally remains unproven in domestic animals, herbal preparations are being increasingly used as supplements and treatments. Issues with incorrect ingredients, inadequate processing, faulty, incomplete or inaccurate product labelling, contamination with toxins, adulteration with undeclared pharmaceutical agents and herb-herb interactions are well recognized as causes of adverse effects in humans. However, apart from of the effects of noxious weed species, the literature on herbal toxicity in domestic animals is sparse. Thus, the forensic evaluation of cases of suspected poisoning in domestic animals should also encompass an accurate description the type and dose of any herbal preparations that may have been recently administered.

Potential significance of medicinal plants in forensic analysis: A review

Medicinal plants are a two-edged sword that might be exploited as a treatment specific dosage, and as deadly poisonous substances to commit murder or suicide when administered in high doses. Forensic experts can collect traces and residual materials from these toxic medicinal plants at a crime scene as forensic evidence. Further, more investigations need to be deeply implemented to in the future to understand the significance of medicinal plants in forensic investigations to detect these criminal offenses. Additionally, to provides a deep understanding of chemical substances that can impact human life positively or negatively with different doses as well as identifying the optimal or overdose concentrations for either treatments or poisonous effects using recent biotechnological approaches. This review aims to illustrate different contributions and the significance of medicinal plants in the field and further employment in the context of forensic science, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation for the level of knowledge about herbal medicine use within people and university students in Mutah region

Background: Conventional medication; traditional or folk medicine as well as herbal medicines; have been widely used since ancient times. In Jordan traditional medicines are freely available and self-prescribed as well. No previous study has investigated believes and knowledge with regards to herb-drug interaction in Mutah geographical in Jordan.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate and evaluate knowledge and attitude about self-medication using herbal medicine and its drug interaction among the public in Mutah.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire-based survey conducted. Survey took place in different locations in the Mutah region in Al-Karak city from Jordan, during December 2017 and January 2018. Data analyzed by SPSS.

Results: The majority of responders (82%) use self-prepared herbal preparation. While (56%) go for self-medication rather than visiting a physician. About (63%) participants responded that physicians didn’t ask them about if they use any herbal medication and about (50%) not willing to tell their physician about their self-medication. Knowledge about herbs gained from the family in the first place (38%); TV (21%) and friends (15%). Almost (79%) responders agree that herbs are safer and easier to be used compared to physician-prescribed medicine.

Conclusion: A high belief in herbal therapy use. Responders gain their knowledge primarily from their families which they obtain their knowledge primarily from their tradition. They are not aware of their interaction with other therapies. Care-givers in this region should be aware of the high percentage of herbal medicine use and are encouraged to discuss potential use with their patients to avoid future complications.

Combined Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry and Next-generation DNA Sequencing Detection of Adulterants and Contaminants in Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Herbal Medicines

INTRODUCTION

Methods for assessing the quality of herbal medicine preparations have advanced significantly in recent years in conjunction with increases in herbal medicine use and reports of adulteration and contamination.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the quality of analgesic and anti-inflammatory herbal medicine preparations available on the Australian market by detecting the presence of listed ingredients, adulterants and contaminants.

METHODS

Forty-nine analgesic and anti-inflammatory herbal medicine preparations were randomly sourced from Australian capital cities. They were audited using a dual approach of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with next-generation DNA sequencing. Once screened, a comparison of listed ingredients with verified ingredients was conducted to determine the accuracy of labelling, and the extent of adulteration and contamination.

RESULTS

Twenty-six of 49 (53%) herbal medicines were adulterated or contaminated with undeclared ingredients. LC-MS revealed the presence of pharmaceutical adulterants including atropine and ephedrine. DNA sequencing uncovered concerning levels of herbal substitution, adulteration and contamination, including the use of fillers (alfalfa, wheat and soy), as well as pharmacologically relevant species (Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Bupleurum and Passiflora). Pig/boar and bird DNA was found in some preparations, inferring substandard manufacturing practices. Of the 26 contaminated samples, 19 (73%) were manufactured in Australia, and 7 (27%) were imported from other countries (6 from China, 1 from New Zealand). In 23 of 49 (47%) herbal medicine samples, no biological ingredients were detected at all. These were predominantly pain and anti-inflammatory preparations such as glucosamine and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids found in krill and fish oils, so DNA would not be expected to survive the manufacturing process.

CONCLUSION

The high level of contamination and substitution of herbal medicine preparations sourced from Australian dispensaries supports the need for more stringent pharmacovigilance measures in Australia and abroad.

Stem cells in natural product and medicinal plant drug discovery-An overview of new screening approaches

Natural products remain a rich source of new drugs, and the search for bioactive molecules from nature continues to play an important role in the development of new medicines. Also, there is increasing use of herbal medicines for the treatment of a plethora of diseases, and demands for more scientific evidence for their efficacy and safety remains a huge challenge. The propensity of stem cells to differentiate into almost every cell type not only holds promise for the delivery of cell-based therapies for currently incurable diseases or a useful tool in studying cell physiology and pathophysiology. Increasingly, stem cells are becoming an important tool in preclinical drug screening and toxicity testing. In this review, we examine the scientific advances made towards the use of pluripotent stem cells as a model for the screening of plant-based medicines. The combination of well-established in vitro electrophysiological and a plethora of toxicogenomic technologies, together with the optimisation of culture methods of herbal plants and pluripotent stem cells can be explored to establish the basis for efficacy, and tissue/organ-based toxicities of many currently used medicinal plants whose efficacies and toxicities remain unknown.

Safety in Body Contouring to Avoid Complications

Body contouring after weight loss is becoming more prevalent. An appropriate systematic approach that starts from the first consultation needs to focus on residual comorbidities and weight of the patient. A thorough discussion about potential outcomes manages expectations. Preoperative optimization with smoking, herbal cessation, and nutritional assessment is mandatory. Planned staged approach minimizes lengthy procedures associated with increased postoperative morbidity. In the operating room, appropriate ambient temperature, positioning of the patient, and continuous discussion between surgeon and anesthesiologist prevent further complications. Careful transition to postoperative care with early ambulation and use of compressive garments add to an approach to minimize postoperative complications.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Autoimmune Arthritis: Their Mechanisms of Action, Targeted Delivery, and Interplay with the Host Microbiome

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating illness characterized by painful swelling of the joints, inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints, and damage to cartilage and bone. Several anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying drugs are available for RA therapy. However, the prolonged use of these drugs is associated with severe side effects. Furthermore, these drugs are effective only in a proportion of RA patients. Hence, there is a need to search for new therapeutic agents that are effective yet safe. Interestingly, a variety of herbs and other natural products offer a vast resource for such anti-arthritic agents. We discuss here the basic features of RA pathogenesis; the commonly used animal models of RA; the mainstream drugs used for RA; the use of well-characterized natural products possessing anti-arthritic activity; the application of nanoparticles for efficient delivery of such products; and the interplay between dietary products and the host microbiome for maintenance of health and disease induction. We believe that with several advances in the past decade in the characterization and functional studies of natural products, the stage is set for widespread clinical testing and/or use of these products for the treatment of RA and other diseases.

What risks do herbal products pose to the Australian community?

Traditional herbal products are widely used in Australia to treat a broad range of conditions and diseases. It is popularly believed that these products are safer than prescribed drugs. While many may be safe, it is worrying that the specific effects and harmful interactions of a number of their components with prescription medications is not well understood. Some traditional herbal preparations contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals, as well as naturally occurring organic toxins. The effects of these substances can be dire, including acute hepatic and renal failure, exacerbation of pre-existing conditions and diseases, and even death. The content and quality of herbal preparations are not tightly controlled, with some ingredients either not listed or their concentrations recorded inaccurately on websites or labels. Herbal products may also include illegal ingredients, such as ephedra, Asarum europaeum (European wild ginger) and endangered animal species (eg, snow leopard). An additional problem is augmentation with prescription medications to enhance the apparent effectiveness of a preparation. Toxic substances may also be deliberately or inadvertently added: less expensive, more harmful plants may be substituted for more expensive ingredients, and processing may not be adequate. The lack of regulation and monitoring of traditional herbal preparations in Australia and other Western countries means that their contribution to illness and death is unknown. We need to raise awareness of these problems with health care practitioners and with the general public.

Carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine, a phytochemical used in 'therapeutic' black salve and mouthwash

Black salves are escharotic skin cancer therapies in clinical use since the mid 19th century. Sanguinaria canadensis, a major ingredient of black salve formulations, contains a number of bioactive phytochemicals including the alkaloid sanguinarine. Despite its prolonged history of clinical use, conflicting experimental results have prevented the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine from being definitively determined. Sanguinarine has a molecular structure similar to known polyaromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens and is a DNA intercalator. Sanguinarine also generates oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress resulting in the unfolded protein response and the formation of 8-hydroxyguanine genetic lesions. Sanguinarine has been the subject of contradictory in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and murine carcinogenesis test results that have delayed its carcinogenic classification. Despite this, epidemiological studies have linked mouthwash that contains sanguinarine with the development of oral leukoplakia. Sanguinarine is also proposed as an aetiological agent in gallbladder carcinoma. This literature review investigates the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine. Reasons for contradictory genotoxicity and carcinogenesis results are explored, knowledge gaps identified and a strategy for determining the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine especialy relating to black salve are discussed. As patients continue to apply black salve, especially to skin regions suffering from field cancerization and skin malignancies, an understanding of the genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine is of urgent clinical relevance.

Profiling metals in Cordyceps sinensis by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is a natural product that has diverse nutritional and medicinal values. Since the availability of natural C. sinensis becomes limited its authentication and quality control is of high significance. Herein we report on profiling of metals in C. sinensis by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis reveals that C. sinensis contains a wide array of essential elements, including P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, etc. Toxic metals detected are Cd, Pb, and As. In all five samples analyzed Pb contents are below 2.0 ppm. Arsenic level in C. sinensis caterpillar is significantly higher than that in its mycelium and varies from 3.0 to 32 ppm likely due to soil contamination. It's for the first time demonstrated in this work that clustering analysis on the proposed metal profiles consisting of 24 elements is very useful to identify "abnormal" C. sinensis samples, thus adding another dimension to the effective means for authentication and quality assessment of this highly demanded previous natural product.

Caffeine toxicity in forensic practice: possible effects and under-appreciated sources

Caffeine is considered a very safe stimulant and is widely consumed in a variety of forms, from pure caffeine to beverages and foods. Typically, death is only seen when gram quantities of caffeine are consumed, usually in suicide attempts. Even in this scenario, death is rare. However, there are special populations that need to be considered in forensic presentations, who may be at greater risk. These include poor metabolizers, people with liver disease, and people with cardiac conditions, who can die as a result of caffeine intake at levels well below what is ordinarily considered toxic. Also, caffeine intake may be hidden. For example, herbal medicines with substantial caffeine content may not disclose these concentrations on their product label. The role of caffeine in medicolegal deaths is yet to be defined, however, herbal medicines and herbal weight loss supplements may represent an underappreciated source of caffeine in this context.

Lethal Epistaxis

Epistaxis or nosebleed refers to bleeding from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Occasional cases may present with torrential lethal hemorrhage. Three cases are reported to demonstrate particular features: Case 1: A 51-year-old woman with lethal epistaxis with no obvious bleeding source; Case 2: A 77-year-old man with treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma who died from epistaxis arising from a markedly neovascularized tumor bed; Case 3: A 2-year-old boy with hemophilia B who died from epistaxis with airway obstruction in addition to gastrointestinal bleeding. Epistaxis may be associated with trauma, tumors, vascular malformations, bleeding diatheses, infections, pregnancy, endometriosis, and a variety of different drugs. Careful dissection of the nasal cavity is required to locate the site of hemorrhage and to identify any predisposing conditions. This may be guided by postmortem computerized tomographic angiography (PCTA). Despite careful dissection, however, a source of bleeding may never be identified.

A comparison of patterns of spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting with St. John's Wort and fluoxetine during the period 2000-2013

Herbal medicines are perceived to be safe by the general public and medical practitioners, despite abundant evidence from clinical trials and case reports that show herbal preparations can have significant adverse effects. The overall impact of adverse events to herbal medicines in Australia is currently unknown. Post marketing surveillance of medications through spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is one way to estimate this risk. The patterns of spontaneously reported ADRs provide insight to herbal dangers, especially when compared with patterns of a mechanistically similar conventional drug. The study compared the pattern of spontaneously reported ADRs to St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a common herbal treatment for depression which contains selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), to fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed synthetic SSRI antidepressant. Spontaneous ADR reports sent to the TGA between 2000-2013 for St. John's Wort (n = 84) and fluoxetine (n = 447) were obtained and analysed. The demographic information, types of interaction, severity of the ADR, and the body systems affected (using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system) were recorded for individual ADR cases. The majority of spontaneously reported ADRs for St. John's Wort and fluoxetine were concerning females aged 26-50 years (28.6%, 22.8%). The organ systems affected by ADRs to St John's Wort and fluoxetine have a similar profile, with the majority of cases affecting the central nervous system (45.2%, 61.7%). This result demonstrates that herbal preparations can result in ADRs similar to those of prescription medications.

Combined DNA, toxicological and heavy metal analyses provides an auditing toolkit to improve pharmacovigilance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Globally, there has been an increase in the use of herbal remedies including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There is a perception that products are natural, safe and effectively regulated, however, regulatory agencies are hampered by a lack of a toolkit to audit ingredient lists, adulterants and constituent active compounds. Here, for the first time, a multidisciplinary approach to assessing the molecular content of 26 TCMs is described. Next generation DNA sequencing is combined with toxicological and heavy metal screening by separation techniques and mass spectrometry (MS) to provide a comprehensive audit. Genetic analysis revealed that 50% of samples contained DNA of undeclared plant or animal taxa, including an endangered species of Panthera (snow leopard). In 50% of the TCMs, an undeclared pharmaceutical agent was detected including warfarin, dexamethasone, diclofenac, cyproheptadine and paracetamol. Mass spectrometry revealed heavy metals including arsenic, lead and cadmium, one with a level of arsenic >10 times the acceptable limit. The study showed 92% of the TCMs examined were found to have some form of contamination and/or substitution. This study demonstrates that a combination of molecular methodologies can provide an effective means by which to audit complementary and alternative medicines.

Intentional and inadvertent chemical contamination of food, water, and medication

Numerous examples of chemical contamination of food, water, or medication have led to steps by regulatory agencies to maintain the safety of this critical social infrastructure and supply chain. Identification of contaminant site is important. Environmental testing and biomonitoring can define the nature and extent of the event and are useful for providing objective information, but may be unavailable in time for clinical care. Clinical diagnosis should be based on toxidrome recognition and assessment of public health implications. There are several resources available to assist and these can be accessed through regional poison control centers or local/state public health departments.

Forensic problems with the composition and content of herbal medicines

A survey of herbal medicines available for internet and over-the-counter purchase in South Australia, Australia, was conducted looking specifically at those used for 'arthritis', 'cold and flu', 'gastrointestinal', 'stress' and 'premenstrual syndrome'. 121 products consisted of 29 in the 'arthritis' category, 33 in 'cold and flu', 19 in 'gastrointestinal' 30 in 'stress' and 10 in 'premenstrual syndrome'. Twenty two (18%) of 121 products were not registered with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), despite this being a legal requirement for their sale. Of the registered products 59 (60%) of 99 had differing ingredient concentrations on the website compared to their ARTG listing. Only three of the 15 purchased products had ingredient concentrations which were consistent between the website, ARTG listing and product packaging. These findings demonstrate that it may not be possible to determine what herbal substance an individual has been exposed to prior to death and in what concentration, based on packaging from medications seized at the scene, or from examination of website data and the ARTG listing. These discrepancies may increase the problems that exist in attempting to determine what role herbal medicines may play in the mechanism of death in certain forensic cases.

Analytical methods for the detection of undeclared synthetic drugs in traditional herbal medicines as adulterants

Traditional herbal medicines (THMs) are gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative approach to prescription drugs for many reasons including a general perception that they are safe. But recently there have been number of reported studies that reveal adulteration of THMs with undeclared synthetic drugs, which may potentially cause serious toxic adverse effects. This paper reviews the various classes of synthetic drugs that were found to be adulterated in THMs worldwide. The main focus is to highlight newer analytical tools used to detect adulteration. Due to the advancement in hyphenated techniques like liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and other conventional tools, it has become possible to detect synthetic drugs and their structural analogues as adulterants even if they are present in small quantities. This review also gives an overview of health-related risks after consuming such spurious products and challenges for future perspectives to control such type of malpractices.

PlantID - DNA-based identification of multiple medicinal plants in complex mixtures

Background

An efficient method for the identification of medicinal plant products is now a priority as the global demand increases. This study aims to develop a DNA-based method for the identification and authentication of plant species that can be implemented in the industry to aid compliance with regulations, based upon the economically important Hypericum perforatum L. (St John’s Wort or Guan ye Lian Qiao).

Methods

The ITS regions of several Hypericum species were analysed to identify the most divergent regions and PCR primers were designed to anneal specifically to these regions in the different Hypericum species. Candidate primers were selected such that the amplicon produced by each species-specific reaction differed in size. The use of fluorescently labelled primers enabled these products to be resolved by capillary electrophoresis.

Results

Four closely related Hypericum species were detected simultaneously and independently in one reaction. Each species could be identified individually and in any combination. The introduction of three more closely related species to the test had no effect on the results. Highly processed commercial plant material was identified, despite the potential complications of DNA degradation in such samples.

Conclusion

This technique can detect the presence of an expected plant material and adulterant materials in one reaction. The method could be simply applied to other medicinal plants and their problem adulterants.

How safe is the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the internet?

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet has rapidly increased; however, the safety of these products has not been well documented yet. More importantly, the declared ingredients in these products could be different than the marketed contents.

METHODS

Nine different herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet were obtained. The ingredients of each product were analyzed in the Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and the Scientific and Technological Research Laboratory of Inonu University.

RESULTS

Although all studied weight-loss products were presented as pure herbal, three of them contain sibutramine, three contain caffeine, and three contain caffeine + temazepam. The amount of sibutramine in each capsule was found to be over 10 mg. We analyzed toxic and trace element levels of nine herbal products and found that these herbal products, even in low amounts, contain Pb, Al, Ni, and Ba.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that herbal weight-loss products available without prescription and claimed to be purely herbal may contain pharmaceutical substances like sibutramine or temazepam in high doses. Moreover, they also may become contaminated with toxic metals. Since people commonly use these products unaware of its real constituents and without the suggestion or control of a physician, they might cause various health problems some of which might be harmful. Strict legal rules and control mechanisms must be established to minimize their possible harmful effects.