Medicinal Herbs

1
Medicinal Herbs

• 4 billion dollar U.S. Industry in 1999
• Growing at 25 a year
• Dry climates are ideal for handling plant
  material
• Alfa Flour, Wray, is a botanical processor
• Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, makes teas and
  supplements.
• Herb Research Foundation in Boulder

2
FDA classifies medicinal herbals as dietary
supplements

• may bear structure /function claims---claims
  that the products affect the structure or
  function of the bodywithout prior FDA review.
  They may not, without prior FDA review, bear a
  claim that they can prevent, treat, cure,
  mitigate or diagnose disease (a disease claim).
• FDA, Jan 5 ,2000

3
Observation Trial - 1999

• Angelica Feverfew
• Anise Lavender
• Anise hyssop Milk thistle
• Black cohosh St. Johns Wort
• Calendula Self heal
• Chamomile Stevia
• Comfrey Stinging nettle
• Echinacea Valerian
• Evening primrose Wormwood

4
Echinacea is the most promising

• Most medically researched
• Market is relatively large
• Adapted to central plains