Adulterations in Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines: Role of Universities in Quality control Assessment
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026),
28 April 2026
,
Page 1-3
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.52335
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants is increasing worldwide; however, absence of effective quality assurance has resulted in presence and presentation of adulterations. Adulteration appear intentionally or unintentionally, both of which come to serious consequences for public health. The present policy note evaluates the extent of the subject and emphasizes the central role of universities in preventing and controlling adulteration in medicinal plants and herbal medicines. By evolving research, developing infrastructures for laboratories, training expert technicians, and also improving the knowledge of the public, universities can have a great role in preventing this problem. Improving these capabilities will result in a systematic quality assurance for safe use of medicinal plants and herbal medcines.
- Medicinal plants, Adulterations, Quality control, University
How to Cite
References
1. Ekor M. The growing use of herbal medicines: issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety. Front Pharmacol. 2014 Jan 10;4:177. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00177. PMID: 24454289; PMCID: PMC3887317.
2. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Feb;13(1):7-12. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.13-1-7. PMID: 23472485; PMCID: PMC5873713.
3. Ichim MC. The DNA-Based Authentication of Commercial Herbal Products Reveals Their Globally Widespread Adulteration. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Oct 24;10:1227. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01227. PMID: 31708772; PMCID: PMC6822544.
4. de Boer HJ, Ichim MC, Newmaster SG. DNA Barcoding and Pharmacovigilance of Herbal Medicines. Drug Saf. 2015 38(7): 611-20. doi: 10.1007/s40264-015-0306-8.
5. World Health Organization. Guidelines on developing consumer information on proper use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine. Geneva: WHO, 2010. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241591706
6. World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on good herbal processing practices (GHPP)*. Geneva: WHO, 2017. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/medicines/norms-and-standards/guidelines/production/trs1010-annex1-herbal-processing.pdf?sfvrsn=80b60ae5_0
- Abstract Viewed: 5 times