PETALING JAYA: Calls for a Dedicated Committee to Oversee Herbal Medicines in Malaysia
in a bid to ensure the safe use of herbal medicines, a leading drug researcher has proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee to oversee their approval and use in Malaysia. Dr Darshan Singh Mahinder, Associate Professor at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Center for Drug Research, also advocated for the creation of a comprehensive directory of safe herbal remedies to empower consumers and minimise risks associated with unapproved products.
Herbal products are widely available across Malaysia, from online platforms to pharmacies and customary Chinese medicine shops. However,Dr Darshan warned that these remedies are not entirely safe without professional supervision. “People often assume that herbs used by their elders without issue are universally safe, but not all herbs are harmless without medical supervision. An individual’s health condition and reaction to certain herbs must be assessed before consumption,” he said.
The researcher highlighted the dangers of unregulated herbal products, particularly those imported from poorly regulated markets. “Consumers often trust products from international sources, but contaminants such as heavy metals and unapproved additives are frequently found in unregulated herbal products,” he cautioned. Dr Darshan stressed the importance of checking for regulatory approvals, clear product labelling, and detailed information on ingredients and potential side effects. “Products with incomplete labelling or missing registration details are red flags for perhaps unsafe remedies,” he added.
Dr Darshan also raised concerns about the misuse of certain herbs,such as ketum leaves,which have a high potential for abuse. “Excessive consumption can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms that disrupt daily life,” he explained. He emphasised that herbal remedies should ideally be consumed individually and only under proper medical supervision to ensure safety. Combining herbs with modern medications or other herbal remedies without medical advice could result in adverse reactions, including seizures or loss of consciousness.
The cultural importance of herbal medicine in Malaysia cannot be overlooked. From traditional chinese medicine to Malay remedies like ulam, kacip Fatimah, and Tongkat Ali, as well as ayurvedic treatments in the Indian community, herbs have been ingrained in Asian societies for generations. While these practices hold cultural value, Dr Darshan argued for a balance between tradition and scientific validation.
“There is potential for integrating herbal medicine into modern healthcare systems.Some private hospitals in Malaysia have already incorporated herbal remedies into their services,and I believe this trend will continue to grow,” he said. He pointed out that science has shown herbal medicines can offer therapeutic benefits with fewer toxic effects compared to synthetic drugs. With malaysia’s rich biodiversity, there are opportunities to develop a robust herbal medicine industry.
However, misconceptions about herbal medicines persist. Some people are overly suspicious of their potential benefits and risks, while others expect fast fixes. “These assumptions reflect a lack of understanding about how herbal medicines work and the time it may take for them to show results. Nonetheless, the bottom line is to use herbal medication with caution and under medical supervision,” Dr Darshan concluded.
Key Recommendations for safe Herbal Medicine Use
| Recommendation | Details |
|———————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Establish a dedicated committee | Oversee approval and use of herbal medicines in Malaysia |
| Create a directory of safe herbal remedies | Empower consumers with reliable information |
| Conduct health campaigns | Raise awareness about risks and promote professional consultation |
| Check for regulatory approvals | Ensure products are safe and properly labelled |
| Avoid mixing herbs with medications | Prevent adverse reactions like seizures or loss of consciousness |
| Consult healthcare professionals | Ensure safe and appropriate use of herbal remedies |
Dr Darshan’s proposals aim to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare, ensuring Malaysians can safely benefit from the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines.
Bridging Tradition and Modern Healthcare: Ensuring Safe Use of Herbal Medicines in malaysia
Table of Contents
In a bid to ensure the safe use of herbal medicines, Dr. Darshan Singh Mahinder, a leading drug researcher and Associate Professor at the Universiti Sains Malaysia center for Drug Research, has proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee to oversee their approval and use in Malaysia. In this exclusive interview with World Today News, Dr. Darshan discusses the challenges and opportunities in integrating customary herbal remedies into modern healthcare, emphasizing the need for regulation, awareness, and professional guidance.
The need for Regulation in Herbal Medicine
Senior Editor: Dr. Darshan, you’ve proposed the creation of a dedicated committee to oversee herbal medicines in Malaysia. Why is this necessary?
Dr. Darshan: Herbal medicines are deeply rooted in our culture,with remedies like Tongkat Ali, Kacip Fatimah, and traditional Chinese herbs being widely used.Though, the lack of regulation poses notable risks. Many products are unapproved, mislabeled, or even contaminated with harmful substances such as heavy metals. A dedicated committee would ensure that these products meet safety standards, providing consumers with reliable and safe options.
Risks of Unregulated Herbal Products
Senior editor: What are the specific dangers associated with unregulated herbal products?
Dr. Darshan: The risks are multifaceted. Contaminants in unregulated products can cause severe health issues. Additionally,combining herbal remedies with modern medications without professional guidance can lead to adverse reactions,including seizures or loss of consciousness. Misuse of certain herbs, like ketum leaves, can also lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial for consumers to check for regulatory approvals and clear labeling before use.
integrating Traditional Practices with Modern Healthcare
Senior Editor: How can we bridge the gap between traditional herbal practices and modern healthcare systems?
Dr. Darshan: Integrating herbal medicine into modern healthcare requires a balance between tradition and scientific validation. Some private hospitals in Malaysia have already started incorporating herbal remedies into their services, leveraging their therapeutic benefits with fewer toxic effects compared to synthetic drugs. By establishing a complete directory of safe herbal remedies and raising awareness through health campaigns, we can empower consumers to make informed decisions while preserving our cultural heritage.
Addressing Misconceptions About Herbal Medicines
Senior Editor: There are many misconceptions about herbal medicines. How can we address them?
Dr. Darshan: One common misconception is that all herbal remedies are universally safe. This is not true—individual health conditions and reactions must be assessed. Another misconception is the expectation of quick fixes. Herbal medicines often require time to show results. Public education campaigns can definitely help dispel these myths, emphasizing the importance of using herbal remedies cautiously and under medical supervision.
Key Recommendations for Safe Use
Senior Editor: What are your key recommendations for ensuring the safe use of herbal medicines?
dr. Darshan: Firstly, establish a dedicated committee to oversee herbal medicine approval and use. Secondly, create a directory of safe herbal remedies to provide reliable information to consumers. thirdly,conduct health campaigns to raise awareness about risks and promote professional consultation. Lastly, always check for regulatory approvals and avoid mixing herbs with medications without medical advice.These steps will help Malaysians safely benefit from the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines.
Conclusion
Dr. Darshan’s insights highlight the importance of regulating herbal medicines to ensure their safe and effective use. By bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare, Malaysia can harness its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage to develop a robust herbal medicine industry. However, vigilance, education, and professional guidance remain essential to prevent risks and maximize benefits.
