Petaling Jaya: Narcotics researchers have proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee to oversee the approval and use of herbal medicines in Malaysia.
Dr Darshan Singh Mahinder, Associate Professor at the Center for Drug Research at the University of Malaysia, suggested that such measures would allow consumers to make informed decisions and minimize the risks posed by unauthorized remedies. did.
Commenting on the wide availability of herbal products on online platforms, pharmacies, herbal medicines and drugstores, Darshan warned Malaysians to exercise caution when using these remedies and ensure that they are supervised by medical professionals. It is not completely safe unless you do so.
“Often people assume that herbs that elders use without issue are universally safe, but not all herbs are harmless without medical supervision. Individual health conditions and reactions to specific herbs must be evaluated before consumption,” he said.
Darshan also called for a health campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with unregulated herbal products and promote the importance of consulting medical professionals.
Although he believes that many Malaysians believe that locally grown herbs used for generations are safe, this is misleading. “Some herbs, such as ketum leaf, have a high potential for abuse when misused. Excessive consumption can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms that disrupt daily life.”
He stressed that herbal remedies should be consumed individually and only under proper medical supervision to ensure safety.
Combining herbs with modern medicines and other herbal treatments without medical advice can result in side effects such as seizures and loss of consciousness.
Darshan expressed concern about herbal medicines being mixed and mixed with prescription drugs without professional guidance and 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 emphasized the importance of checking regulatory approvals, clear product labeling and information about ingredients and potential side effects.
“Products with incomplete labeling or missing registration details are red flags for potentially unsafe remedies,” he said.
Darshan acknowledged the strong cultural influence on the use of herbal medicine in Malaysia, where many communities rely on traditional practices to treat illnesses.
He highlighted the ingrained use of herbs in Asian societies, from traditional Chinese medicine to Malay remedies such as ULAM, Kacip Fatimah, Tongkat Ali, and Ayurvedic treatments in Indian communities.
Although these practices carry cultural significance, Darshan argued for a balance between tradition and scientific validation.
“There is potential for integrating herbal medicine into the modern healthcare system. Some private hospitals in Malaysia are already incorporating herbal remedies into their services and I think this trend will continue to grow.
“Science shows that herbal medicines can provide therapeutic benefits with fewer toxic effects compared to synthetic drugs. With Malaysia’s rich biodiversity, there is an opportunity to develop a robust herbal medicine industry.”
However, he said some people are overly dubious about the potential benefits and risks of herbal medicine, while others are misled into believing it is a quick fix.
“These assumptions reflect a lack of understanding of how herbal medicine works and the time it takes to show results. Nevertheless, the bottom line Use herbal medicines carefully and under medical supervision.”
