Re: folk cures

> The use of herbal medicines and supplements appears to be incredibly widespread and increased among patients with chronic health conditions. There is a significant signal for caution and critical need for increased regulation of this $35-billion-dollar-a-year industry.

> In 2018, the FDA reported finding active pharmaceuticals in hundreds of dietary supplements from hundreds of suppliers, most notably those sold for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building.  In addition to the dangers of unknown active pharmaceuticals, consumers must also be aware that supplements may contain nothing of value. In 2015, the New York Attorney General accused several major retailers of selling herbal supplements that were found after DNA bar code testing to contain unlisted fillers including rice and beans and, in many cases, none of the labeled herbs.

> Unregulated herbal and traditional remedies are major contributors to drug-toxic acute kidney injury in many regions of the world. Nephrologists must be aware of the potential for toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity from herbal remedies and supplements. The greatest risk may be from the well-known toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury which have been noted to accumulate in a large number of medicinal plants.

Charen, E., & Harbord, N. (2020). Toxicity of herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Advances in chronic kidney disease, 27(1), 67-71.

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