The Mahdi Times The Mahdi Times, Issue #28, March 2015 | Page 37

that look at a whole herb
often show different
effects and the quantity of
whole herb needed to
produce a certain effect in
the body would be greater
than for an extract.
Are there any possible
problems or complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the
United States. Unlike
companies that produce
drugs (which must be tested
before being sold), the
companies that make
supplements are not
required to prove to the
Food and Drug
Administration that their
supplements are safe or
effective, as long as they
don't claim the supplements
can prevent, treat, or cure
any specific disease.
Some such products may
not contain the amount of
the herb or substance that
is on the label, and some
may include other
substances (contaminants).
Actual amounts per dose
may vary between brands
or even between different
batches of the same brand.

In 2007, the FDA wrote new
rules to improve the quality
of manufacturing for
dietary supplements and
the proper listing of
supplement ingredients. But
these rules do not address
the safety of the ingredients
or their effects on health.
Most such supplements
have not been tested to find
out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other
herbs and supplements.
Even though some reports
of interactions and harmful
effects may be published,
full studies of interactions
and effects are not often
available. Because of these
limitations, any
information on ill effects
and interactions below
should be considered
incomplete.
When used as a spice in
foods, turmeric is
considered safe. More
research is needed to
establish the safety of
turmeric when used in
herbal remedies. Little is
known about the potential
risks of taking the larger
amounts used to treat