JULY 15, 2012 DATE

NR # 2801B
REF. NO.

House urged to probe the manufacturing of herbal medicines

A lawmaker has called for a congressional probe on reports that certain herbal medicines distributed in the market are not properly handled and dangerous to consumers health. In filing House Resolution 2416, Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (4th District, Manila) said there is a serious need to look into these reports to guarantee the safety of the products and likewise ensure that these are free from contamination. Bonoan-David urged the House Committees on Trade and Industry, Health and the Quality Affordable Medicines Oversight Committee to look into this matter to safeguard the buying public. There have been reports circulating that certain herbal medicines like herbal cough syrups were found to contain bacteria beyond the safety standards set by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which can be harmful to the body if ingested, Bonoan-David said. Bonoan-David said that ingestion of high levels of aerobic bacteria cause a number of potential adverse effects, ranging from an upset stomach to more serious symptoms such as fever and gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which in severe cases, could lead to life-threatening dehydration. Bonoan-David cited Sec. 15, Article II of the Constitution which declares that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Bonoan-David likewise cited Sec. 12, Article XIII which affirms that the State shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system and undertake appropriate health, manpower development and research responsive to the countrys health needs and problems. Bonoan-David said Republic Act 8423 otherwise known as the Traditional Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA Act) was passed on December 7, 1977 in response to the peoples need for a proven safe and effective traditional and alternative health care products, services and technologies. The growth of the herbal medicine industry has since grown significantly since the passage of RA 8423 in 1977 and successfully penetrated the markets and are being sold in drugstores and supermarkets and are even advertised on radio and television, BonoanDavid said.

JULY 15, 2012 DATE

NR # 2801B
REF. NO.

Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) embraced the medicinal value of herbal plants by approving 10 medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicine in the Philippines due to its beneficial effects, Bonoan-David said. Bonoan-David said among these medicinal plants recognized by the DOH are Akapulko (Cassia Alata) to treat insect bites; Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) for diabetes, Bawang (Allium Sativum) for infections; Bayabas (Osidium Guajava) for cough; Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) for cough, colds and fever; Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis Indical.) for intestinal parasites; Sambong (Blumea Balsamiferia) for kidney stones; Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia Microphylla Lam.) for eczema; Ulasimang Bato I Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia Pellucid a) for gout and Yerba Buena (Clinopodium Douglasii) for rheumatism. (30) lvc