Herbal sleep aids often of low qualit
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-18 09:52
NEW YORK - Many valerian-containing herbal sleep supplements do not contain
as much of the key ingredient as needed to be effective or as much as the
manufacturer claims, according to a ConsumerLab.com report on the topic. And
some tested supplements were contaminated with cadmium or lead.
Valerian, a popular herb used as a sedative and calming agent, "can help
people with sleep problems," Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com
said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, many marketed supplements don't match up to products that
have been shown to work," he added.
Experts may not know the specific chemical components of the herb that make
it effective, but valerenic acids have been previously associated with good
quality valerian, according to the ConsumerLab report.
ConsumerLab.com determined the quality and quantity of valerian contained in
many of the products available today.
Only four of 14 herbal supplements tested provided the amount of valerenic
acids shown to be clinically effective, according to the ConsumerLab.com report.
Among the 10 products that failed testing, two supplements were contaminated
with cadmium, which is known to cause cancer and is toxic to the kidneys.
Eight others did not contain as much valerian as expected. Further, one of
these eight supplements was also contaminated with lead, which can impair brain
function and may have an affect on blood pressure as well.
Cooperman's advice: "If you use valerian, choosing a product that passed
ConsumerLab.com's testing should improve your odds of it being effective and
free of contaminants."
Complete results on the valerian products tested by ConsumerLab.com can be
found at www.consumerlab.com/results/valerian.asp.
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