[Herbs on the Internet: risky information].
We analyzed Internet information about herbal products and dietary supplements regulated by Ministry of Public Health. We screened 522 Italian web sites and we found information about toxic risks on Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), Red yeast fermented rice (Monascus ruber), Borage (Borago officinalis) and Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) respectively in: 63%, 47%, 3% and 22% of the web sites. It is also possible the on-line purchase. Results show that in Internet there are not correct instructions about risks of herbal products.
Firenzuoli
Fabio
F
Unità Operativa Centro di Medicina Naturale, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Azienda Usl 11, Empoli. f.firenzuoli@usl11.toscana.it
Gori
Luigi
L
Di Simone
Luisa
L
Morsuillo
Maria
M
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001688:Biological Products / Q000009:adverse effects; D029683:Borago / Q000009:adverse effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects*; D031367:Teucrium / Q000009:adverse effects; D031207:Tussilago / Q000009:adverse effects
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D028321:Plant Preparations; C117343:red yeast rice