The federal government is stepping up research into the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter supplements known as botanicals, including St. John’s wort, elderberry, soy and plant oils, according to today’s Informed Patient column.
The National Institutes of Health is funding five dietary supplement research centers to the tune of more than $37 million for the next five years, primarily through its National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. That will build on a research program that has awarded more than $250 million in related grants over the last decade. Though the center has been criticized for wasting federal funds on dubious research, scientists delving into botanicals say there is enough evidence of potential health benefits to warrant further study.
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Original content Bob DeMarco, Look Beyond the Obvious
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