The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has announced that five updated entries have been posted to the online reference source, the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook 2nd Ed.

According to Jane Wilson, director of program development, AHPA, “The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook is just one of the many educational resources available to both AHPA members and non-members. This reference book is an essential tool for anyone who manufactures, recommends, or uses herbal products, from formulators to marketers to health care practitioners.”

With safety information on more than 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts, the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook is a highly respected, must-have resource. An Expert Advisory Council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States reviews all entries before they are published.

The following entries have been updated:

• Crocus sativus (saffron) – A September 2020 review identified numerous clinical trials, case reports, pharmacology studies and toxicity studies.
• Vaccinium spp. (cranberry) – A November 2020 review identified additional drug interaction and clinical trial information.
• Vaccinium spp. (blueberry fruit) – A January 2021 review identified clinical trial and case reports relevant to this botanical.
• Vaccinium spp. (blueberry leaf) – A December 2020 review changed the safety class from 2d to 1, based on review of new studies and re-evaluation of human chronic exposure concerns.
• Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) – A July 2020 review identified a clinical trial of vincamine and references for potential side effects.

AHPA’s Amber Bennett, vice president, marketing & engagement, said, “With the 9th AHPA Botanical Congress coming up on May 24, we view the AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook as the perfect companion to this virtual event which focuses on business, regulatory and the human element of botanicals. Therefore, we’re offering the industry and other interested parties a limited-time, value-added promotion to save money on both educational resources.

For more information, visit www.ahpa.org.