In a press release signed by acting PMPB registrar Mphatso Kawaye says dealers in herbal products are also urged to consult PMPB for vetting of advertisement materials before releasing them to the general public. It further states that noncompliance to these requirements is an offence under Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Act of 1988 (Section 52 and 58) and shall lead to disciplinary action and/or subsequent closure of business.

“Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board – PMPB has noted with concern regarding advertisements in various print and electronic media aimed at promoting herbal products using unsubstantiated health claims,” reads the statement in part.

The statement adds that some of these misguided claims include their ability to treat, heal, cure or prevent various body diseases/ailments such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and many other conditions.

“We wish to advise the general public that these claims are unfounded and misleading. None of these claims are supported by scientific evidence nor proven to have any clinical benefit. The PMPB recognizes these herbal products as dietary and nutritional supplements with no medicinal effect and therefore their use should not replace medicines prescribed by trained and certified health practitioners,” adds the press release.

The press release statement also says people with chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer are strongly advised not to stop taking their prescribed medicines in preference to herbal products.

“Meanwhile, all unvetted promotional materials for herbal products should be submitted to PMPB for review and will be released to the public upon approval by the Pharmacy Committee of the Board,” says Kawaye in a statement.