Echinacea and truth in labeling.

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Abstract
SALES OF HERBS and phytomedicines in the United States have exploded in recent years. Americans spent $5.1 billion in 1997 on herbal medicines, nearly a 4-fold increase since 1990.1 Sales of Echinacea represent 10% of the total US market in herbal medicines.2 Most herbal products are used to treat minor conditions and illnesses in much the same manner as conventional Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved over-the-counter medicines. Herbal medicines are not subject to FDA evaluation and approval; however, there are no assurances as to whether an herbal medicine works, what portion of the herb has the effect, whether that portion is present in an herbal medicine in any measurable quantity, or that the label reflects the content.