In this article David Senchina tried to show “pitfalls” of herbal supplements that are used by athletes. While products’ sales in the USA in 2011 increased by 4.5% in comparison with previous year, many buyers do not take them according to instructions or know much about side effects. Senchina tried to say that the word “herbal” or “natural” is not a synonym for “safe” and people should take over the counter supplements seriously. He said not all of them are completely “herbal”. This category of supplements contains different products of botanical, bacterial or fungal origin. Author also mentioned that many studies do not count important factors like “chemical contents, botanical origin or agricultural provenance of the supplements” (Senchina, 2013, p. 2). Examples, provided by Senchina, demonstrated how products from popular herbs Echinacea and Ginseng can differ from each other and have side effects. The work of the team from Drake University showed that the effect on athletes’ bodies depended up the specie of the Echinacea. That is why there could be differences between similar products of different manufacturers or even batches from the same company. The study of ginseng supplements showed conflicting results. Researches did not find ergogenic benefits of products in athletes, but mentioned the herb has more severe side effects, than Echinacea.
Athletes use herbal supplements to improve their aerobic, anaerobic and strength’s performance, immune system or even as an alternative for anabolic. Many of them take these products like they want, without reading the instruction or counseling with doctor. There is no regulation for herbal supplements because of “United States the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, [which] allows most herbal supplements to be sold without FDA approval” (Senchina, 2013, p. 3). I think the situation should be changed and the organ should control these products like many other. There were cases when product’s contents did not meet the description. Regulation could help to avoid such situations and release counters from contaminated and potentially hazardous products.
There are other evidences herbal supplements are more serious products than people used to think. Medina’s article (n. d.) supports Senchina’s opinion. The work covers many questions like “anabolic” herbal supplements. Author wrote there is lack of evidences “muscle herbs” like tribulus or gamma oryzanol really help to increase strength. Human body can not use plant steroids to produce testosterone or other such compounds. On the other side, their intake can have severe side effects, including death. That is the other evidence there should be more complex regulation of herbal supplements. Testing should be funded by government or manufacturers who would pay fines or meet with other sanctions in case of products’ low quality.
I think Senchina’s article is a credible source of information on this topic. It was written by associate professor of medical microbiology and kinesiology with two B. A. degrees, which means author knew what he talked about. Senchina provided results of works organized by other universities and companies.
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Reference List
Senchina, D. (2013). Athletics and Herbal Supplements. American Scientist. Retrieved from http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/feature/2013/2/athletics-and-herbal-supplements/99999
Medina, J. (n. d.). Herbal Supplements & Sports Performance. Retrieved from http://www.jackmedina.com/articles/herbal_supplements.htm
