In a perfect world everything stated on the label would be as found as described in the product. Even in an imperfect but adequately regulated world this would be so. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world, or even an adequately regulated one in the U.S. it would seem, when it comes to buying herbal products.

In a report by Dr. Edward J. Kennelly of the City University of New York published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, May 17, 2006, three of 11 products tested to determine ther ingredients did not contain any of the stated main ingredient. Instead, a different (though similar) herb was substituted.

The investigation focussed on products claiming to provide the medicinal herb black cohosh. This is a popular herb in Europe, North America and Australia for treating menopausal symptoms and some clinical trials have suggested it can help relieve hot flashes.

Kennelly found three of the products were made from a related Asian herb called actaea (Asian cohosh) and contained no black cohosh. Another product contained both Asian cohosh and black cohosh. There is no data to suggest that actaea has therapeutic value relating to menopausal symptoms as it appears not to be used for that purpose in Asia.

Whether the substitution or addition of a similar but cheaper herb was motivated by greed or represents a genuine case of mistaken identity or some other technical error, does not matter to consumers. Ultimately it means that people don't get what they paid for and may not derive the expected therapeutic benefits. It is important to use quality products obtained from suppliers who rigorously test and verify their ingredients.