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Finally, standardization of chromatographic fingerprints used as diagnostic reference is inherently difficult and there are no universally accepted industry standards. Secondly, HPLC test results are sensitive to variations in the manufacturing process (e.g., production methods), type of plant tissue used and even the geographic origin of plants. Firstly, it requires chemical references which are often expensive or unavailable for many biologically active components.
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Analyses are done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which, despite its wide acceptance, has a number of limitations. Established industry standards for quality control are usually designed to detect harmful contaminants (e.g., arsenic) and to authenticate the presence of known biologically active (medicinal) components in the final product. Regulations concerning the composition of herbal remedies and allowable claims about their medicinal properties vary among countries. The global annual market for herbal remedies, estimated at $83 billion, is becoming increasingly lucrative, while remaining less regulated, compared to pharmaceutical products.
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The latter are usually defined as products of plant origin, claimed to possess healing, rejuvenation properties or other positive health effects. Also known as nutraceuticals, they encompass a broad range of categories, from vitamins, minerals, and supplements to probiotics and herbal remedies. Natural Health Products (NHP’s) are naturally-derived compounds used in naturopathic, homeopathic and traditional (e.g., Chinese) medicines.