GROUP 1

Ethical
Considerations in
Herbal Medicine
19th October, 2023
 INTRODUCTION
Herbal medicine, deeply rooted in history and culture, continues to be a significant healthcare practice
globally. Our focus today is on the ethical considerations within herbal medicine research. Ethical conduct is
crucial in scientific research, safeguarding participants' rights and ensuring the integrity of pharmacognostic
studies. Let's explore the ethical principles vital to responsible and respectful herbal medicine research.

IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Ethical considerations are vital in herbal medicine research because they aid in protecting human subjects,
maintaining scientific validity, using animal subjects ethically, obtaining proper permissions and approval
from review boards, avoiding conflicts of interests which can compromise research objectivity, respecting
vulnerable populations like children or prisoners in research, obtaining informed consent, respecting
intellectual property, ensuring justice and inclusiveness and publishing responsibly. Also to be noted is that
there are principles of informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability guiding herbal medicine
research.
 KEY ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1 2 3
Informed Consent and Cultural Sensitivity and Biosafety, Conservation, and
Subject Selection Collaboration Scientific Validity
Informed consent ensures participants Cultural sensitivity guides research practices, Biosafety is crucial for handling
understand the study, while subject emphasizing collaboration with local biological materials, conservation
selection is carried out ethically, communities to respect and integrate preserves biodiversity, and scientific
respecting diversity and vulnerability. validity maintains rigorous research
traditional knowledge.
standards.
.
4 5 6
Placebo Use and Cultural Patient Privacy and Data Risk-Benefit Assessments and
Beliefs Security Vulnerability
Respect for cultural beliefs in placebo Safeguarding patient privacy and data Assessing risks and benefits ensures participant
use is essential for maintaining security protects sensitive health safety, considering vulnerability and
scientific rigor while honoring information, ensuring promoting ethical conduct in research.
local customs. confidentiality and trust.
 REGULATIONS AND CASE STUDIES

 Informed Consent  Cultural Sensitivity  Biosafety,

and Subject Selection and Collaboration Conservation, and
Scientific Validity
Laws: UNESCO Universal
Declaration on Cultural Laws: Convention on Biological
Laws: The Declaration of
Diversity Diversity, Nagoya Protocol
Helsinki, 45 CFR 46 (U.S.
Case Study: A study on Artemisia Case Study: Ginseng Harvesting in
Code of Federal Regulations)
annua in 2017 involved North America in 2004.This case
Case Study: In a study on
collaboration with Indigenous study explores the ethical issues
Echinacea purpurea in 2015,
tribes in Peru, respecting their related to the over-harvesting of
participants provided informed
cultural knowledge and wild ginseng, highlighting
consent, and subject selection
traditions, exemplifying concerns about conservation,
ensured diverse representation,
cultural sensitivity and sustainable practices, and the
adhering to ethical guidelines.
collaboration. impact of herbal medicine trade on
biodiversity.
 REGULATIONS AND CASE STUDIES
 Placebo Use and
Cultural Beliefs
Laws: World Medical
Association's Declaration of
Helsinki
Case Study: A study on Curcuma
longa in 2016, respecting
cultural beliefs, utilized
placebos ethically, maintaining
scientific rigor while honoring
local customs related to this
medicinal plant.
 Patient Privacy and
Data Security
Laws: Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Case Study: A study on Ginkgo
biloba in 2018 safeguarded
patient privacy and data
security, upholding
confidentiality and trust in
handling health information.
 Risk-Benefit
Assessments and
Vulnerability
Laws: ICH-GCP E6(R2- Good
Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP)
guideline
Case Study: In 2018, a U.S. study on
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's
Wort) for mild to moderate
depression conducted a thorough
risk-benefit assessment, finding its
mental health benefits justified its
use despite minor gastrointestinal
risks.
 Herbal Medicine Research should also entail:

Collaboration with Local Communities

Collaboration with local communities in herbal medicine research
fosters mutual respect, ensuring their traditional knowledge is valued, 1.
preserved, and ethically integrated into scientific endeavors .

Responsible Publication and Knowledge Sharing

Responsible publication and knowledge sharing in
2. herbal medicine research involve transparent
dissemination of findings, promoting scientific
integrity, and ensuring that accurate information
reaches the broader community, thus advancing the
field ethically and responsibly.

In closing, our journey through ethical considerations in herbal medicine research highlights the essence of respectful
collaboration, biodiversity preservation, and participant well-being. Upholding these principles not only shapes responsible
research but also preserves cultural heritage. Let's commit to these ethical foundations, ensuring a future where herbal
medicine thrives ethically and harmoniously, benefiting all. Thank you for your attention and dedication to ethical research
practices.
 REFERENCES
 Eisenberg, D. M., Davis, R. B., Ettner, S. L., et al. (1998). Trends in Alternative Medicine Use in the
United States, 1990-1997: Results of a Follow-up National Survey.
 World Health Organization. (2002). WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005.
Bodeker, G., & Ong, C. K. (2005). WHO Global Atlas of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative
Medicine.

 Tilburt, J. C., Kaptchuk, T. J. (2008). Herbal Medicine Research and Global Health: An Ethical Analysis.
Adams, J., Hollenberg, D., & Lui, C. W. (2009). Globalization of Chinese medicine and ethical issues in the
age of chronic diseases.
 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2022). Ethical and Safety
Considerations in Complementary Health Research.
 King, R., & Wellman, C. H. (2011). Cultural considerations in herbal medicine research: Indigenous
approaches to postpartum healthcare among the Yucatec Maya.
 https://claude.ai/chat/e0e5eaba-7923-4e04-b7c2-ebdcd158b209