Scientific Inquiry into Herbal Claims in Traditional Medicine: Dissecting Deceptive Claims and Unraveling Active Compounds and Their Pharmacological Properties

¹ Pharmacist Professional Education Program, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Pekalongan, Indonesia
² Vocational Program in Nursing, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Pekalongan, Indonesia
³ Undergraduate Program in Pharmacy, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Pekalongan, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Biomedical and Clinical Pharmacy. Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila University, Jakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: nuniek_pkj@yahoo.co.id

Abstract

The scientific examination of herbal claims within traditional medicine is imperative in discerning genuine therapeutic benefits amidst a backdrop of falsification. This study endeavors to dissect deceptive claims associated with herbal remedies while concurrently unraveling the active compounds and their pharmacological properties. Traditional medicine, steeped in cultural heritage, often presents a wealth of herbal remedies purported to offer myriad health benefits. However, the proliferation of falsified or exaggerated claims poses a significant challenge, undermining the integrity of traditional medicinal knowledge. This research aims to elucidate the truth behind these claims. The study utilized a comprehensive database from the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), accessed on November 6, 2024, to identify and classify herbal products containing synthetic pharmaceutical compounds. The data revealed a concerning prevalence of synthetic drugs, including sildenafil, paracetamol, and dexamethasone, in herbal formulations. These compounds, misrepresented as natural ingredients, raise significant safety concerns, including improper dosages and adverse health risks. By analyzing therapeutic claims, associated hazards, and regulatory challenges, the findings underscore the need for enhanced consumer education, stringent regulatory enforcement, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to restore trust and ensure the safety and authenticity of herbal medicines.