Disclaimers and Disclosures

Medicine is an ever-changing art and science undergoing continual development. Research and clinical experience are constantly expanding our knowledge of proper treatment and therapy. The information contained in this book represents a compilation of authoritative scientific data. It is not an exhaustive listing of all possible uses, contraindications, adverse effects, interactions and other information. Insofar as this book mentions any use, dosage, contraindication, adverse effect, etc., readers may rest assured that the authors, editors, and publishers have consulted sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is thorough and in accordance with the state of knowledge at the time of production of the book.

Nevertheless, in view of the possibility of human error by the authors, editors, or publisher of this work, or changes in the state of knowledge, this work does not involve, imply, or express any guarantee or responsibility on the part of the authors, editors, or publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation of this work, that the information contained herein is, in every respect, accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from use of such information. In addition, this book is not intended as a guide to self-medication by consumers. Every user is encouraged to carefully confirm this information with other sources. For example, readers are advised to consult their healthcare practitioner and to check the product information sheet included in the package of each product they plan to use to be certain that the information contained in this publication is accurate and that changes have not been made in the recommended dose or in the contraindications for administration. This recommendation is of particular importance in connection with new or infrequently used herbal preparations.

Some of the product names, patents, and registered designs referred to in this book are, in fact, registered trademarks or proprietary names even though specific reference to this fact is not always made in the text. Therefore, the appearance of a name without designation as proprietary is not to be construed as a representation by the publisher that it is in the public domain.

As a nonprofit organization, ABC serves the public by providing education and information on herbs and phytomedicines. In order to provide these services, ABC draws upon a multitude of sources for financial and research support. By disclosing the underwriters of this project (see page xiii), the commercial affiliations of the authors (see page xv), and the affiliations of the reviewers (see page 394), ABC is disclosing any conflict of interest on behalf of the authors, editors, reviewers, staff, and Trustees of ABC. The potential self-interest of any underwriter has not influenced the contents of this publication. ABC would like to assure the reader that its primary concern is to provide reliable information and education for the general public.

Statements of Nonendorsement

The inclusion of information on proprietary products is not an endorsement by the American Botanical Council of these products or the companies that produce them. Product brand names are listed for studies conducted using these preparations in order to acknowledge that these are the specific proprietary preparations on which particular trials were conducted.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs was produced for educational purposes only; endorsement by Texas Medical Association of the use or efficacy of any treatments or methodologies included in this publication is not implied by their inclusion.

Author Disclosure of Commercial Affiliations

Texas Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing education for physicians.

Policies and standards of the FDA, the American Medical Association, and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education require that authors for continuing medical education activities disclose any significant financial interests, relationships, or affiliations they may have with commercial entities whose products, devices, or services may be discussed in their book. They must also disclose discussion of investigational or unlabeled uses of a product.

The authors have asked that we advise readers that by law dietary supplement uses are not listed on product labels. Each monograph will discuss uses and clinical studies conducted using herbs and herbal products.

The following authors have asked that we advise participants in this activity that they have an affiliation with the following organization(s).