Many Malaysians are victims of quackery due to ignorance and not always being sufficiently critical with regard to quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. The quality of herbal medicines has been more closely associated with claims made via labels and advertisements and attractive packaging. People can easily mislead by deceptive claims of herbal products especially individuals who have serious or chronic diseases that make them feel desperate enough to try anything that offers hope. It is especially disappointing when the popular local media, promotional literature and talk shows by individuals promote quackery involving some herbal products.

Misleading advertisements on herbal products often has left the consumers with the perception that the authority condones the improper use of herbal products. There is a law prohibiting the promotion of traditional medicines for the treatment of some serious medical conditions. However, many herbal products with multiple health claims on their labels - including those for the serious ailments - are easily available in the market and some are even sold in pharmacies. There is also an increased trend of incorporating herbal therapy into modern medical practice by many mainstream health professionals. However, most of these health care professionals are not trained or are not experts in herbal medicine.

Any claims that are made about herbal product safety or efficacy should be referred to scientific literature that can substantiate these claims. Health care practitioners should not set ethical principles aside and knowingly promote herbal products which are a quackery. It is important for health care professionals to be trained in traditional herbal medicine so that they can educate the public on the benefits, quality, safety and proper use of herbal products.

Pharmacists, too, are in an ideal position to advise patients on herbal products. There are an increasing number of patients coming to pharmacies and clinics seeking information on herbal remedies. But health care professionals must exercise care when advising patients if they have not been trained in herbal medicine. They need to be trained and educated on all aspects of herbal medicine which include knowledge on the chemical constituents, indications, dosage, dose form, pharmacology, clinical-controlled trials, possible side effects and contraindications.

They should always be updated with new scientific information on herbal products as they are expected to answer questions and refute or substantiate claims made by various products. There is a need to include education on the benefits and safety and quality of herbal medicine as well as in pharmacy curriculum in the local universities. Education on herbal medicine could also be a major component of pharmacognosy which is generally a core subject in many pharmacy programmes or be taught as a subject on its own.