For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used a variety of herbs and extracts as well as practices like massage and acupuncture, to treat a wide variety of health issues. And while TCM largely lacks Western research to prove its effectiveness, it still enjoys a wide following across the globe.

Previously, we've discussed the potential benefits of FAHF-2, one of very few Chinese herbal remedies that was actually cleared for human trails to test efficacy in curing allergies. Here, we are focusing more on OTC herbal supplements and how a recent study raises some serious questions about the efficacy, safety and even legality of some of these herbs.

In a piece recently published in the Genetics section of the Public Library of Science, highlights some potential problems with the ingredients found in many of these herbs. By deep sequencing the DNA found in Chinese herb samples, scientists found derivatives of endangered plants and animals as well as some linked to toxic plants and heavy metals.

Using this new methodology, researchers are able to trace the substances found in the herbs to their organic origins. Identified using this type of DNA sequencing were the Asiatic black bear and Saiga antelope (both endangered species) as well to the plant generas Ephedra and Asarum. Ephedra containing substances were banned in the United States since 2004, and some species of Asarum contain a known carcinogen.

While the testing was not meant to cast a negative light on Chinese herbs, what it did was highlight a few things. First, the source of some of these herbs is somewhat dubious. Given the increase in the TCM market over the last several years, the use of endangered species or toxic plants is troubling on several fronts.

Secondly, the study did highlight problems with labeling, mainly in the form of missing ingredients or misrepresented ingredients (something claiming to be pure Antelope but tested out to show the presence of goat and sheep DNA). Another important instance of this was in regards to undeclared tree nut derivatives in some samples. Both of these can have potentially severe allergic and even religious consequences.

Ultimately there is a long history of benefit with the use of Chinese herbs, but this recent study shows that there is great room for improvement when it comes to the regulating and ensuring the safety of Chinese herbs. So for many, allergy sufferers and non-allergy sufferers alike, their can be benefit to Chinese herbs, but take caution when using or purchasing.