The Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia wish to inform members that in December 2021 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) published a Notice of Final Decision that amygdalin remain in Schedule 10 of the current Poisons Standard and has no a lower limit allowance i.e. 0% amygdalin allowed. The implementation date was 1 February 2022.
Result of the final determination
- Amygdalin-containing herbs are not permitted in herbal medicine ingredients for either listed medicines or compounded medicines.
- Amygdalin-containing herbs remain classified as ‘Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use’.
What is amygdalin?
Amygdalin is a naturally occurring glycoside found in some plants, which can be hydrolysed in the gut to produce hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Amygdalin is found in some herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Herbal Medicine (WHM).
How does this affect practitioners?
- Practitioners are not able to supply (including sale or gift) amygdalin-containing herbs for therapeutic use.
- Herbs affected are primarily of the Prunus spp., such as Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) and Sour Cherry (Prunus serasus) and includes the extract form.
Failure to comply is considered an offence under Federal TGA and (or) State and Territory legislation. The decision does not relate to Food Standards, and as such, foods are exempt from the Poisons Standard.
As the peak body for naturopaths and herbalists, the NHAA is considering further action in relation to this issue. If you have any questions please call the office on 02 9797 2244 Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm AEDT, or email nhaa@nhaa.org.au
28.02.2022