American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Ratings (AHPA ratings)
Class 1: Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately
Class 2: Herbs for which the following restrictions apply, unless otherwise directed by an expert qualified in the use of the described substance:
» 2a: For external use only
» 2b: Not to be used during pregnancy
» 2c: Not to be used while nursing
» 2d: Other specific use restrictions or contraindications; see text
Class 3: Herbs for which significant data exists to recommend the following labeling: To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use of this substance. Labeling must include proper dose information: dosage, contraindications, potential adverse effects and drug interactions, and any other relevant information related to the safe use of this substance.
Class 4: Herbs for which insufficient data are available for classification
footnotes
McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.