UK. The patient information leaflet for a traditional Chinese medicine named Nu Bao lists human placenta, deer antler (Corna cervi oantotrichum) and donkey skin (Colla cori astini) as the ingredients present in the capsules of the product. Although the information on the source of these ingredients is limited, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advices that all animal and human tissue derivatives carry a potential risk of infectious diseases due to the transmission of infective bacteria and viruses. The MHRA is therefore advising that consumers should not take this product. Current users should stop taking the product and should consult their doctor if they feel unwell. The MHRA has written to suppliers to cease marketing Nu Bao with immediate effect.

Reference:

Herbal Safety News, May 2004. Available from URL: http://medicines.mhra.gov.uk