The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), in collaboration with United Plant Savers (UPS), research botanist Kelly Kindscher and other acknowledged experts, are in the process of developing an AHP Monograph and Therapeutic Compendium for the North American native botanical osha (Ligusticum porteri).

A historically important and environmentally sensitive plant, osha has been one of the most neglected in terms of research without any known monograph. According to the AHP, as with all their monographs, a suite of scientifically valid identification tests will be provided, which is critical as adulteration with potentially deadly species from the Apiaceae family can occur.

The use of osha as a dietary supplement is trending upwards, a delicate balance must be struck between commercial use and conservation.

Roy Upton, president, AHP, said the organization is “hoping the monograph, which will address identification, adulteration, and sustainable harvesting practices, along with formal population studies, will help strike an appropriate balance between its use and availability so we may approach the use of this plant safely and very consciously.”

The genesis of the monograph arose from prior studies partially funded by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) ERB Foundation and the United States Forestry Service. “We hope this will underscore the importance of this monograph to other industry members and encourage further financial support for this important work,” said Upton.

For more information, visit www.herbal-ahp.org.