Health fears for remedies

They have become incredibly popular as a cure for everything from depression to teenage spots. But a leading scientist today warned that many homeopathic remedies could be dangerous.

While stars such as Madonna, Elle Macpherson and Jerry Hall swear by natural remedies, Professor David Knight of Cardiff University is calling on the Government to examine the most popular cures, which are freely available here, to make sure they are safe.

Some treatments for stomach cramps and food poisoning contain arsenic, while skin inflammations are frequently treated with snake venom. Extract of the highly poisonous belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) is used to treat hot and cold flushes.

Professor Knight said: "These cures can be very dangerous, and are some of the most powerful toxins in the world." He also believes the marketing of natural remedies as the healthiest option may deter people from using prescription drugs with proven scientific benefits.

He added: "There's no difference in many cases between a natural and synthetic drug. But because we tell people they are synthetic, people tend to have a problem with them."

Professor Knight, who today presents his research at the BA Festival of Science in Manchester, believes only the Government will be willing to fund the research. "We know there are powerful active ingredients in these products, yet because they cannot be patented, drug companies won't pay. They are freely available to anyone and very potent. Something has to be done."

Homeopath Nigel Summerley, from the Whole Clinic in central London, said: "We do use some very dangerous drugs - arsenic and snake venom, for instance. But we are using them in minute quantities. I would agree that research needs to be done."

Professor Knight said: "I'm sure that when we cure cancer, the clues will probably come from the natural world. Nature is incredibly adept at producing things scientists can't even imagine. But nature is very powerful, and we need to take that into account.

"I'm not advocating that we pull all herbal remedies from the shelves, but that we study them more than we currently are."