John M. Allen

John M. Allen argues in the following viewpoint that herbal supplements are potentially hazardous to human health. He contends that many herbs cause hepatitis and other liver problems, cataracts, and cancer. Moreover, according to Allen, herbal supplements are not subjected to the same rigorous tests as are pharmaceutical drugs, so consumers of herbal remedies risk ingesting inappropriate dosages or impure products. Allen maintains that consumers should be aware of the serious risks associated with herbal supplements. Allen is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How does the author define herbal medicines and dietary supplements"
2. According to Allen, what is an organic substance"
3. In the author’s opinion, how are users of herbal supplements acting as human guinea pigs"

Herbal medicines...