HSA Advisory on Lianhua Qingwen Products for Prevention or Treatment of COVID-19
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is aware of claims circulating on social media and in Telegram chat groups that Lianhua Qingwen (连花清瘟) products can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.
2 Some Lianhua Qingwen products are listed as Chinese proprietary medicines (CPMs) in Singapore for the relief of cold and flu symptoms. HSA approved them based on the documented uses of the ingredients present in the products. They are not approved by HSA to treat or alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, and such claims are disallowed.
3 To date, there is no scientific evidence from randomised clinical trials to show that any herbal product, including Lianhua Qingwen products, can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.
4 All herbal products formulated for common cold and flu, including CPM, should only be used to manage symptoms such as headache, runny or blocked nose, sore throat and cough. We strongly advise members of the public not to fall prey to unsubstantiated claims or spread unfounded rumours that herbal products can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.
5 HSA requires any product that claims to treat COVID-19, to have scientific evidence from controlled clinical studies to substantiate that such a product is safe and effective against COVID-19. Such a product must first be submitted to HSA to assess the scientific evidence and be registered before it can be supplied locally.
6 Dealers and sellers are reminded not to make any false or misleading claims that the products they are selling can prevent, protect against or treat diseases such as COVID-19. Dealers and sellers who make such false or misleading claims in their marketing can be prosecuted and imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $5,000.
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
17 NOVEMBER 2021
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Consumer, Healthcare professional, Industry member, Chinese Proprietary Medicines
Published:
HSA Updates