Almost eight in 10 Irish consumers believe it is important that traditional herbal medicines are regulated, a new survey indicates.

According to the survey, which was carried out on behalf of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), 77% of people feel regulation is important, while 80% believe it is necessary to inform their doctor when taking a herbal medicine.

The findings were released in advance of a new regulatory system for traditional herbal medicines, which is due to come into effect across all EU member states from May 1.

From that date, all herbal medicinal products on the Irish market will need to have a certificate of traditional use registration. Companies have had seven years notice of the Directive coming into effect.

"In recent years there has been a substantial rise in the use of herbal medicines and an increase in evidence and understanding that side-effects and interactions between herbal and other medicines can occur. The EU Directive was adopted to provide for a regulatory framework for these products to ensure consumer protection," explained IMB chief executive, Pat O'Mahony.

He emphasised that as with any other medicine, herbal medicines should be used with care.

"Any company wishing to place its product on the market can contact the IMB for advice and guidance on the application system," he said.

The survey sought the views and opinions of 1,000 Irish adults on the safety and usage of traditional herbal medicines.

It showed that 62% of people think that herbal medicines should be required to meet the same safety and quality standards as other medicines and this figure rose to 73% of consumers who actually purchase and/or use herbal medicines.

Some 67% of respondents believed there that there was a risk of herbal medicines interacting with other types of medicines. Just 2% of the population felt there were no risks associated with their use.