The European Commission recently changed the novel food status of rhizome and alcohol extract of Pinellia ternata to not novel in food supplements in the novel food catalogue.[1]
In Belgium, the plant is still mentioned on the list of dangerous plants that cannot be used as such or in foodstuffs and is therefore prohibited a priori. It can be authorized only after requesting a derogation to this prohibition, and a positive evaluation by the Advisory Commission for Plant Preparations. This can be done by demonstrating that the preparation is carried out fully in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Pinellia ternata rhizome (‘Ban Xia’) is typically soaked or prepared with ginger juice or combinations such as alum and ginger solution, then dried and used in decoctions or powders. This botanical is traditionally used for respiratory conditions involving phlegm and cough, digestive ailments including nausea and bloating.[2]
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/novel-food-catalogue/search
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874122007358
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