Court’s Edict Bans Sales of Herbs as Cures

A Chinatown distributor was barred Tuesday under a court settlement from selling herbs and other products with claims that they can cure such diseases as cancer and diabetes or that they can restore sexual potence.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Bertrand D. Mouron signed a stipulated judgment under which SO’s (U.S.A.) Co. Inc. and its president, Hoa-Thich Minh, agreed to pay $21,612 in civil penalties and legal costs to settle a consumer protection suit.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office accused the company of violating the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by unlawful advertising, misbranding drugs it sold to drug stores and the sale of drugs not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the state Department of Health Services.

Claims for Products

The district attorney’s office said the items included Anti Cancerlin, a purported Chinese cancer remedy; Yunnan Paiyao, a supposed treatment for gunshot wounds, duodenal and gastric ulcers and sore throats, as well as Sea Horse Genital Tonic Pills.

The latter, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. James R. Hickey, contain antler, deer kidney, sea horse and tiger bone. It supposedly heightens virility and combats depression.

Hickey said some of the products may continue to be sold, as long as no illegal claims are made for them, but that other items--including some from China--are officially embargoed and may not be distributed under any circumstances.

The company was not immediately available for comment.