By Traditional Herbal and Drug Medicines
While there is some overlap between herbal and chemical medicines, the safety and effectiveness of herbs is a major concern. Some herbal products have toxic constituents or are carcinogenic, while others contain constituents that may harm the liver. Furthermore, the kinetic interactions between herbal products and drugs can result in adverse effects. Despite the risks associated with these interactions, herbal products are still an excellent choice for many patients.
Traditionally, herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years. The Devine Farmer’s Classic of Herbalism, compiled in China 2000 years ago, is the oldest herbal text in the world. Since then, herbal information has been gathered and incorporated into various herbal pharmacopeias. These pharmacopeias contain the most detailed information on the safety of herbal medicines.
The European Union Herbal Medicines Directive (EuHMP) is a law passed in 2004 that regulates medicinal products made from herbs. The law states that manufactured herbal products must be licensed as traditional herbal medicines. Hence, a licensed company that manufactures and sells herbal products must register the product as an effective and safe traditional herbal medicine. The directive has been a long time coming and has been welcomed by the public.
What is the Difference Between Traditional Herbal and Drug Medicines?
Herbal medicines that are licensed are generally considered ‘herbal medicines’, and are regulated as drugs. They carry a product license and must contain comprehensive information. This information is usually included on a leaflet inserted into the product package. Herbal products that do not have a license are considered ethnomedicine, but the use of such medicines has been approved in several European countries. It is important to note, however, that some herbal products can’t be marketed as official remedies in the EU, and are only used under the supervision of licensed physicians.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration does not distinguish between herbal and pharmaceutical drugs. The FDA requires both types of medicines to undergo rigorous pre-marketing demonstration of their safety and efficacy. In the USA, conventional medicines are marketed as food supplements, while herbal preparations are regulated as drugs. There is little scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of herbs, whereas conventional medicines have limited evidence to support their claims.
Herbal medicines are not only sold in chemists and health food stores, but they can also be prescribed by medical practitioners. In the UK, the registration of these medicines is called THMs. Herbal products may be registered, but in some developing countries, these medicines aren’t regulated. These substances are unregulated. A registered herbal medicine is deemed safe if it meets specific standards.