Chapter 64 - Seed to Patient in Clinically Proven Natural Medicines

Abstract

Because of their unique effects and relatively low side effects, herbal medicine has been gaining popularity all over the world. Due to the inherent variability of the constituents of herbal products, it is difficult to establish quality control parameters and batch-to-batch variation. In the absence of reference standard for identification, variability can start from the collection of raw materials and increase during storage and further processing. Generally, it is believed that the risk associated with herbal drugs is very low, but several reports on serious reactions indicate the need for the development of safety profiles and stringent quality control systems for authentication, isolation, and standardization of herbal medicine. Reliable and consistent quality is the basis of efficacy and safety of herbal medicinal products. Proper validation of herbs used in traditional medicine needs to be done for their promotion and development. In conclusion, to minimize variation in final botanical products, standardization of procedures should cover the entire field of study from cultivation of medicinal plant to its clinical application.