Traditions and Up-to-Date Trends in Production and Use of Phyto-pharmaceuticals in Hungary

Abstract

AbstractThe Hungarian Pharmacopoea (PhHg. VII.) describes 71 drugs, 16 different essential- and 8 fatty oils derived from medicinal and aromatic plants. Beside, in the regulation of Hung. Government (2002) 163 drugs, 43 essential oils and 13 fatty oils are allowed to be sold in pharmacies and herbal shops. Quality should conform with requirements of PhHg.VII, of Hung. National Standards, ISO standards in some cases of Ph.Eu or other European pharmacopoeias.The use of phyto-pharmaceuticals has been increasing for about 15 years. The official background of this kind of preparations is based on a Ministry Decree of 1987. Three different categories are distinguished. About a quarter (410) products belongs to category I., in which the registration procedure seems to be relatively easy; the majority of the products belongs to category II. where efficacy and safety have to be proved pharmacologically; and only 58 products are registered in category III., where the efficacy has to be proved by clinical investigat...