Use Of Phytopharmaceuticals Research Articles

Patients with systemic sclerosis frequently use phytopharmaceuticals: a cross-sectional survey.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased. Phytotherapy, also known as herbal medicine, is one of the CAM therapies that involves using medicinal plants and plant-derived substances. This study aims to evaluate the use of phytopharmaceuticals and the factors associated with their use in patients with Systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our study is designed as a survey and consists of two parts with 32 questions. The first part gathers demographic data with 14 questions, and the second part assesses participants' knowledge about phytotherapy with 18 questions. The questionnaire was administered face-to-face to patients with SSc who consented to participate. One hundred participants completed the survey. Fifty-two (52%) participants had diffuse sclerosis. Raynaud's phenomenon affected 97 (97%) participants; 53 (53%) participants suffered from lung involvement, and 64 (64%) had musculoskeletal system involvement. A total of 55 (55%) participants had used phytopharmaceuticals after SSc diagnosis. Phytotherapy users and non-users had similar demographic and clinical characteristics in terms of age, gender, disease duration, type of SSc, organ involvement, and education level. Participants mostly used the following phytopharmaceuticals: 23 participants used Camellia sinensis (green tea), 16 used Hypericum perforatum, and 12 used Curcuma longa (curcumin). The most improved symptoms with phytopharmaceuticals were musculoskeletal system findings and skin thickness, as stated by participants. A significant portion of SSc patients used phytopharmaceuticals in their disease duration. Although patients stated that they benefited from phytopharmaceuticals, studies on the effectiveness of these treatments are insufficient.

Antimicrobial effects and phytochemical analysis of guava leaf extracts on selected microorganisms

The misuse of antimicrobial agents can lead to emergence of resistance to microbes which in turn can lead to the search for alternative therapy. The use of phytopharmaceuticals and herbal medicines have a positive impact and represents a promising alternative. Guava extract has been reported to have antimicrobial properties. However, the aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activities of methanol and ethanol extract of guava leave against some certain bacteria (Staphylococus aureus and Escherichia coli) and a fungus (Candida albicans). Qualitative phytochemical screening showed that phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides are all present in the leaf extract; phenols and tannins are moderately present while others are present in minute quantities. Out of the different concentrations use (50, 100, 200 and 250), The highest concentration which is 250mg/ml showed the highest zone of inhibition for both methanolic and ethanolic extracts against the isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations value for both S. aureus and E. coli are 200mg/ml and 250mg/ml respectively; while 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml are for Candida albicans.

Exploring the association between phytopharmaceutical use and antibiotic prescriptions in upper respiratory infections: results from a German cohort study evaluating the impact of naturopathy qualifications of general practitioners using routine data.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, exacerbated by inappropriate prescribing practices, particularly for upper respiratory infections that are predominantly viral. Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM), including the use of phytopharmaceuticals, offers a potential strategy to reduce antibiotic prescriptions. This study aimed to describe the impact of General Practitioners' (GPs) naturopathy (NP) qualifications and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions on the rate of antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections (RTI). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routine data from the CONTinuous morbidity registration Epidemiologic NeTwork (CONTENT), which includes over 200,000 patients across four federal states in Germany. The study included data from n = 36 GPs who recorded at least one ICD-10 diagnosis of RTI. Antibiotic and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions were identified and analyzed through mixed-effects logistic regression models to explore the influence of GPs' naturopathy qualifications and phytopharmaceutical use on antibiotic prescribing patterns. The study included 40,344 patients managed by 36 GPs. Prescriptions of phytopharmaceuticals significantly reduced the likelihood of antibiotic use (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.45-0.52). Additionally, holding a naturopathy qualification was associated with lower rates of antibiotic prescriptions (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.69-0.78). The interaction between naturopathy qualification and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions also showed a significant effect (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.27-1.62). Patient's year of birth influenced prescribing patterns indicating a reduction of antibiotic prescriptions for younger patients, while patients' gender did not reveal a significant effect. Prescriptions of phytopharmaceuticals were significantly associated with a decrease antibiotic prescriptions among GPs, especially when combined with naturopathy qualifications. Training in naturopathic approaches could enhance antibiotic stewardship efforts in primary care settings, suggesting that broader integration of CIM elements into medical training could be beneficial in mitigating antibiotic resistance.

Trends and Prospects of Nano-delivered Phytopharmaceuticals for disease of Public health importance: A Review

A significant amount of effective medicine can be found in phytochemicals thatare found in natural products or herb extracts. These natural drugs can be used in the treatment of public health diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malaria, HIV, COVID-19, gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. There are significant therapeutic limitations when phytomedicines are administered in conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms like powders,tablets, solutions, brews, and balms. These include low aqueous solubility, poor permeability, degradation, and instability. As a result, there is low production yield, poor absorption and bioavailability, poor potency and efficacy, and toxicity in the body. As a result, phytomedicines are not as effective as they could be. Polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, sterosomes, and metallic nanoparticles are novel drug delivery systems that circumvent the problems of conventional drug delivery systems. These nanocarriers can enhance phytomedicine's solubility, stability, and control, prolong the release of herbal medicine, and target specific sites within the body. As a result, herbal medicine can achieve maximum potency and efficacy with significantly fewer adverse effects. The use of phytopharmaceuticals as treatments for diseases that affect public health is extensively covered in this paper, as is the topic of nano-derived phytopharmaceuticals.

Use of Phytopharmaceuticals as an alternative in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions in adults

Introduction: The high population aging has brought a remarkable increase in Cardiovascular diseases, being these one of the main causes of morbimortality. Objective: To characterize the use of phytopharmaceuticals in cardiovascular diseases as a treatment alternative in adults of Consultorio 69 between 2021 and 2023 in Consolación del Sur. Methods: A prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe was 494 patients and the sample was 195, to whom a survey was applied that responded to the proposed objectives and met the inclusion criteria of informed consent (Annex 1) to participate in the study, to reside in the area and not to present physical or mental disability to cooperate in the collection of information. Results: the predominant age group was 60 to 69 years old (30.25), female sex (62.05), all of them suffer from arterial hypertension (100), most of them use medicines made from medicinal plants as an alternative treatment (89.23), the most frequently used phytotherapy is Linden (93. 84), decoction is the form of home preparation most frequently used by all patients (100), more than half of the sample uses it very frequently (65.64) and the acceptance to the consumption of this treatment modality is good in the vast majority of the studied population (84.10). Conclusions: to apply the educational strategy designed in the CMF 69 of Entronque de Herradura in the referred popular council and to the rest of the municipality

Optimizing the Use of Phytopharmaceuticals as a Therapeutic Approach for Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Vietnam

This research aims to optimize the utilization of phytopharmaceuticals as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia. The prevalence of diabetes is escalating globally, and T2DM is a significant health concern in Indonesia. Despite conventional treatments, many patients face challenges in managing their condition, necessitating alternative approaches. This study investigates the effectiveness and safety of incorporating phytopharmaceuticals into the management of T2DM. We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of specific plant-derived compounds on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and associated metabolic parameters. Additionally, the research will assess the cultural acceptance and feasibility of integrating phytopharmaceuticals into the existing healthcare framework. The findings from this research will contribute valuable insights into the potential role of phytopharmaceuticals in enhancing the therapeutic options for T2DM patients in Indonesia. The study also seeks to address the growing demand for sustainable and culturally relevant approaches to healthcare.

Lipids Fortified Nano Phytopharmaceuticals: A Breakthrough Approach in Delivering Bio-actives for Improved Therapeutic Efficacy.

Phytopharmaceuticals, derived from natural sources, manifest tremendous potential for therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, effective delivery of these bio-actives presents significant challenges. A breakthrough in fortifying phytopharmaceuticals within phosphatidylcholine is a promising remedy to overcome solubility, permeability, and other related drawbacks. This intrinsic lipid, which is obtained from both natural and synthetic sources, confers numerous benefits, encompassing heightened solubility, augmented bioavailability, and enhanced stability. The conjugation of phytopharmaceuticals with phosphatidylcholine enables improved dermal permeation, absorption, targeted distribution, and the possibility of synergistic results, eventually improving therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the use of phytopharmaceuticals enriched with phosphatidylcholine presents a promising route for overcoming the limitations imposed by conventional delivery techniques, encouraging more effective treatments. The review provides a thorough analysis of phosphatidylcholine- incorporated phytopharmaceuticals as nanomedicine with variables that significantly affect their therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the review elaborates on how phosphatidylcholine improves solubility, permeability, and tissue distribution and boosts the potential of phytopharmaceuticals. Further, the review underscores the significance of nano-formulation strategies, analytical methodologies, and forthcoming prospects to propel this field forward. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the potential inherent in this innovative approach while highlighting the importance of additional research endeavors and collaborative initiatives to unlock the therapeutic benefits of phosphatidylcholinefortified phytopharmaceuticals, enhancing patient well-being.

Changes in the Prescription of Antibiotics and Phytopharmaceuticals in Children Treated for Acute Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Pediatric Practices in Germany in 2013, 2018, and 2022.

Background: Little is known about the recent trends in antibiotic and phytopharmaceutical prescribing for acute upper (URIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) in children and adolescents. Therefore, this study investigated changes in the prescription of antibiotics and phytopharmaceuticals in children diagnosed with acute URIs and LRIs in pediatric practices in Germany in 2013, 2018, and 2022. Methods: The present retrospective study included children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with acute URIs or LRIs in one of 180 pediatric practices in 2013, 2018, and 2022. The URIs included nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis and tracheitis, and upper respiratory infections of multiple and unspecified sites, while the LRIs corresponded to bronchitis. The primary outcomes were the proportion of children being prescribed antibiotics and the proportion of those being prescribed phytopharmaceuticals. Results: A total of 120,894 children were diagnosed with acute URIs or LRIs in 2013 compared to 116,844 in 2018 and 127,821 in 2022. The prevalence of antibiotic prescription decreased for all diagnoses between 2013 and 2022. This decrease was statistically significant for both 2013-2018 and 2018-2022 for nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in the use of phytopharmaceuticals for all diagnoses between 2013 and 2018. The prevalence of phytopharmaceutical prescription decreased slightly between 2018 and 2022, but this decrease was generally not statistically significant. Conclusions: The prescription of antibiotics has decreased and that of phytopharmaceuticals has increased in children diagnosed with acute URIs and LRIs in Germany over the last decade. More data are needed to corroborate these findings in other settings.

Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium guajava Aqueous Extract against Sensitive and Resistant Bacterial Strains.

The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, along with environmental conditions, can lead to the emergence of resistant microorganisms. The use of phytopharmaceuticals and herbal medicines has a positive impact and represents a promising alternative. Psidium guajava extracts have been widely reported to have antimicrobial potential; however, studies reporting their activity against resistant bacterial strains are scarce. Because of the emerging resistance, the aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial capacity of the aqueous extract of guava leaves against wild-type and resistant bacterial strains. The aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of P. guajava was evaluated by HPLC for the content of total phenolics and tannins, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was analyzed by the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The results of the chemical analysis of the extracts showed total phenolics content of 17.02 ± 6.87 mg/g of dry extract, total tannin content of 14.09 ± 1.20 mg of tannic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, and moderate antioxidant capacity with an EC50 value of 140 µg/mL. Flavonoids are the major compounds (rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin), followed by phenolic acids. Disk diffusion test results showed the presence of inhibition halos for Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, sensitive and resistant; Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, sensitive and resistant; and Streptococcus spp., beta-hemolytic), while for Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, sensitive and resistant), there was no inhibition in the tested concentration range. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration was 6.8 mg/mL for all Gram-positive strains evaluated. The present study demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of P. guajava against sensitive and resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The better antimicrobial activity found in the present study compared with previously reported activity should be highlighted and may be related to the higher concentration of total phenolics present in the tested extract. Moreover, the content of tannins found suggests a species with high quality that produces tannins. These new findings suggest an innovative profile regarding therapeutic resources that can be adopted to combat resistant microbial strains.

Rheumatological patients' knowledge of, beliefs about, and practices in using phytotherapy: an exploratory study.

Phytotherapy has emerged as a new concept and has quickly and widely spread in recent years. Studies on phytopharmaceuticals in rheumatology practice are very limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the knowledge of, beliefs about, and practices of using phytotherapy in patients who use biologics due to rheumatological disease. In the first part of the questionnaire, there are 11 questions, including the demographic data of the person, and in the second part, there are 17 questions that aim to learn the level of knowledge about phytotherapy and the use of phytopharmaceuticals. The questionnaire was administered face-to-face to patients with rheumatology using biological therapy who gave consent to participate. A total of 100 patients who were followed up with biological therapy were included in the final analysis. Approximately half of participants (48%) received any phytopharmaceuticals during their biologic treatment. Camellia sinensis (green tea) and Tilia platyphyllos were the most preferred phytopharmaceuticals. Gender, age, smoking, duration of disease, and duration of biologic treatment were not found to be associated with the use of phytopharmaceuticals. Of the 100 participants, 69% had information about phytotherapy, and the primary sources of information about phytotherapy were television and social media. Rheumatological diseases cause chronic pain, multiple drug use, and a decrease in quality of life, so the search for alternative treatment methods is frequent in these patients. Studies with a high level of evidence are necessary for healthcare professionals to inform their patients about this topic.

Phytotherapy in Integrative Oncology-An Update of Promising Treatment Options.

Modern phytotherapy is part of today’s conventional evidence-based medicine and the use of phytopharmaceuticals in integrative oncology is becoming increasingly popular. Approximately 40% of users of such phytopharmaceuticals are tumour patients. The present review provides an overview of the most important plants and nature-based compounds used in integrative oncology and illustrates their pharmacological potential in preclinical and clinical settings. A selection of promising anti-tumour plants and ingredients was made on the basis of scientific evidence and therapeutic practical relevance and included Boswellia, gingko, ginseng, ginger, and curcumin. In addition to these nominees, there is a large number of other interesting plants and plant ingredients that can be considered for the treatment of cancer diseases or for the treatment of tumour or tumour therapy-associated symptoms. Side effects and interactions are included in the discussion. However, with the regular and intended use of phytopharmaceuticals, the occurrence of adverse side effects is rather rare. Overall, the use of defined phytopharmaceuticals is recommended in the context of a rational integrative oncology approach.

Association between ivy leaves dry extract EA 575 prescriptions and antibiotic use, sick leave duration, and repeated infections in adult patients

ABSTRACT Objectives The present study aimed to analyze the association between the prescription of ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 (licensed under the trade name Prospan® in Germany) and the incidence of antibiotic use, incident bacterial complications, and days of sick leave in adult patients with cold diseases. Methods This retrospective cohort study was based on the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database and included adult patients from 1032 general practices in Germany with a documentation of common cold between 2017 and 2020 (index date) and prescription of either EA 575 or an antibiotic drug within 3 days after index date. 1:1 propensity score matching based on age, sex, index month, physician, health insurance status, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was carried out. Univariable regression models were used to investigate the association between EA 575 prescription and defined outcomes. Results Data of 7034 patients treated with EA 575 and 7034 matched patients receiving an antibiotic were available. EA 575 prescription was associated with significantly lower odds of an antibiotic prescription in the time periods of 4–30 days (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72–0.96) and 31–365 days (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.40–0.48) after the index date. EA 575 prescription was significantly associated with a lower rate of sick leave of more than 7 days (33.0% vs. 37.7%, OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73–0.90) in patients with any sick leave, as well as with lower odds of a new cough diagnosis (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85–0.98) when compared to antibiotic prescription. Conclusion Our study provides further evidence that the use of phytopharmaceuticals, in particular ivy leaf dry extract EA 575, could contribute to a reduction in the number of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infection with cough symptoms.

Aldose reductase inhibitors: 2013-present

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Aldose reductase (ALR2) is both the key enzyme of the polyol pathway, whose activation under hyperglycemic conditions leads to the development of chronic diabetic complications, and the crucial promoter of inflammatory and cytotoxic conditions, even under a normoglycemic status. Accordingly, it represents an excellent drug target and a huge effort is being done to disclose novel compounds able to inhibit it.Areas covered: This literature survey summarizes patents and patent applications published over the last 5 years and filed for natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic ALR2 inhibitors. Compounds described have been discussed and analyzed from both chemical and functional angles.Expert opinion: Several ALR2 inhibitors with a promising pre-clinical ability to address diabetic complications and inflammatory diseases are being developed during the observed timeframe. Natural compounds and plant extracts are the prevalent ones, thus confirming the use of phytopharmaceuticals as an increasingly pursued therapeutic trend also in the ALR2 inhibitors field. Intriguing hints may be taken from synthetic derivatives, the most significant ones being represented by the differential inhibitors ARDIs. Differently from classical ARIs, these compounds should fire up the therapeutic efficacy of the class while minimizing its side effects, thus overcoming the existing limits of this kind of inhibitors.

The training of medical students in the field of phytotherapy

Now in its eigth year at the Medical University - Varna run elective course in the teaching discipline of Phytotherapy. Together with the study of medicinal plants and essential phytopreparations, during the course were monitored interests and attitudes of participants towards phytotherapy as a whole, and to individual phytotherapeutic methods and fields. At the end of each course in 2003 - 2011, a questionnaires were filled from the students-participants. Questionnaires and collected data are processed. According to them, average 94% of participants demonstrated considerable interest in the topics, and an average of 98% of the students wish to use phytopreparations in their future practice. Despite still tentative attitude of the Bulgarian phytotherapy for clinicians, medical students demonstrate a specific interest in the area of phytotherapy and willing to update their knowledge on it in the future. Given the increasing use of phytopharmaceuticals and phyto-supplements in the world is glad, that the future doctors have a very constructive attitude towards them. We believe it would be reasonable and practical to include some phytotherapeutic topics in the regular training in pharmacology. SSM, 2012;44(1):47-50

The Antimicrobial Activity of Thyme Essential Oil Against Multidrug Resistant Clinical Bacterial Strains

The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil against clinical multidrug resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Pseudomonas genus. The antibacterial activity of oil was tested against standard strains of bacteria and 120 clinical strains isolated from patients with infections of the oral cavity, abdominal cavity, respiratory and genitourinary tracts, skin, and from the hospital environment. Agar diffusion was used to determine the microbial growth inhibition of bacterial growth at various concentrations of oil from Thymus vulgaris. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics was carried out using disk diffusion. Thyme essential oil strongly inhibited the growth of the clinical strains of bacteria tested. The use of phytopharmaceuticals based on an investigated essential oil from thyme in the prevention and treatment of various human infections may be reasonable.

New perspectives for synergy research with the “omic”-technologies

Synergistic effects, understood as true overadditive effects, are often observed in experimental and clinical studies using phytopharmaceuticals. The introduction of the "omic"-technologies is now opening new perspectives in rationalizing these effects and making use of them in the development of a new generation of phytopharmaceuticals. This review describes possible mechanism of synergistic actions of herbal drugs by mono- and multitargeting and by the activation of signal cascades. It examines the possibilities of the standardization of single and multi component plant extracts and the prediction and assessment of the toxicity and safety of plant extracts with the support of the "omic"-technologies. It further discusses the use of phytopharmaceuticals in the context of an "individualized medicine". It makes proposals how to use the "omic"-technologies to rationalize and develop combination therapies of phytopharmaceuticals and synthetic drugs to minimize adverse reactions (ARs) or improve the therapeutic efficacy. Examples of clinical studies are given which explore already the potential of such co-medications. Modern medical therapy has acknowledged for quite some time the usefulness of combination therapies in the treatment of multifactorial diseases like cancer, cardiovascular or rheumatic diseases. The term "synergy" is rarely used in this context, the combinatory mechanisms of actions seldom completely understood and the potentially occurring adverse reactions feared. A systematic exploitation of synergy effects of phytomedical interventions alone or in combination with synthetic drugs should lead in a long term perspective to the discovery and development of more rational evidence-based interventions in the prevention and therapy of multifactorial diseases and should thereby enrich modern pharmacotherapy.

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

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...

Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common disorders in aging men. Despite the great clinical importance, many aspects of their aetiology remain uncertain although it is generally accepted that advanced age and testicular androgens are important requirements for the development of these complaints. The currently available therapeutic options include watchful waiting, changes of life style, medical treatments and invasive therapies. In many European countries the use of phytopharmaceuticals for the management of BPH and related LUTS is common and these products represent up to 80 % of all drugs prescribed for this disorder. In particularly, extracts from the fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata, syn. Serenoa repens) and the roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are popular. During the last years numerous papers have been published which elaborated on the pharmacological activities and the clinical assessment of these herbal remedies. These investigations have not only broadened the scientific basis for the rational use of phytotherapeutics but have also provided evidence for their therapeutic efficacy and favourable safety profile.

Biosynthesis and Medical Applications of Rosmarinic Acid

ABSTRACT Plant phenolics are a significant group of secondary metabolites which have diverse medicinal applications. Among various phenolics, rosmarinic acid is an important caffeoyl ester with proven medicinal properties and well-characterized physiological functions. Rosmarinic acid is found in substantial quantities in the family Lamiaceae with medicinal uses in several cultures. The major problem in the use of phytopharmaceuticals from the family Lamiaceae is the plant-to-plant variability of specific metabolites like rosmarinic acid. This is due to genetic heterogeneity, which results from cross-pollination common to all species in this family. Genetically uniform shoot-based clonal lines of several species in the family Lamiaceae have been isolated using tissue culture approaches. These genetically uniform clones can be used to breed elite varieties which target enhancement of specific metabolites. Such clonal lines are also useful for biochemical pathway characterization to provide genetic access to specific metabolites of value in medicine. Currently, genetically uniform clonal fines of oregano and thyme are being used to analyze the potential role of proline-linked pentose phosphate pathway in regulating rosmarinic acid biosynthesis. Characterization of this pathway will help to identify key regulatory genes involved in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis.

What are the possibilities and limits of therapy with European native drugs in modern clinical medicine?

Concerning therapy with European native drugs in modern clinical medicine, a clear distinction has to be made between its possibilities and limits on a scientific basis and its possibilities and limits according to the present position of phytotherapy in the different countries of the European Community. On a scientific basis phytopharmaceuticals are used for therapy in a variety of diseases in the clinic as well as in medical practice. The clinical use of phytopharmaceuticals is limited by the kind of acute and severe diseases predominantly treated in the hospital. These diseases require immediate measures with strong acting pharmaceuticals. In the practice of the general practitioner indications for phytopharmaceuticals in principle are the same as in the hospital. The relatively more frequent use of phytopharmaceuticals by the practitioner is related to the fact that he is mainly concerned with mild health disturbances and diseases and chronic sufferings which are destined for treatment with herbal medicines.