In the European Union, traditional herbal medicines that are regarded as “acceptably safe, albeit not having a recognized level of efficacy” fit into a special category of drugs (“traditional herbal medicine products”) for which requirements of non-clinical and clinical studies are less rigorous. A regulation proposal published by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance (Anvisa) defines a si...

The search for analgesics with fewer side effects and less abuse potential has had limited success. A recent study identifies an analgesic alkaloid compound from Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has a surprising mechanism of action.

The recent study of the traditional medicines in China has given us confidence that what was recorded in Chinese ancient medical literature through empirical observations is indeed still coincident with modem chemistry, pharmacology and medicine. An antimalarial drug, artemether, and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A, are exemplified.

The hedonic placebo effect of traditional medicines All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieve system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Abstract To date, the scie...

The age-old traditional health care practices are still relevant and are followed by communities across the countries. India’s contribution remains exemplary in the growth of traditional health care systems. The present study reviews the strength of traditional health care systems and medicinal plants of India that has been contributing in health care not only from time immemorial but also make...

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in many oriental countries for thousands of years and played an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of diseases, especially the complicated and chronic ones. It is a very complex mixture containing hundreds or thousands of different components. Pharmacokinetic study on active constituents in TCM preparations is a good way fo...

Life without natural products is unimaginable. It has provided mankind with oxygen, water, fire, food, clothing, shelter and medicine. Its public health impact is considerably high, especially of traditional medicines and nature-based modern drugs. The traditional medicines, despite its limitations, are addressing the health needs of millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that about 65-8...