Patterns and Trends in the Use of Herbal Products, Herbal Medicine and Herbal Medicinal Products

Abstract

Used as authorized medicines or dietary supplements herbal products gain a rising and high interest by patients as well as by health care professionals. In industrialized countries, 10-50 % of the population regularly uses herbal products. According to surveys, the main reason to use herbal products in these countries is the assumption of a better tolerability compared to synthetic drugs. Whereas in developing countries herbal medicines are mostly the only available and affordable treatment option. Surveys from industrialized countries reveal as main health areas in which herbal products are used upper airway diseases including cough and common cold; other leading causes are gastrointestinal, nervous and urinary complaints up to painful conditions such as rheumatic diseases, joint pain and stiffness. Risks associated with the use of a (herbal) medicinal product are assessed by health authorities during the approval procedure and is monitored during marketing by systematic continuous pharmacovigilance activities. This process favors authorized or registered herbal medicinal products.