Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology |
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Review
- DOI:
- 10.1080/17512433.2016.1189326
- Received: 31 Mar 2016
- Accepted: 10 May 2016
- Accepted author version posted online: 12 May 2016
Published online: 12 May 2016
Abstract
Introduction:
Herbal medicines (HMs) have been well known to people of the European
Union (EU) and Russia for centuries. Currently, Western HMs can be
classified into two categories, plant-derived conventional medicines and
dietary supplements. Interest to HMs has grown rapidly in all countries
during the past two decades.
Areas covered:
The main goal of this review article is to present the history of HMs
in the EU and Russia, forms of modern HMs, including Oriental Medicines
that are popular among consumers of both countries. Additional
discussion points comprise safety and adulteration issues associated
with HMs, including regulatory changes and new legislative measures
undertaken by the authorities. Materials available from legislative and
governmental websites, PubMed and news media were used.
Expert Commentary:
Due to cultural diversities in the EU and Russia, traditional HMs of
other regions, particularly Chinese Traditional and Ayurvedic medicines,
are also popular. Recently, dietary supplements containing multiple
herbal and other natural products have flooded the EU and Russian
markets. Pharmacovigilance in these markets is challenging in terms of
establishing quality and safety of ingredients, determining efficacy,
and defining risks of herb-herb and herb-drug interactions. Both the EU
and Russia have introduced new legislation aimed to overcome these
deficiencies.
