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NISCAIR ONLINE PERIODICALS REPOSITORY (NOPR) >
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Research Journals >
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR)
[Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)] >
NPR Vol.8 [2009] >
NPR Vol.8(1) [January-February 2009] >
| Title: | Phytotherapy–Safety aspects |
| Authors: | Shirwaikar, Annie
Verma, Renu
Lobo, Richard
Shirwaikar, Arun |
| Keywords: | Herbs
Phytotherapy
Herbal safety
Toxic constituents |
| Issue Date: | Feb-2009 |
| Publisher: | CSIR |
| IPC Code: | Int. cl.8— A61K 36/00 |
| Abstract: | Plants have been used since ancient times as medicines for the treatment of a range of
diseases. In spite of the great advances observed in modern medicine in recent decades, plants still
make an important contribution to health care. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), because of poverty and lack of access to modern medicine, about 65-80% of the world’s
population that are living in developing countries depend essentially on plants for primary health
care. Phytotherapeutic agents are herbal preparations consisting of complex mixtures of one or
more plants which contain active ingredients, plant parts or plant material in the crude or processed
state. The data existing for most plants to guarantee their quality, efficacy and safety is insufficient.
The concept that herbal drugs are safe and free from side effects is not always. Plants contain
hundreds of constituents, some of which are very toxic namely the most cytotoxic anti-cancer
plant-derived drugs is pyrrolizidine alkaloids, etc. However, the adverse effects of phytotherapeutic
agents are less as compared with synthetic drugs. Several regulatory models for herbal medicines
are currently available including prescription drugs, over-the-counter substances, traditional
medicines and dietary supplements. Harmonization and improvement in the processes of regulation
is needed for safety aspects related to phytotherapy. |
| Page(s): | 55-63 |
| ISSN: | 0972-592X |
| Source: | NPR Vol.8(1) [January-February 2009]
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