Standardization of Herbals: an Introduction

In the last decade a global upsurge is seen in the use of traditional / herbal medicines (THM), in both developing and developed countries. International trade THM has enormously increased and it is playing an important role in health care and health sector reform globally. For this reason safety, efficacy and quality of herbal medicines have become important concerns for both the health authorities and the public. Unfortunately there is a lack of common standards and understanding and appropriate methods for evaluation of THM to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality control of THM. The present book provides an overview of the regulatory aspects of THM in some countries, various regulatory guidelines of WHO for THM and emphasizes over the need of harmonization and improvement in the process of regulation. This book also focuses on various parameters related to quality, safety, efficacy and latest development for standardizations of THM. This book will be welcomed by all those who are concerned about the standardization of traditional / herbal medicines as it provides regulatory requirements, quality, safety, efficacy and stability parameters for extracts as well as phytochemical