Standardization of Poly-Herbal Formulations: A Comprehensive Review

Herbal medicines are not a simple task since many factors influence the biological efficacy and reproducible therapeutic effect. Herbal products have gained increasing popularity in the last decade, and are now used by approximately 20% of the population or it is however a known fact that over 80% of the world population depends on herbal medicines and product for healthy living. WHO specific guidelines for the assessment of the safety, efficacy and quality of herbal medicines as a prerequisite for global harmonization are of utmost importance. WHO specific guidelines for the assessment of the safety, efficacy and quality of herbal medicines as a prerequisite for global harmonization are of utmost importance. This review seeks to enlighten stakeholders in herbal medicine on the need to establish quality parameters for collection, handling, processing and production of herbal medicine as well as employ such parameters in ensuring the safety of the global herbal market.