RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INTO HERBAL MEDICINES

Abstract

Recent advances in the Research and development of Herbal Medicines are highlighted and a scheme for R & D work is presented. The need for adequate information (chemical, biological, botanical and so on) on local plants is highlighted. There is also the need to standardize the herbal product, prepare it in an acceptable dosage form and appraise it clinically to ensure safety. R & D work can be very expensive as its success hinges on ready availability of raw materials, access to relevant technology, analytical support, trained manpower and the availability of social facilities.


Key words: Research and development, medicines, medicinal plants.


Nig. J. Nat. Prod. And Med. Vol.2 1998: 9-15