Standardization Of Herbal Medicines

Traditional medicine has been practiced for centuries in numerous cultures across the world. Varied forms of traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and numerous folk remedies support many people’s dealings with illness in regions where modern medicine is either inaccessible or unappealing. To maintain the efficacy and safety of the herbal medicines used in traditional medicine, particularly the ones intended for export, there must be a reliable system of standardization and regulation. For traditional medicines, conventional testing methods such as HPTLC, HPLC, TLC, and NMR, are used for the analysis and standardization of herbal medicines. Quality control markers are used to assess the chemical composition of the herbs and identify common adulterants. This testing can also be used to quantify the active ingredients present in the herbs, to ensure the products contain consistent amounts of the active compounds. Standardization of herbal medicines is also important for quality control and safety. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) help to ensure that the ingredients used in production are of a high quality, and that the final products are of consistent concentration. GMP includes procedures such as cleanliness, adequate storage, and supplier quality assurance. Additionally, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have established standards and guidelines for traditional medicine. WHO has established a global strategy to guide countries in the development and regulation of traditional medicines. These guidelines include the establishment of a reliable system of pharmacopoeias that codify standards for herbal medicines. Overall, traditional medicines play an essential role in the healthcare system of many cultures. To ensure that these herbs can be used safely, it is important to develop a reliable system of standardization and regulation. This system of standardization should ensure that the herbs are free from contaminants and adulterants, and that the active ingredients present in the product are consistent in their concentration. Furthermore, organizations such as the WHO have developed guidelines and standards to help regulate traditional medicines.