ICH Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Drugs

ICH Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Drugs

The International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) provides guidelines for evaluating the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal drugs. These guidelines help harmonize regulatory requirements across different regions. Objectives: Establish a harmonized regulatory framework for herbal drugs. Provide guidance on assessing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of herbal origin. Standardize procedures for clinical evaluation of herbal medicines. … Read more

WHO Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Drugs

WHO Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Drugs

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for evaluating the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicines. These guidelines help establish a regulatory framework ensuring their proper use based on traditional knowledge and scientific evidence. Objectives: Promote the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines. Guide the assessment of botanical, chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects. … Read more

Phytosomes

Phytosomes

Definition of Phytosomes: Phytosomes are advanced herbal drug delivery systems designed to improve the absorption and bioavailability of plant-based compounds. They form a complex between phytoconstituents (active herbal molecules) and phospholipids, enhancing the effectiveness of herbal medicines. Why Phytosomes? Many herbal compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, have poor solubility and low absorption in the … Read more

Tablets

Tablets

Definition of Tablets: Tablets are solid dosage forms prepared by compressing powdered herbal extracts with suitable excipients. They are one of the most common forms of herbal formulations used today. Types of Herbal Tablets: Uncoated Tablets – Simple compressed tablets without any protective layer. Coated Tablets – Have a protective coating to improve stability and … Read more

Mixtures

Mixtures

Definition of Mixtures: Mixtures are liquid herbal preparations that contain one or more herbal ingredients dispersed in a liquid medium. Unlike syrups, they may not necessarily contain sugar or sweetening agents. Types of Mixtures: Suspensions – Where herbal extracts are insoluble and suspended in a liquid base. Solutions – Where the active herbal ingredients are … Read more

Syrups

Syrups

Definition of Syrups: Syrups are liquid preparations that contain a concentrated solution of sugar (or sugar substitutes) along with herbal extracts or medicinal plant components. They are used for oral administration. Composition: Herbal Extracts: Active ingredients from medicinal plants. Sweetening Agents: Sucrose, honey, sorbitol, or artificial sweeteners. Preservatives: Sodium benzoate, methylparaben, or propylparaben. Flavoring Agents: … Read more

Herbal Flavors and Perfumes

Herbal Flavors and Perfumes

Herbal Flavors and Perfumes explain natural sources uses and importance in pharmaceutical cosmetic and traditional formulations. Herbal Flavors and Perfumes Natural flavors are extracts or essential oils from herbs, fruits, or flowers used to improve the taste (in oral formulations) or smell (in topical preparations). Perfuming agents are fragrant substances added to cosmetic or topical … Read more

Herbal Disintegrants

Herbal Disintegrants

Herbal Disintegrants explain natural sources properties uses and role in tablet disintegration and pharmaceutical formulations. Herbal Disintegrants Disintegrants are substances that help tablets break apart (disintegrate) into smaller particles after administration, facilitating the release and absorption of the active ingredient in the body. Significance Drug Bioavailability: Effective disintegration is critical for quick release and hence … Read more

Herbal Viscosity Builders

Herbal Viscosity Builders

Herbal Viscosity Builders explain natural sources properties uses and role in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Viscosity builders (thickening agents) are substances that increase the viscosity of liquid or semisolid pharmaceutical preparations such as suspensions, syrups, and gels. Significance of Herbal Viscosity Builders Stability and Uniform Dispersion: Increased viscosity helps suspend solids evenly (in suspensions) and … Read more

Herbal Diluents

Herbal Diluents

Herbal Diluents explain natural sources properties uses and importance in pharmaceutical formulations for pharmacy students. Diluents are inert substances added to increase the bulk of the formulation so that the final dosage form (tablet, capsule, or sachet) can be easily handled and dosed. Significance of Herbal Diluents Uniformity of Dose: Diluents help ensure consistent distribution … Read more