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Review
. 2018 Jun;7(2):109-125.
doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2018.03.005. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

Integration of botanicals in contemporary medicine: road blocks, checkpoints and go-ahead signals

Neha Arora Chugh  1 , Shreya Bali  1 , Ashwani Koul  1
Affiliations
Review

Integration of botanicals in contemporary medicine: road blocks, checkpoints and go-ahead signals

Neha Arora Chugh et al. Integr Med Res. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

The use of botanicals for maintaining good health and preventing diseases is undisputed. The claimed health benefits of natural health products and herbal medicines are based on traditional claims, positive results obtained in preclinical studies and early phase clinical trials that are not backed by safety and efficacy evidences approved by regulatory agencies. Although, the popularity of botanicals is growing, health care practitioners of modern medicine seldom recommend their use because of ill equipped database of their safety and potency. This review discusses problems that preclude botanicals from integrating into the mainstream contemporary therapeutics and cues that provide impetus for their realisation.

Keywords: Botanicals; Complementary and alternative medicine; Contemporary medicine.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Inclusion of botanicals in contemporary medicine: obstacles encountered and potential solutions (a brief summary)
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