ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants and their preparations have been used since the earliest history of humanity and have formed one of the foundations for healthcare in cultures throughout the world.
Although herbal medicinal products have a long tradition, recognition of their clinical, pharmaceutical and economic value and the public’s interest in them are still growing. The European Union represents the largest single commercial market for medicinal plants and herbal medicines in the world. The EU market for licensed herbals is estimated around $1.1 billion while estimates of the sales of herbal remedies, dietary supplements and functional foods combined exceed $7.5 billion (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2001).
