ABSTRACT
Pharmacoeconomic studies serve to guide optimal healthcare resource allocation in a standardized and scientifically grounded manner. The objective of Pharmacoeconomics is that the outcome of the research must originate from within three dimensions when considering results and value of healthcare: acceptable clinical outcomes, acceptable humanistic outcomes, and acceptable economic outcomes. There seems to be no compelling need for pharmacoeconomic analyses of herbal over-the-counter medicines, but such analyses are certainly warranted for herbal prescription medicines that have a high level of reimbursement. The need of the hour is to take control of some herbal remedies and caution need to be exercised with the trend towards licensing of all herbal remedies. The licensing of herbal remedies with equivocal benefits and few risks, as evidenced by a long history of safe use, increases barriers to entry and increases societal healthcare costs.
