Phytomedicines monographs

Although there is limited information regarding the therapeutic efficacy and standards for herbals some resources do exist. The most widely recognized source is the German E Commission E monographs, which contain information on more than 300 herbal products. Other well referenced resources include the American Herbal Pharmacopeia, the British Herbal Pharmacopeia (BHP), the British Herbal Compendium, the European Scientific Cooperative for Phytomedicines (ESCOP), the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Table 3 List of Monographs of Phytomedicines Available from European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy...

In German phytomedicine, the dried rhizome and its preparations were used for conditions of nervous anxiety, stress, and unrest. Combined with pumpkin seed oil, kava extracts have been used in the treatment of irritable bladder syndrome. Use is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, and depression. The German monograph on the plant also notes that continuous use can cause temporary yellow discoloration of the skin, hair, and nails, or rare allergic skin reactions. May interact with alcohol, barbiturates, and other psychopharmaceuticals or interfere with operation of machinery or vehicles (weiss). ... 

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