The Illusive Qualities of Plant Preparations

Plant material collected in the wild (Fig. 3.49), with few exceptions, cannot be accepted in pharmacy. One of the reasons is that non-professional collectors do not necessarily collect the desired plants exclusively they may also collect other similar-looking or even toxic plants. Some plants have several subspecies, which are very difficult to distinguish, but may differ significantly in composition. The chemical composition of plants is also influenced by environmental factors (soil, moisture, light conditions, time of harvest etc.) and even by the site and time of the 

To improve blood circulation. Ginkgo Ginkgo bilobd) extract is irsed, which is made of the leaves of the plant. The extract contains known qirantities of two groups of active components (ginkgolids and bilobahde). It is imknown which of these two is responsible for the physiological effects. Therefore, Ginkgo extract is a quantified product. 

Herbal products should also be free of pollutants such as other plant parts, heavy metals or pesticide residues. The quality is guaranteed not otdy by regular tests during production, but also by the professional supervision of drag hcensing authorities. 

Herbal products maiketed as food are another cup of tea Their quality is not guaranteed by the same strict regulations. Although heibs have long been maiketed as food (e.g. tea, spice, or components of different produets), the onset of the age 

The insuffieient regulatory baekground and the bewilderingly wide range of produets ereate a temptation for abuse. Dietary supplements are often marketed 

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