Phytotherapeutics, also called phytopharmaceuticals or herbal medicines, are drugs made from plants or plant components that are used to treat or prevent various diseases and conditions. The term “phytotherapeutic” is derived from the Greek words for “plant” and “to serve”, “to heal”.

Phytotherapeutics (German translation: Phytotherapeutika) can come in various forms such as medicinal teas, tinctures, extracts, tablets, capsules, oils and creams. They can be used as stand-alone remedies or in combination with other drugs and treatments.

The most important characteristics of phytotherapeutics include:

• Natural origin: Phytotherapeutics are made from plants and herbal raw materials. Their production is limited to the use of natural ingredients, although this does not apply to the excipients (German translation: Hilfsstoffe) used.
• Use in traditional medicine: Many phytotherapeutics have a long history in traditional medicine across various cultures.
• Active ingredients: Plants contain a variety of chemical compounds that can have therapeutic effects and interact with the effects of other chemical plant compounds. The following therefore applies: An extract (German: Extrakt) is the active pharmaceutical ingredient, which means that there is not just a single active pharmaceutical ingredient that is responsible for the effect, but rather the entirety of the active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Therapeutic effect: Phytotherapeutics can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including disorders of the skin as well as the respiratory, digestive and nervous system.
• Popularity in alternative medicine: Phytotherapeutics are used in alternative medicine and traditional medicine as well as in some forms of complementary medicine. However, as a rule, modern phytotherapy follows the therapeutic principles of science-based medicine and is not to be confused with homeopathy.

Like other drugs, phytotherapeutics can also cause side effects or interactions. Therefore, if in doubt, a medical or pharmaceutical specialist should be consulted before taking phytotherapeutics, especially if there are underlying illnesses or if other medication is being taken.

The pharmaceutical interpreters at GMP-inspection.com have accompanied numerous GMP inspections by foreign authorities in recent years and can therefore provide you and your pharmaceutical company with optimum language support. Our services include not only language services, but also a wide array of consultancy services, representation of foreign pharmaceutical companies and distribution of their products in Germany. Contact us for a quote tailored to your needs.