Phytotherapy - New Developments and Insights into Practice

ment of the EMA, is pending in the EU as well. The authorization problem results from the required evidence-based efficacy proof that causes costs in the range of EUR 30,000 up to EUR 1 Million for each product. However, in Switzerland and in the EU, the manufacturers of herbal medicinal drugs usually have limited financial resources. Dr. Wenng suggested that the lacking money could be raised by crowdfunding and pointed out that it is about time for European decision-makers to appreciate the benefit of European medicinal herbal products, such as low price, low cost in manufacturing, less drug-related side effects, and the still underachieved potential of natural resources of planet earth. This is even more urgent as many authorized herbal products are no longer available on the European market due to financial problems. We believe that the present edition of FORSCHENDE