Germany Leads In Developing European Herbal Medicine Industry

The pharmaceutical industry in the U.S. is being profoundly affected by two contradictory trends, in which one is the increasing number of biotechnology products and processes, and the other is the growing use of herbal medicines.While relatively novel in the U.S., herbal medicines have a long history in Europe, where for over 100 years their quality control and good manufacturing practices have been comparable to those of conventional drugs. The global market for herbal medications in 1996 was estimated at $14. Billion, distributed in the following manner: Europe; $7 Billion, Japan; $2.4 Billion; North America, $1.6 Billion; and the rest of the world, $0.3 Billion.Economically and technologically, Germany has the most developed herbal medicine industry and the single largest market ($3.5 Billion), followed by those of France ($1.8 Billion) and Italy ($0.7 Billion). The reason European consumers show such a strong preference for herbal remedies largely is due to an aging population afflicted with chronic diseases for which modern medicine has few satisfactory treatments. Consumers, who often reject conventional drugs with their potentially severe side effects, often prefer natural alternatives.In Germany, consumer attitudes fit into a medical establishment that accepts the use of herbal medicines (i.e. phytopharmaceuticals). Courses in the use of herbal medicines are a regular component of medical and pharmacy curriculae, and since 1993 this subject has been a regular component of the German medical examination. More than 70% of general practitioners prescribe herbal medicines, most of which are reimbursable by the public health insurance system.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor

http://primeherbal.com