[Herbal medicine products and drug law].

Herbal medicinal products are very popular in Germany, both with patients and physicians. On the contrary, little is usually known about the effects of the drug law on this type of drugs. The following article elucidates the definition of herbal medicinal products, the importance of the terms quality, efficacy and safety, which herbal medicinal products are available only at a pharmacy and which ones in other stores. Terms such as review procedure, authorization procedure, registration, and traditionally used herbal medicinal products are explained in detail. Additionally, the special problems of non-European drugs, which have no marketing authorization in Germany, are mentioned, and a short outlook for the development in Europe and worldwide is given.