Comparing phytopharmaceuticals: The example of St. John's Wort

At present, dosage in phytotherapy often fails victim to an undifferentiate d point of view. In the case of St. John's Wort, for example, 900 mg of ext ract has become the standard dosage; however, no studies have investigated the dose-effect ratio, even though there are numerous indications that smal ler amounts, particularly of ethanolic extracts, are sufficient to achieve the desired effect. Moreover, listing extract dosages is of no use unless o ther identifying characteristics are also specified. If phytopharmaceutical s are to be compared with one another, the scope of consideration cannot be limited to single components. The comparison must be carried out comprehen sively.