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#### Nontokozo Z. Msomi and Mthokozisi B.C. Simelane Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Nontokozo Z. Msomi and Mthokozisi B.C. Simelane

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.72816

**Abstract**

Herbal medicine has gained cumulative popularity in today's medical practice. These treatments are the synthesis of therapeutic experiences of generations of traditional physicians for over hundreds of years. However, most of these applications are unorthodox, with over 80% of the world's population depending on some form of traditional medicine. The increase in the use of herbal products is due to their cultural acceptability, availability, affordability, efficacy and safety claims. This upsurge has led to the improvements in the quality and analysis of herbal products to be made with clinical research advancements in their safety and efficacy. The World Health Organization has recognized the importance of herbal medicine to the health of many people. Therefore, developing guidelines to evaluate herbal medicine by using modern control procedures and applying suitable standards. The current review aims to describe the present state and the projected future of herbal medicine.

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.72816

**Keywords:** herbal medicine, safety and toxicity, regulations
