Aromatic plants as a source of botanicals

Abstract

Aromatic plants have been used in botanicals, food additives, dietary supplements and as a source of essential oils and aromatic extracts. As most aromatic plants are wildcrafted, standardisation to assure their quality and safety is important for their safe and effective utilisation in health products. Recent years have witnessed the issuance of more and more pharmacopoeial monographs and standards to overcome possible constraints. This paper focuses on these aspects as well as discusses ways to assure their appropriate utilisation from the quality and safety standpoint.