摘要：Herbal
products on the market are evaluated by health authorities to decide whether they are drugs to all intents and
purposes, and consequently they have to conform to related laws, or whether they should be regarded as
dietary supplements and hence marketed freely or with notification of label to competent Authorities. The
question appears to be very complicated because only a limited number of plants are utilized in phytotherapy,
whereas most of them are borderline between therapeutic and physiological activity. The article summarizes
the main national and community legislation on dietary supplements and herbal products.
