WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants - travolekar.ru

Introduction
Purpose and content of <strong>monographs</strong>
Although the <strong>monographs</strong> include one section on “medicinal uses” with
three categories of information, the purpose of the <strong>monographs</strong> was
clearly explained in the introduction to volume 1, and it is unnecessary to
repeat it here. But it should be noted that the word “monograph” is used
as a technical term only. It does not have the same meaning as “monograph”
in any type of pharmacopoeia. In addition, it is reiterated here that
this publication is not intended to replace any official compendia such as
pharmacopoeias, formularies or legislative documents.
It should also be emphasized that the descriptions included in the section
on medicinal uses should not be taken as implying <strong>WHO</strong>’s official
endorsement or approval. They merely represent the systematic collection
of scientific information available at the time of preparation, for the
purpose of information exchange.
Finally, the Fourth <strong>WHO</strong> Consultation on selected medicinal plants
recommended <strong>WHO</strong> to update existing <strong>monographs</strong> in view of the availability
of new data and of the format change that has been employed for
volumes 3 and 4, and that this process should be given priority over the
development of new <strong>monographs</strong>, if resources are limited. This volume
might therefore be the last volume of <strong>WHO</strong> <strong>monographs</strong> on commonly
used medicinal plants. We should like to express our appreciation to all
the experts, national health authorities, <strong>WHO</strong> collaborating centres and
NGOs for their efforts, technical contributions and support in the preparation
of the four volumes of <strong>WHO</strong> <strong>monographs</strong> on selected medicinal
plants.
In the future, <strong>WHO</strong> will consider updates of existing volumes of
<strong>monographs</strong> and will focus on providing technical assistance for national
capacity building through development of sets of regional and/or subregional
<strong>monographs</strong> by transferring the know-how and by mobilizing
the established global network.
Dr Xiaorui Zhang
Coordinator
Traditional Medicine
Department of Essential Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy
World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
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