What phytotherapy needs: Evidence-based guidelines for better clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Phytotherapy
• Evidence-based medicine

Background:

• Medicinal plants have demonstrated pharmacological properties offering novel therapeutic avenues.
• Current research on phytotherapy is highly heterogeneous, leading to varied interpretations and inconsistent clinical application.
• This heterogeneity prevents the consolidation of data for clear clinical recommendations, representing a missed opportunity for advancing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for standardized approaches in phytotherapy research and clinical practice.
• To propose the adoption of established methodologies for developing evidence-based phytotherapy guidelines.
• To underscore the potential of standardized guidelines in improving healthcare approaches for disease treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on medicinal plants and phytotherapy.
• Analysis of factors hindering consistent clinical application of phytotherapy.
• Exploration of standardization methodologies like Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

Main Results:

• Research confirms medicinal plants' potential in disease treatment.
• Heterogeneity in studies and interpretation impedes consistent clinical practice.
• Standardization methodologies can facilitate the development of clear clinical recommendations for phytotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based phytotherapy guidelines are crucial for consistent clinical practice.
• Standardized approaches can transform phytotherapy into a reliable healthcare option.
• Implementing methodologies like GRADE and SIGN can enhance the integration of phytotherapy in modern medicine.