Evidence-based Classification Reviews (EBRs) on Herbal Medicines

The Committee of Experts on the Classification of Medicines (CD-P-PH/PHO) has just published five new evidence-based classification reviews (EBRs) on herbal medicines.

Five new EBRs

The CD-P-PH/PHO reviews the national legal supply status of medicinal products for human use and performs assessments in accordance with the "Guidelines on Key Considerations in Issuing Recommendations on the Classification of Active Substances as Regards Their Supply" (i.e. prescription and non-prescription status). Furthermore, the Committee provides health authorities of Council of Europe Member States that are parties to the European Pharmacopoeia Convention with recommendations on the classification of medicines and their supply conditions. This assessment can help to harmonise the classification and supply conditions of herbal medicines across the EU Member States.

The five new ERBs, drafted in 2025, concern the following herbal substances:

• Castor oil (Ricinus oleum)
• St John’s wort (Hypericum herba)
• Capsicum (Capsicum)
• Ivy leaf (Hedera helix folium)
• Agnus castus fruit (Agni casti fructus)

The EBRs are published on the CD-P-PH/PHO Programme results web page, maintained by the EDQM. More information is available in the EDQM Newsroom.