[Simpleton (OP)]

Have removed the poll posting to focus on this, the first posting.

[BenV]

I think the general issue with considering complementary therapies is to attempt to consider the mechanism through which it works.  Setting aside placebo (which is an incredibly powerful effect), this should give you an indication of whether or not there's likely to be any as yet undiscovered physiological effect.

By this regime, herbal treatment (which may well include beneficial chemicals) shows a great deal more promise than homeopathy, and one is forced to question things like acupuncture (from what I recall, the most recent studies showed acupuncture works just as well with blunt wooden needles).

Not setting aside placebo, you're in a whole different ballpark...

[Bored chemist]

The old adage that you should feed a fever...

I thought it was starve a fever, feed a cold?

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=24084.0

[Simpleton (OP)]

People have, it hasn't shown to be make any difference, therefore it stays as it is.

Do you have a citation for that, interesting.

http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=2126009

Its has a 1 star rating "For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit."

"According to obscure sources, lomatium is reputed to have antiviral effects. One source suggests the constituents tetronic acids and a glucoside of luteolin may be potentially antiviral.2 However, little is known about how these compounds act or if other ones might be as important."

Thats from a site that would be biased on the side on benefit.
I could, I expect find more studies or reports.

What do you think happens? That herbs are investigated but then dismissed? Far from it. The drug companies are always looking for new plants herbs or remedies to studies and asses the structure of, and then test to see

if they actually have any benefit.

OP means original post or poster.

Thanks for the link. Had a browse through the site and found that the only 2 star herbs useful against Influenza are Echinacea & Elderberry. Other interesting herbs I found were Andrographis paniculata, 3 stars, for use with colds, immune function and infections. To support the immune function, Asian ginseng, 2 stars.

Below is how my initial list fairs.

Garlic - http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=3601005
Common cold (Extract)
Herbs, such as garlic, that stimulate the immune system to fight infections are used at the onset of the common cold. In a double-blind trial, participants took one capsule per day of a placebo or a garlic supplement that contained stabilized allicin (the amount of garlic per capsule was not specified) for 12 weeks between November and February. During that time, the garlic group had 63% fewer colds and 70% fewer days ill than did the placebo group.

Vitamin C - http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=2929001
2 stars for Influenza and Immune function.

White Tea - http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=2102007
1 star for Immune function

Fern-leaved Biscuit-root (Lomatium dissectum) - http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=2126009
1 star for infection. In addition...
Historical or traditional use of lomatium (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Native Americans of many tribes reportedly used lomatium root to treat a wide variety of infections, particularly those affecting the lungs.1 Lomatium was used, particularly in the southwestern United States, during the influenza pandemic of 1917 with reportedly good results.

Betulinic Acid - http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VSC-48XH7DRD&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=4eff94f6a91fe083eda8a9cdb8e8875d
Abstract: Antiviral properties of betulin, betulinic and betulonic acids were investigated in cell cultures infected with herpes simplex type I, influenza FPV/Rostock and ECHO 6 viruses. All studied triterpenes were active against herpes simplex virus. Betulin and especially betulinic acid also suppressed ECHO 6 virus reproduction.

Elderberries - http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?contentid=1221006
2 stars for Influenza

Goji berries - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfberry
No stars found. High in Vit C. Reportedly good to help recover after Influenza.

Icelandic angelica - http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2009/06/16/icelandic-angelica-prevention-for-swine-flu/
No stars. Not much info.
During the time of the Spanish influenza (1), there are accounts of Angelica archangelica being used as flu treatment in Denmark. Recent studies linking the origin of the swine flu virus to the Spanish influenza (2) of 1918 further suggest that the herb may prove to be an effective prophylactic for swine flu prevention people can use to avoid infection if the Influenza A virus becomes more severe.

Prunella vulgaris - http://www.biomedexperts.com/Abstract.bme/10588332/Isolation_and_characterization_of_an_anti-
HSV_polysaccharide_from_Prunella_vulgaris
No stars and perhaps of no use.
...but was inactive against cytomegalovirus, the human influenza virus types A and B...

Vitamin D
There is a whole discussion of this on the forum already. See...http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=21270.0

Ozone therapy - http://ozonicsint.com/articles_avian.html
No stars found. Interesting paper.

[Simpleton (OP)]

"How difficult would it be for the medical advice to read. "drink plenty of fluids containing tincture a, b, c and stay in bed."

It would be easy; and dishonest.

Ok, your right, have to agree with you on that. For the masses, without knowledge of their current aliments, individual herbs, as tinctures, could caused complications in certain people. I am grateful for everyones comments as I have learned a great deal about this issue and the problem that could face us all, a possible Flu panademic with an increased virulent strain and little or no medical protection.

Unless there were some real evidence that a, b, and c worked. If there is, then name a, b and c; otherwise accept that you don't have much to offer.

Individually, I would personally consider a number of complementary therapies at the onset of cold and fever and with specific relationship to H1N1. Aside, for a moment, one of the current problems is identifying if you have H1N1 or just a cold or something totally else. Tamiflu, as reported, has a number of side effects and these could be avoided if a clear diagnosis could be given via a home test kit (not likely to be available). As testing has stopped or has been heavily reduced, it would be difficult to know what I had! However presuming enough of the symtoms matched, I would firstly use conventional medicine, probably Relenza, Asprin (but not for children) and complement it with, for exmaple, Lomatium dissectum, Echinacea and Andrographis together with increased intake of Fresh garlic, Ginger, Vit A, Zinc, Vit-C, in the form of elderberries, goji berries and blackcurrants.

It's fair to say that the virus may mutate and become more of a problem. It's equally likely  (statistically) that it will mutate and become less of a problem. It is in the interests of the virus (if you will forgive the anthropomorphism) to become less of a problem.

It does appeaer, from recent reports, to be mutating, also with an increased resistence to Tamifu.  Again you are right (statisitcally) and, as everyone reading, I also hope it becomes less of a problem.  From my understanding of previous outbreaks, should it become more viscious, it will happen quickly. I do not really think there will be enough time to start planning and researching and purchasing the necessary ingredients in such a scenario.  „If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.“  And great, if nothing happens, have learnt loads and simply carry on with my great life!

Why does averyone seem to fixate on the idea that "it will get worse"; it might or it might not.

True. Bad news is good news for some...

" Bet you'd consider eye of newt or tongue of bat over hula hoops! " No I wouldn't I don't believe in magic but I do believe in evidence. Food is known to help snake oil isn't.

In reality, we are not really talking about tongue of bat or eye of newt are we...were talking about such things that are, in some cases, not so far away from the medical community accepting as medicine, as descriped in the above list (and my recent post...2 stars, 3 stars etc.)

"Before they become desperate it would be nice if they had a few more realistic options, even if they have not being billion dollar tested." There are at least 3 antivirals used; one (amantidine) is a bit crap (but I'd choose it rather than eye of newt) and the third is largely being kept in reserve for exactly the reasons you talk about.

I agree would also start with the options you mentioned, but personally would not stop there...

Did you not realise that the people doing the planning can read wiki too? They have heard of resistance. Incidentally, do you know that plenty of drugs are based on botanicals?

I did realise, thankyou (Mmmm). Which is why I am considering grey borderline treatments to compliment conventional treatment...Of course there is a certain amount of risk, but the alternative looks pretty grim too..

It will be there along with things like comfrey - known as "knitbone" because of its supposed healing properties and actually found to be hepatotoxic and carcinogenic.

Dont know much about comfrey, but as I just said, the risks have to be indiviudally evaluated and on a personal basis accepted or not.

[Simpleton (OP)]

The stuff that doesn't work, or has been shown not to have any real effect, thats called complementary medicine, or maybe just plants.

Any real effect...even with some effect, perhaps it is better, for some people, than no effect at all.

[Simpleton (OP)]

I think the general issue with considering complementary therapies is to attempt to consider the mechanism through which it works. Setting aside placebo (which is an incredibly powerful effect), this should give you an indication of whether or not there's likely to be any as yet undiscovered physiological effect. By this regime, herbal treatment (which may well include beneficial chemicals) shows a great deal more promise than homeopathy, and one is forced to question things like acupuncture (from what I recall, the most recent studies showed acupuncture works just as well with blunt wooden needles). Not setting aside placebo, you're in a whole different ballpark...

The issue of time is a main crucial factor. Perhaps in another 10 years we will know the answers we need today, but unfortunately many pontential helpful grey area treatments may not have the necessary funding or testing to provide conclusive positive or negative results. In this case it will be highly likely that the medical community will be unable to promte the possiblity of use to the masses, leaving individuals to either take the risk themselves or to avoid the risk and not take them. The scenario produces a common dilemma; to take or not to take...

[Bored chemist]

The stuff that doesn't work, or has been shown not to have any real effect, thats called complementary medicine, or maybe just plants.

Any real effect...even with some effect, perhaps it is better, for some people, than no effect at all.

Any real effect is good- whether you consider that as a direct benefit or as an opening for the development of another drug (as with aspirin etc).
On the other hand most of these plants have no effect and are part of "alternative medicine"- or just flower arranging.

I know that some people will choose to "suplement" their conventional medicines with herbal "remedies".
Often that's just a waste of money; but it's their money so why should I care?
Well, the idea that people are being sold a bunch of pretty flowers on the  false grounds that it cures illness is straightforward fraud. It's all the worse for picking on a group who are already having a bad time becaus they are sick.

The other thing is that you really shouldn't mix drugs with other xenobiotics.

Are you aware of one noted side effect of St John's wort?

At least one woman has become pregnant as a result of the "remedy" messing with metabolism of the real (and important) drug in "the pill".
How sure are you that these "harmless herbal remedies" won't screw up the effects of really effective antivirals like tamiflu?
(I know there's room for improvement- but it does actually help).

Unless you can show that these potions are not actively counterproductive I don't think it's morrally correct to promote their use.

[Simpleton (OP)]

The Germans make Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, VW & Audi they are world renowned for quality practices, products and innovation. The German medical industry has within its portfolio a range of tested, medically licensed herbal remedies. 

Well, the idea that people are being sold a bunch of pretty flowers on the  false grounds that it cures illness is straightforward fraud

Perhaps a picture and some translation will help...


This medicinal tea is called Cold & Flu. PZN 3761403.

Try and follow this!
This is a combination of Holunderblüten - Sambuci flos 40 g, Lindenblüten - Tiliae flos 30g, Thymian - Thymi herba 20g, Sonstige Bestandteile: Süßholzwurzel - Liquiritiae radix 5 g, Anis - Anisi fructus 5 g.
I am sure the mixture could also be used for flower arranging, but the medical community here might frown up it!

It has a PZN number. What is a PZN number?
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmazentralnummer
"Die Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) ist ein in Deutschland bundeseinheitlicher Identifikationsschlüssel für Arzneimittel und andere Apothekenprodukte."  Sorry but Wiki has no English translation at the moment. Translated by Google.
The Pharma central number (PZN) in Germany is a federal identification key for medicines and other pharmacy products. A key word here is Arzneimittel or translated "medicine", see...
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arzneimittel, then click on the English Wiki translation...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug,
Thats right!  A combination of herbs, in water, sipped is considered a form of licensed medicine. With Ryanair, your here in a hour!

In the picture above, the first graphic is of a syringe "Schulmedizin" (Conventional), underneath "Alternativmedizin" (Complementary or Alternative). The reference point is in the middle in between Conventional and Alternative, it gets the respect of the medicinal community as it considered to have medicinal properties and is tested and licensed. Perhaps it could be called "complementary". []

The next graphic is a picture of a pill and the word "Arznei", as we know now it means "Drug".

The last graphic is a plant, and means from plants.

It is produced until license by H&S Tee.
For 20x bags it costs 2,19 euros, thats 1.88 ukp.

That is one product from a range of perhaps 20 medicinal licensend medicinally herbal blends in Mercedes country!

...the idea that people are being sold a bunch of pretty flowers on the  false grounds that it cures illness is straightforward fraud.

Either your lack of knowledge or experience regarding herbs and their ability to heal, is very limited, or you just want to put your head back in the sand, and hope that it will all go away.

The other thing is that you really shouldn't mix drugs with other xenobiotics.

According to "Maria Treben: http://www.mariatrebenherbs.com/" it's fine (in most situations). A qualified herbal practitioner can advise, as is the advice given.

Are you aware of one noted side effect of St John's wort?

Are you aware of the noted side effects of Tamiflu, Relenza et al?
Of course there are exceptions and risks that need to be considered and explained, but side effects are part of medicine.

one woman has become pregnant as a result of the "remedy" messing with metabolism

...sounds like the start of a Daily Mirror story! Come on!

How sure are you that these "harmless herbal remedies" won't screw up the effects of really effective antivirals like tamiflu?

The German medical community seems to think that Cold and Flu Tea (et al.) is safe and has tested benefits to help releive Flu and other ailments, who am I, a Simplton, to argue? As to whether it will alter the effects of Tamiflu, DON'T KNOW, but don't think so! And you know what mate...

If I was lying in bed with potentially only 4-5 days to live and it was possible that a blend of medicinal licensed HERBS could help me through those 5 days, I have to say, I think I would use them, wouldn't everyone? I mean if a mutated anti-viral resistant virus is going to get me anyway, then might as well go down fighting...

Unless you can show that these potions are not actively counterproductive I don't think it's morrally correct to promote their use.

I reckon the German and Austrian medicinal & herbalist community could prove that their MEDICINE (not witch crafted potions, which time are you living in?) is not actively counter-productive...I can't personally, but I am not personally prescribing or recommending, just counter arguing.

Hope that clears up some of the myths in the UK about herbs and combining herbs for medicinal purposes.

[BenV]

Be careful, this thread is starting to look like spam.

Hope that clears up some of the myths in the UK about herbs and combining herbs for medicinal purposes.

Nope.  All you've done is said that you can get herbal tea in Germany that claims to help against colds and flu.  You can get herbal tea pretty much anywhere, but that doesn't mean anything about it's effectiveness or how it interacts with other chemicals.

[Variola]

Either your lack of knowledge or experience regarding herbs and their ability to heal, is very limited, or you just want to put your head back in the sand, and hope that it will all go away.

People have died because of alternative/eastern medicine practitioners persuading them to refuse conventional medicine. Some have often paid thousand and thousands of pounds to be treated with plants and conned into believing that it will beat their cancer.
That is plain outrageous, and I feel very strongly about it.
You are ignoring the very fact that the whole industry is unlicensed and unregulated.

..sounds like the start of a Daily Mirror story! Come on!

The contraceptive pill packets now coming with a warning not to take St Johns wort due to the effects it has on the hormonal balance and the pill.
I have yet to see a similar warning on packets of St Johns wort.

If you want to promote the virtues of herbal remedies then go ahead, but get your facts straight first.
Also explain how these remedies can be of so much of a benefit when advice difference wildy from one practitioner to another, and how, if these things are so great, can someone set themselves up as a herbalist/homeopath with no formal training or qualifications? Oh yes I know there are some available, but people don't have to have them.Unlike doctors, microbiologists, biochemists etc who train for years only to be told by some plant lovers that they are depriving ill people and that we are all 'scared'!!
I means, FFS!  []

[Simpleton (OP)]

Be careful, this thread is starting to look like spam.

Hope that clears up some of the myths in the UK about herbs and combining herbs for medicinal purposes.

Nope.  All you've done is said that you can get herbal tea in Germany that claims to help against colds and flu.  You can get herbal tea pretty much anywhere, but that doesn't mean anything about it's effectiveness or how it interacts with other chemicals.

Spam? Thanks! Actually I would call it intelligent argument, but I am biased!

you can get herbal tea in Germany

You are ignoring the very fact that the whole industry is unlicensed and unregulated.

I think it was more than 'herbal tea'...if you read my article, I am talking about LICENSED MEDICINAL HERBAL BLENDS with a medicinal PZN, not quite the same as a general herbal tea. As with other medicines you dont get the stamp without the testing, trials etc etc. Why is it so hard to accept that these products have been tested and have been shown to be of benefit. Its hard facts (according to the Germans)...

[BenV]

Spam? Thanks! Actually I would call it intelligent argument, but I am biased!

Not a compliment, I'm afraid - the links to websites and detailed product details make it look like you're selling things.

[Variola]

Spam? Thanks! Actually I would call it intelligent argument, but I am biased!

Not a compliment, I'm afraid - the links to websites and detailed product details make it look like you're selling things.

Indeed. Why else would the poster persist in trying to push the alternative remedy when the original post was apparently a curious one?

[Simpleton (OP)]

Either your lack of knowledge or experience regarding herbs and their ability to heal, is very limited, or you just want to put your head back in the sand, and hope that it will all go away.

People have died because of alternative/eastern medicine practitioners persuading them to refuse conventional medicine. Some have often paid thousand and thousands of pounds to be treated with plants and conned into believing that it will beat their cancer.
That is plain outrageous, and I feel very strongly about it.
You are ignoring the very fact that the whole industry is unlicensed and unregulated.

I have never put conventional medicine down. I support conventional medicine. There I have said it, again. I have spent most of time on this post defending complimentary medicine, not attacking conventional medicine. Do you really want to talk about how many peoples lives have been adversely affect from conventional medicinal mistakes. I don't think we want to go there... But yes people will have died in the pursuit to help others. That's true. Every death is sad, regardless of their chosen treatment.

"Unlicensed and Unregulated" in the UK perhaps. Not in Germany & Austria.
If I interprit your meaning, it would seem that you are saying that licensed German medicinal herbal blends are also not worth the paper they are packed in... Isn't that just a little bit arrogant...perhaps...

..sounds like the start of a Daily Mirror story! Come on!

The contraceptive pill packets now coming with a warning not to take St Johns wort due to the effects it has on the hormonal balance and the pill.
I have yet to see a similar warning on packets of St Johns wort.

Totally agree. Think that it should be contained on all packings in big bold letters, if that is now fact, and in time, I am sure it will be included and revised, the sooner the better. For all the other people on the planet who are not using the pill, St.Johns Wort has been shown to have medicinal benefits for a variety of ailments.

If you want to promote the virtues of herbal remedies then go ahead, but get your facts straight first.
Also explain how these remedies can be of so much of a benefit when advice difference wildy from one practitioner to another, and how, if these things are so great, can someone set themselves up as a herbalist/homeopath with no formal training or qualifications? Oh yes I know there are some available, but people don't have to have them.Unlike doctors, microbiologists, biochemists etc who train for years only to be told by some plant lovers that they are depriving ill people and that we are all 'scared'!!
I means, FFS!  []

Actually what I want to say is, I feel it is OK to consider complimenting conventional medicine with herbs, plant, roots, foods or fruits supported by qualified professionals with the aim of improving medical conditions. Especially in RELATION to the current world situation with H1N1 and H5N1.

Not sure how the Herbalist/Homeopath qualification system exactly works in the UK (its a while since I lived there), but over here its a lengthy process similar to the education requirements to become a conventional doctor, depending on the field and level of study. If the UK just stamps the qualification, then I think a review of the system needs to happen. That is very wrong.

As someone earlier said, many medicines do derive from plants. So I guess in a way even the hard-line extremists are plant lovers too.

[Simpleton (OP)]

Spam? Thanks! Actually I would call it intelligent argument, but I am biased!

Not a compliment, I'm afraid - the links to websites and detailed product details make it look like you're selling things.

NOT SELLING ANYTHING - No connection to any products, no commissions, just using to illustrate a point. What more can I say. In Germany I think there are 4 or 5 companies who have license to produce such blends, I chose this one at random.

[Simpleton (OP)]

Spam? Thanks! Actually I would call it intelligent argument, but I am biased!

Not a compliment, I'm afraid - the links to websites and detailed product details make it look like you're selling things.

Indeed. Why else would the poster persist in trying to push the alternative remedy when the original post was apparently a curious one?

The original post wanted and still wants help to develop a personal complimentary first aid kit (to include conventional medicine) to help against a potential mutated form of flu that may be arriving here, where I live, in the coming months. I personally think that is a good reason to ask Cambridge University scientific/medical forum members for their opinion. No-one until this point has anything good to say about herbs, roots, fruits etc. Shame really, as there really are some very intelligent people commenting within this forum. Perhaps I came through the wrong door... Left - Conventional medicine, Right - All others...

Also just noticed. I did NOT include any link to any website selling anything, only links to Wiki. Hope you are all satisfied on that point now.

[BenV]

No-one until this point has anything good to say about herbs, roots, fruits etc. Shame really, as there really are some very intelligent people commenting within this forum. Perhaps I came through the wrong door... Left - Conventional medicine, Right - All others...

I wouldn't say that's true - we've acknowledged that many conventional medicines are derived from botanicals, but expressed a healthy concern as to the promotion of unquantified, untested (officially) 'folk' remedies.

I'm not sure how these things are promoted in Germany - maybe that's the root of our concern - I've seen herbal teas advertised as a cure for HIV/AIDS, and that's very worrying.

I'd be interested to hear more about the regulation of the industry in Germany - do you know what one would have to do to get a PZN number for a product?  What are the regulations on complementary therapies there?  What tests do they need to pass? What qualifications does one need to be a therapist?

I'm a little confused by the way you mention homeopathy/homeopaths alongside herbalism - surely they're an entirely different kettle of fish?

[Simpleton (OP)]

No-one until this point has anything good to say about herbs, roots, fruits etc. Shame really, as there really are some very intelligent people commenting within this forum. Perhaps I came through the wrong door... Left - Conventional medicine, Right - All others...

I wouldn't say that's true - we've acknowledged that many conventional medicines are derived from botanicals, but expressed a healthy concern as to the promotion of unquantified, untested (officially) 'folk' remedies.

Potions, folk remedies and so the adjectives go on throughout the comments. In General it has been a hard battle staying on my original theme...I think also there is a need for a health concern. That is why I am asking you (the forum).

I'm not sure how these things are promoted in Germany - maybe that's the root of our concern - I've seen herbal teas advertised as a cure for HIV/AIDS, and that's very worrying.

They are not really promoted as such, especially not on TV, they are just available, have been for a long time. They are available from chemists and specialised licensed distributors. Of course in every industry, especially health, you get rogues saying everything will work just to sell the product, that is very wrong and dangerous. This is not the same. This is the republic of Germany standing there saying we consider this blend of medicinal herbs to be of benefit and we will even licence according to conventional medicine testing, therefore they get the PZN.

I'd be interested to hear more about the regulation of the industry in Germany - do you know what one would have to do to get a PZN number for a product?  What are the regulations on complementary therapies there?  What tests do they need to pass? What qualifications does one need to be a therapist?

I did do some research on this some years ago. Will take a bit of time to dig out, but let me have look. It is an interesting subject, the differences between the UK & the German systems.

I'm a little confused by the way you mention homeopathy/homeopaths alongside herbalism - surely they're an entirely different kettle of fish?

I did not put those two together, I lifted it from a comment. It was a quote from Variola Today at 12:17:36...

...can someone set themselves up as a herbalist/homeopath with no formal training or qualifications?

[Simpleton (OP)]

To BenV...

PZN. The Wiki article contains good info, only German though. Lifted and translated with Google, got the basic jist. Also PDF's to read/translate. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmazentralnummer. This is a document detailing how to use PZN.

http://www.ifaffm.de/ - worth a study. (Translated by Google)
"We are information providers for the pharmaceutical market. We produce information with economic and legal information on nationwide products available in pharmacies.

With us you are right ...
... if you are a manufacturer or distributor of goods through pharmacies or the pharmaceutical wholesale sell or want to sell.
... If you are pharmaceutical wholesalers.
... if you have data on other drugs, dressings or other pharmaceutical products need or as a software provider to resell"

http://www.ifaffm.de/leistungen/_index.html (Translated by Google)
"Conditions for the inclusion of Article Data
in the IFA Information
The IFA will be information for a particular target market in the pharmaceutical and healthcare created: pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, doctors, health insurance, etc. The articles and their suppliers are therefore specific to the needs of this group corresponding user requirements. This will ensure that all legal conditions for the placing of the articles are given. There are also requirements for the identification and relevance of the article.

Contract with the IFA GmbH - Initial condition for the reception of data is an article about our service contract maintenance and publication of product data.

Distribution Rights - The provider has all the legal and factual conditions for the placing of his name registered under Article fulfill.

Apothekenüblichkeit - only medicines and other pharmaceutical products pursuant to Section 25 of Pharmacy rules. In doubtful cases, the proof of Apothekenüblichkeit through a legally binding opinion of the competent supervisory authorities will be required.

Marketability - all items must be fully negotiable. Medicines and medical devices must be either under law or medicine Medical Act authorized or the authorization of his obligation. Non-medicinal products such as cosmetics, dietary products, food supplements, etc. are subject to legal regulations on transport capacity.

Finished Products - The articles must be finished products and the product name and package size can be clearly identified without additional information such as custom sizes, or sizes, recipe information, etc. are required.

Consumer Units - In the IFA-only database of consumer units, ie forms of trade, without Auseinzeln be sold to consumers can be.

Exclusion criteria for articles
- Non-pharmaceutical products.
- Not generally negotiable item. Medicines in accordance with section 73 AMG imported.
- Level, individual and custom-made products and other items that are not finished products.
- Container shipping units, etc., which are not consumer units.
- Articles that are already in the IFA database are not multiple choice."