Herbal medicines have been used by the traditional system of medicine for a long time. Prolonged and apparently uneventful use. of an herbal medicine may offer testimony of its safety and efficacy. The research approaches should differentiate between herbal medicines which have had documented experience from a long period of use with those whose traditional use has not been established.

Traditional use of herbal medicine is usually an integral part of culture, which was developed within an ethnic group before the development and spread of modern science. Respect for the principle of the traditional system of medicine under study must be an important priority. Traditional knowledge and experience of the use of herbal medicines should be considered when the research is proposed, prepared and conducted Consultation with traditional medical practitioners is encouraged. In conducting research on herbal medicines which are based on traditional principles and techniques, such principles and techniques should be considered