Commission E: Germany's Herbal Medicine Authority
History and impact of the Commission E monographs on European phytotherapy
Commission E: Germany’s Herbal Medicine Authority
Commission E was established by the German Federal Health Office (Bundesgesundheitsamt) in 1978 to evaluate herbal medicines and phytopharmaceuticals used in Germany.
Historical Context
In the 1970s, Germany faced a unique regulatory situation: herbal medicines were used widely by the public and prescribed by physicians, but there was no systematic evaluation of their safety and efficacy.
The Commission E Monographs
Between 1984 and 1994, Commission E published approximately 380 monographs evaluating herbal preparations. These monographs assessed:
- Approved indications
- Dosage recommendations
- Safety data
- Drug interactions
- Contraindications
Impact on European Phytotherapy
The Commission E monographs became the gold standard for herbal medicine evaluation in Europe and influenced regulatory frameworks throughout the continent.
Legacy
While Commission E was dissolved in 1994, its monographs remain highly influential and are referenced extensively in modern phytotherapy practice and research.