The debate on the scientific value of plant-based medicines often divides the medical world. In his book Het medicijn zit in de plant (The Medicine is in the Plant), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Professor Kristiaan Demeyer aims to break through this black-and-white thinking. He calls for a scientific, complementary approach where synthetic medication and phytotherapy go hand in hand.
There is often confusion within healthcare and among the general public regarding plant-based remedies. Many doctors and specialists tend to lump all plant-based products – from food supplements to phytotherapeutics and homeopathy – together and dismiss them. Conversely, some reject synthetic medication outright. According to Prof. Demeyer, the nuanced reality lies in the middle, with both approaches having their specific merits.
One of the book's goals is to clearly separate legally defined categories:
- Phytotherapeutics: These are officially registered medicines based on crude plant extracts, falling under regulated European and Belgian drug legislation (EMA monographs). The strength of a phytotherapeutic lies in the synergy of a complex mix of plant components that reinforce each other or neutralize side effects.
- Food supplements: These fall under food legislation and are intended to supplement nutrition. They are not allowed to make therapeutic claims. To avoid confusion and a grey area with phytotherapeutics, a rule has been set that a food supplement may contain a maximum of 70-80% of a therapeutic dose of a plant.
- Homeopathy: This forms a separate category with its own specific legal status and method.
- Phytotherapeutics: These are officially registered medicines based on crude plant extracts, falling under regulated European and Belgian drug legislation (EMA monographs). The strength of a phytotherapeutic lies in the synergy of a complex mix of plant components that reinforce each other or neutralize side effects.
- Food supplements: These fall under food legislation and are intended to supplement nutrition. They are not allowed to make therapeutic claims. To avoid confusion and a grey area with phytotherapeutics, a rule has been set that a food supplement may contain a maximum of 70-80% of a therapeutic dose of a plant.
- Homeopathy: This forms a separate category with its own specific legal status and method.
“The impetus for the book partly came from medical practice, where doctors noted that knowledge about plant-based remedies is an absolute blind spot within their classical medical training. Although the younger generation of doctors is more open to substantiated applications of phytotherapy, they often lack the necessary background to advise patients effectively on the use of food supplements and phytotherapeutics,” says Prof. Demeyer. “On the other hand, pharmacists sometimes also need additional knowledge regarding the use of food supplements and phytotherapeutics.” The book therefore offers a practical overview of accepted plant-based applications per body system and their scientific substantiation.
Prof. Demeyer emphasizes that phytotherapy is not a replacement for modern, high-tech medicines. However, plant-based remedies can offer valuable, cost-effective support for symptom management and milder ailments, which can also alleviate the pressure of rising healthcare costs.
Het medicijn zit in de plant is published by Uitgeverij Lannoo and is aimed at doctors, pharmacists, herbalists, and interested laypeople. More information can be found on the Lannoo website.
