한약·한약재·생약·천연물 등의 법규상 개념 정의의 문제점과 개선안

Abstract

Objectives : This study was to analyze the definitions of herbs, herbal drugs, crude drugs andnatural products in the relevant laws and regulations, understand the related problems,and propose directions for improvement. Methods : I analyzed the legal definitions in respect of herbs, herbal drugs, crude drugs andnatural products in relevant laws and regulations since 1945, explained the problems,and suggested the solution-considering the academic stance of Traditional KoreanMedicine and the dualistic medical and pharmaceutical system. Results : Herbs are defined as “refined things that are cut and dried in their most originalstate.” The definition of crude drugs includes herbs and the “cell contents, secretion,extracts, minerals and other parts of animals and plants that are used medicinally.” Theconcept of natural products is expanded to adding tissue cultures to the definition ofcrude drugs. Conclusions : The definition of herbs should at least include all products that are “processed,extracted and prepared” as well as contents that consist of various forms ofhospital-prepared herbs. The term “herbal drug” corresponds to a traditional term of“drug,” and this should be established as a concept to explain “drugs in raw materialsthat are used to prepare herbs and/or manufacture herbal medicine.” The legaldefinition of herbs should include the concept of crude drugs. Herbal drug preparationsand crude drugs should be included in the definition of herbal drugs.