Possibilities and limitations of European and Chinese herbal medicine in oncology

Medicinal plants in European and Chinese medicine are the oldest forms of therapy and can be traced right back into antiquity. Both in Europe and in traditional Chinese medicine phytotherapeutics are increasingly being used in oncology. Medicinal plants are available in Europe as authorized phytopharmaceuticals and in a broader sense as homeopathic and anthroposophic medicines and food supplements as well as magistral medicines available for physicians to prescribe. Phytopharmaceuticals are marketed as so-called rational phytopharmaceuticals or as traditional herbal medicinal products. In China herbal mixtures are mostly available as individualized preparations. There are currently hardly any phytopharmaceuticals with proven application in oncology. Phytotherapeutic mistletoe preparations are one of these. Especially in the field of oncology, it is essential to primarily provide scientifically proven phytotherapy. Adjuvant pharmaceutical forms, such as phytopharmaceuticals or medicinal teas can be applied in close cooperation with the treating oncologist, provided there are no concerns, are not misleading and do not replace essential treatment.