[Phyto-therapy: a choice based on science and tradition].

Even though plants have been used as therapeutic remedies since men have inhabited the Earth, only with advances in pharmaceutical science and the development of analytical methods have professionals been able to guarantee the necessary control procedures, thereby overcoming many of the inconveniences incurred by the traditional use of plants and improving their efficiency. Today, phyto-therapy is based on research and experience. The contents of this article deal with the quality, efficiency and security of phyto-therapeutic preparations.