Phytopharmaceuticals are basically plant-based drugs, but developed in a more scientific way than the usual herbal products we see in the market. Instead of using the whole plant or a simple extract, these medicines are processed, purified, and tested properly so that the active parts are known and consistent.
Phytopharmaceuticals sit between traditional knowledge and modern drug development — but the regulatory pathway is fully CDSCO-driven. Anyone planning to develop or register these products in India needs to understand this distinction clearly.
Regulatory Agency For Phytopharmaceuticals In India
Unlike herbal or classical Ayurveda products that go to AYUSH, phytopharmaceuticals are assessed by CDSCO. The regulator asks for information similar to a new drug application — details of the plant material, the extraction process, standardization results, studies done on safety, and human data. Once the data package is complete, CDSCO forwards it for evaluation, and the DCGI issues the approval.
What Is Phytopharmaceuticals?
Definition of Phytopharmaceuticals as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules:
As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (8th Amendment), 2015, a phytopharmaceutical drug is defined as:
- A purified and standardized fraction of a plant or its part/extract.
- Administered as medicine for specific therapeutic claims.
- Contains active phytochemicals in a standardized form.
- Not a traditional or herbal medicine unless processed into a more defined form.
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Phytopharmaceuticals Registration Approval In India:
- Phytopharmaceuticals are classified as new drugs and require approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
- A detailed dossier is required, including preclinical and clinical data.
Phytopharmaceuticals Registration Guidelines In India:
1. Dossier Requirements:
The following must be submitted for review:
Source and Identification:
- Botanical name, part of the plant used, and geographical origin.
- Detailed process for extraction, isolation, and standardization.
Characterization of Active Components:
- Identification and quantification of active phytochemicals.
Quality Control:
- Stability studies, impurity profile, and batch-to-batch consistency.
- Tests for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and aflatoxins.
Pharmacological Data:
- Preclinical studies to demonstrate safety and biological activity.
Clinical Data:
- Clinical trials (Phase I–III) to establish safety and efficacy.
Manufacturing Standards:
- Must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as per Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.
- Use of controlled and validated processes to ensure consistency.
Also Read: CDSCO Pharmaceutical Regulations in India
Phytopharmaceuticals Clinical Trials Requirements:
- Approval of trial protocols by an Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).
- Registration of clinical trials with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI).
Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS):
- After market approval, manufacturers must conduct Phase IV studies and regularly report adverse events to CDSCO.
Phytopharmaceuticals Labeling Requirements in India
- Product name and botanical name of the plant(s).
- Standardized content of active phytochemicals.
- Dosage form, indications, and route of administration.
- Precautions, contraindications, and storage conditions.
Fees For Phytopharmaceuticals Application:
- For Import Permission: INR 50,000 per drug.
- For Manufacture Permission: INR 50,000 per drug.
- Clinical Trials (if required): Fees for clinical trial approval are separate and depend on the phase:
- Phase I Trials: INR 50,000
- Phase II Trials: INR 25,000
- Phase III Trials: INR 25,000
GMP Requirements for Phytopharmaceuticals in India
1. Premises and Facilities
Design and Layout:
- Facilities must be designed to prevent contamination, cross-contamination, and mix-ups.
- Separate areas or facilities for handling raw plant materials, extraction, purification, and packaging.
Environmental Controls:
- Adequate ventilation, air filtration (if required), and temperature/humidity controls to protect sensitive plant materials.
- Dust control measures for handling powdered plant materials.
2. Equipment
- Use of equipment made of materials that do not react with plant extracts (e.g., stainless steel).
- Regular cleaning, maintenance, and calibration to avoid contamination and ensure consistent performance.
- Dedicated equipment for specific phytopharmaceutical processes if necessary (e.g., extraction or isolation).
3. Raw Material Management
Plant Material Sourcing:
- Plants must be sourced from validated suppliers or cultivated under controlled conditions to ensure quality.
- Documentation of botanical identity, geographical source, and cultivation practices.
Storage:
- Raw materials should be stored under conditions that prevent degradation (e.g., controlled temperature and humidity).
Testing:
Identity, purity, and quality of raw materials must be tested, including:
- Botanical identity verification.
- Contaminant testing (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, microbial load).
4. Standardization and Quality Control
- Active Ingredient Standardization: Quantification of active phytochemicals using validated analytical methods.
- In-Process Controls: Monitoring critical steps like extraction, purification, and drying to ensure reproducibility.
Finished Product Testing:
- Active ingredient content.
- Impurities and contaminants.
- Uniformity of dosage form.
- Stability under storage conditions.
Phytopharmaceutical regulations in India represent a progressive step towards integrating traditional plant-based knowledge with modern scientific rigor. By defining a clear framework for the approval, manufacturing, and marketing of phytopharmaceutical drugs, the government has created an enabling environment for the development of high-quality, scientifically validated plant-based medicines.
Also Read: SUGAM For Regulatory Submissions
FAQs:
Who handles approvals for phytopharmaceuticals?
in India, CDSCO does the phytopharmaceuticals approvals. They treat these products like new drugs.
Are they the same as herbal or Ayurvedic medicines?
No, not really. Herbal products aren’t required to show purified actives or clinical evidence. Phytopharmaceuticals need that.
Do companies need clinical trials?
In most cases, yes. CDSCO expects data, not just traditional use.
What kind of information is needed?
Things like where the plant comes from, how it’s processed, quality checks, and the study results.
Why is this category different?
Because these products are more defined and tested scientifically, not based only on traditional formulations.
Contact Artixio at info@artixio.com for expert guidance on phytopharmaceutical registration and compliance in India today!
