Page 3 - Sarasehan Jamu Nusantara

Judul : Phytopharmaceutical drugs can substitute chemical drugs: BPOM
Nama Media : Antaranews.com
Tanggal : 2 Desember 2021
Halaman/URL : https://en.antaranews.com/news/202569/phytopharmaceutical-drugs-can-
substitute-chemical-drugs-bpom
Tipe Media : Online

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Natural phytopharmaceutical drugs can substitute chemical drugs, so they are
expected to reduce the dependence on imports of raw materials, according to the National Agency of
Drug and Food Control (BPOM). "If it has become a phytopharmaceutical, it can be a substitute for
chemical drugs, which is certainly better, because it does not have side effects, it is natural," BPOM
head Penny Kusumastuti Lukito said at a virtual event, accessed by ANTARA from here on Thursday.

Phytopharmaceuticals are natural medicines that have passed preclinical and clinical trials and have
standardized raw materials and finished products so they can serve as substitutes for chemical drugs,
she explained.

The BPOM is encouraging the development of more natural medicines as phytopharmaceuticals in a
bid to fulfill domestic needs, Lukito said. "We are currently pursuing more phytopharmaceuticals to
be produced. Currently, only about 27 products are categorized as phytopharmaceuticals," she added.

Efforts to increase phytopharmaceuticals will also support Indonesia's goal of drug independence, she
said. Once phytopharmaceuticals replace chemical drugs, Indonesia can minimize its dependence on
imports, she added. "These (phytopharmaceuticals) are made from our own natural ingredients,
making us independent, as the substitute for medicinal products made from chemicals," the BPOM
head said.

According to Lukito, as a first step, empirical data on these natural medicines is needed. Then, through
assistance and facilitation from the BPOM, research, and development of natural medicines can
proceed according to the applicable standards, she said.