Efficacy behind activity : phytotherapeutics are not different from pharmaceuticals

Context: When evaluating bioactivity, efficacy, and toxicology of plant products, attention should be paid on pre-clinical versus clinical research. Objective: To emphasize an evidence-based approach in the field of phytotherapy research. Methods: The pyramid of scientific evidence was used in order to assess the quality of phytotherapy studies. Results and conclusion: In terms of evidence-based phytotherapy, a step-by-step approach, ascending the "pyramid" of scientific evidence, is essential in order to collect correct information useful to clinicians and physicians, leant on the robust foundations of in vitro/ in vivo studies.