Classical representation of the Roman god Janus with two faces. Waltham Abbey Church (Essex, UK).
Dear Friends of ESCOP,
The year is already progressing fast, and January has already passed. The month of January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god with two faces, one looking to the past, the other to the future. A long-standing symbol of reflection paired with progress. This notion of transition also shaped early medicinal plant science. Scholars such as Pliny the Elder and Pedanius Dioscorides in De Materia Medica showed that plant potency depended on seasonal cycles, with different parts harvested at specific moments of growth and decline. In this way, Janus’ symbolism closely mirrored an early scientific understanding of when healing power is at its peak.
In that spirit, ESCOP enters this new year with several concrete achievements:
- a new monograph,
- an award for an ESCOP member,
- growing ties with American organizations.
First of all, we are delighted to announce the publication of one of the most comprehensive monographs in ESCOP’s history: Zingiber officinale Roscoe – Ginger (Zingiberis rhizoma). This monograph is the result of years of meticulous evaluation of pharmacological, clinical, and safety data, and brings together an exceptional depth and breadth of scientific evidence.
The monograph summarizes efficacy, dosage, safety, and mechanistic insights related to ginger’s anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It covers its established therapeutic use in the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, including motion sickness, early pregnancy (under medical supervision), postoperative settings, and mild gastrointestinal complaints. Particular attention is given to its key constituents, such as gingerols, shogaols, diarylheptenones, and essential oil components, alongside detailed pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological assessments. From in vitro receptor studies and microbiota effects to controlled clinical trials and pharmacokinetic investigations in humans, the monograph brings together the full spectrum of modern phytomedical research. It stands not only as one of ESCOP’s largest works to date, but also as a flagship example of how traditional medicinal plants can be evaluated with contemporary scientific rigor.
In this context, Prof. Ingrid Hook and coworkers from ESCOP published an important paper in Planta Medica: Factors Influencing Clinical Trials of Herbal Medicinal Products – Using Ginger as Example (doi: 10.1055/a-2686-6315).
We also received the announcement that our Vice Chair, Prof. Dr. Anna-Rita Bilia from the University of Florence, and long-standing Scientific Committee member of Sub-Committee B, will receive the prestigious Norman Farnsworth Award 2026 from the American Botanical Council. This annual award honors individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions in pharmacognosy, ethnobotany, ethnophar-macology, and related disciplines of medicinal plant research. Named after Professor Norman R. Farnsworth -a pioneer in modern herbal science- it recognizes not only academic excellence, but lasting impact on evidence-based phytotherapy. This distinction is a remarkable acknowledgment of Prof. Bilia’s decades of scientific dedication and international influence, and a moment of pride for the entire ESCOP community.
Closely linked to this growing international engagement, I am also pleased to share that several ESCOP representatives: Prof. Dr. Funda Yalçin, Dr. Anthony Booker, and myself (Dr. Evelyn Wolfram, Chair of ESCOP) have been invited to serve on the Scientific Advisory Board of the American Botanical Council. This further strengthens the transatlantic scientific dialogue and reflects the trust placed in ESCOP’s expertise and independent scientific standards. We want to thank the ABC for this opportunity.
In addition, ESCOP is delighted that the collaboration with the American Herbal Pharmacopeia (AHP) will be intensified through the exchange of knowledge and experience in the preparation of monographs. ESCOP would like to thank Roy Upton for his friendship and his trustful engagement, which we see as the foundation of a fruitful cooperation.
In summary, these developments reflect what ESCOP continues to stand for: independent science, international collaboration, and the careful translation of evidence into safe and effective phytotherapy for practice.
Please let us know how these developments resonate with you, and do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Evelyn Wolfram
Chair of ESCOP