The utilisation of medicinal and aromatic plants is growing continuously, which is motivated by both psychological and rational factors. By the latest data of Traffic International (Lange 1998) the overall importation of medicinal and aromatic plants into European countries increased between 1992 and 1996 by 21%, and in particular, the consumption in Germany was in 1996 almost 30% higher than in 1992. Even, the production and consumption of phytopharmaceuticals (phytomedicines) shows much higher increase in Europe being about 10%, yearly. This new situation required changes in both legislation and production of medicinal and aromatic plants on national and international level as well. The efforts making new legislation system in this filed is obvious from the latest EU directives being reported, while the changes of the production is going on parallel, which are determined by many biological, agronomic and economical factors. Evaluating the European export-import situation analysis has to be prosecuted by every producer countries - including Hungary -how to develop national activity on this special field.

The accelerated utilisation of medicinal and aromatic plants and their products was an universal phenomenon in the last decades of 20^th century and were motivated by both emotional and rational factors (Lewington 1990, Lange 1996, 1998). Beyond the emotional factors (the natural products believed to be less toxic, having no adverse effects, and being more acceptable for the human body), there are practical and scientific evidences which justify the widening application of these products. Based on the new scientific achievements medicines of plant origin were developed for such therapeutic fields, which could not be treated by synthetics at all. The active agents of Catharanthus roseus and Taxus brevifolium (or T. baccata), the immunstimulant compounds of Echinacea spp., the geriatric activity of Ginkgo biloba and the Cavinton - synthesised from Vinca alkaloids could be mentioned as examples. However the fields in which medicinal and aromatic plants are utilised are widening day by day and beyond the traditional consumption forms production of nutraceuticals is in progress and homeopathy does mean a new challenge for both producers and practitioners.

Medicinal and aromatic plants, especially for self-consumption was produced in the territory of Hungary many centuries backs (Bernáth 1993, 1994). However, the intensification of the production started in the first years of 20^th century, only, and in spite of many political and economical contradictions the medicinal and aromatic plant sector became a successful part of Hungarian Agriculture. Some of the national products had been accepted as a special Hungarian product ("Hungaricum") evaluated by most respectfully in the world market (Chamomillae flos, Basilici herba and folium). To stabilise, even to develop the production of medicinal and aromatic plants in Hungary the understanding of the actual word situation became essential. The appropriate synthesis of the international processes seems to be one of the preconditions to develop national strategy of high efficacy.

2.1. Actual definition of medicinal plants and their products in EU

According to the EEC Directives 65/65, 75/318 and 75/319 herbal medicines are defined as follows (Lange 1998):

a) "vegetable drugs" consisting of plant materials accumulating active ingredients and used for medicinal purposes. The quality of these drugs is described in different references like ESCOP monographs (1996-1999).

b) "vegetable drug preparations" are comminuted or powdered vegetable drugs, extracts, tinctures, fatty or essential oils, or expressed juices, used for medicinal purposes as well. However, chemically defined, isolated plant constituents or their mixtures are excluded from this definition. Exact criteria to ensure a consistent quality for these products are laid down in EEC Directive 75/318 and the Guideline of Herbal Remedies. These preparations are requested to be licensed and, as with all pharmaceuticals, they have to be tested to ensure quality, safety and therapeutic efficacy. The example of licensing advised by EU recommendations is demonstrated in Table 1.

2.2. Development of EU market

Since 1992, overall importation of medicinal and aromatic plants ("vegetable drugs") to Europe has increased by 21%, from 109.000, to 132.000t in 1996. The average annual volume of medicinal and aromatic plant material imported to Europe in this time period was almost 120.000 t valued at more than 335 million USD. Nearly 90% of this volume, 100.000 t were destined for EU countries. As it is demonstrated by the data given in table 2.

Germany is by far the leading country of import for medicinal and aromatic plant into Europe, importing over one-third of total volume and value imported into Europe. It is obvious from the data that 18 countries taking place in the upper position of the Table 2 - finishing with Iceland - can be characterised by import activity, being consumer countries, mainly. The rest of the countries, including Hungry, have negative net import values, which refer to their production orientation. The later group of countries could take the advantage of the increasing demand for drugs and raw materials in Europe.

According to the data of Traffic International (Lange 1998) the European market of phytomedicines ("vegetable drug preparations") is growing at a higher rate, than the pharmaceutical market in general. For 1998 and 1999 the growth rate for the phytomedicine market is estimated to be 5-10%. Country-specific growth rates are available for 1993: 35% in Spain, 15% in Germany, 11% in Italy, and 10% in UK. From 1993 to 1995 the German phytomedicinal market grew by 30%, from value of 2500 million USD to 3260 million. At the same time the annual turnover of the German phytomedicinal market amounted to 30% of the total German market for non-prescription pharmaceuticals in 1996. Analysing the above mentioned trends the further increase of the phytomedicine market might be forecasted, which has to be considered by any countries interested in production and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants.

2.3. Regulations for production of raw material

The regulation of raw material production, either it is going on by collection of wild species, or by managing agrarian-system came into centre of interest of EU countries. In the case of wild growing plants the aspects of protection, while in cultivation the aim of promotion seems to be appear.

Because of the negligible collection of indigenous species in EU, the regulation concerning to the wild flora is based on the control of importation process, only. The recent Council Regulation (EC- No.338/97) and Commission Regulations (EC- No. 938/97 and 2307/97) are created for these purposes. These regulations are fully implement the provisions of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) within the Union and include a number of stricter measures than does CITES, and list species in four annexes, A, B, C and D, affording increasing degrees of protection, and controlling their imports in that order.

In contrast to the regulation concerning wild growing species the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is supported in EU, by both direct and indirect measures as well. The species are included into the „non-food" plant group and supported by the subvention system defined in EEC Council Regulation No. 1765/92, with its updates (334/93, 608/94, 762/94 and 1786/97). As an extreme for UK 8 million USD grant was directed by EU for promoting cultivation on 1200 ha area producing raw for „drugs, cosmetics and aromatherapy". Some of the species cultivated by using EU subvention system are listed in table 3. Additionally medicinal and aromatic plants are allowed and supported to e produce according to the EU regulations worked out for organic production.

3.1. "Quasi" EU compatible Hungarian regions specialised for medicinal plant production

The regional specialisation in Hungary for utilisation of indigenous flora has long traditions. This specialisation took place spontaneously effected by different biological, conomical and social factors. As a result of spontaneous specialisation well-defined production areas have appeared (Fig. 1.)

Figure 1. Main regions specialised for collection and cultivation of medicinal and
aromatic plants in Hungary (Bernáth 1998)

Region 1.: The Great Plan of Hungary is the most important region specialised for production of wild growing medicinal plants, including camomile (Matricaria recutita). From socio-economical point of view the formation of these special region was promoted by the abundance of labour in this special region. By the data of trade companies in the harvesting time of camomile flowers as much as 15.000 - 20.000 people are involved into the collection even nowadays. Because of the short duration of camomile harvest and processing (one or two month under optimum condition) the regional activity had to be completed by utilisation of other medicinal and aromatic plants being indigenous in the region (Juniperus communis, Achillea collina, Gypsophyla paniculata, Crataegus spp. Rosa spp. etc.).

Region 2.: The development of special region for utilisation of indigenous plant flora was obvious in mountainous areas of Hungary from the beginning of our century. In the production areas of Rosa spp., Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus spp. etc. buying up systems and centralised processing facilities were installed.

Region 3.: That special region had been created for lavender cultivation (Lavandula angustifolia and L. intermedia) based on ecological considerations, mainly. The plantation was made on the south slopes of Tihany Peninsula and in the neighbouring territories (Balatonakali, Daránypuszta etc.) which have some kind of Mediterranean climatic character.

Region 4.: Both ecological and economical considerations lead to the formation of region specialised for marjoram (Origanum majoranna) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the South part of Hungary being relatively warm and equipped by appropriate sunshine. Its climate meets the ecological requirement of species being of Mediterranean and subtropical origin. From economical point of view this area is known as a main cultivation area for red pepper too. The drying and post harvest processing of red pepper and medicinal and aromatic plant spices show lot of similarity.

Region 5.: The formation of cultivation area of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) was motivated by both ecological and economical considerations. From the wide-ranging cultivation areas of host plant (Secale cereale) such a special area had to be chosen in which the ecological conditions were suitable for the development of fungi. As a result of compromise the southwest slopes of Bakony Mountain were selected for the purpose.

Region 6.: The cultivation of poppy (Papaver somniferum) has a great tradition in Hungary. The cultivation region can be divided into two sub-regions. The cultivation of spring sown type varieties (Region 6a) is concentrated into the Great Plane of Hungary and some parts of the northwest regions of the country. The cultivation of the autumn sown type varieties, because of their overwintering risk is situated at the west part of Hungary (Region 6b) where the winter is usually much milder and the snow covers the field more frequently.

Region 7.: There are several medicinal and aromatic plants which can be cultivated under various conditions in Hungary (Foeniculum vulgare, Carum carvi, Anethum graveolens, Coriandrum sativum, Pimpinella anisum etc.), mustard (Sinapis and Brassica spp.) Sylibum marianum, Cucurbita spp. etc.) with exception of mountainous and extreme areas.

3.2. Structure of the medicinal and aromatic plant sector effected by political and economical changes

The medicinal and aromatic plants are produced in special sector of agriculture, which had been developed traditionally and modified by the recent political and economical changes. Its structure is demonstrated in Fig 2.

The raw material production (Subsection I.) is going on by the similar system has been developed in the second half of the last century. About half of the raw material has been collected in natural habitats, while the other half has been produced by cultivation (Bernáth, 1987, Németh, 1996, Tóth and Németh, 1996). However, beyond the biological considerations - discussed later - the new situation generates a change in the productivity of the medicinal and aromatic sector from economical and social point of view: among others the effect of privatisation of forests, meadows etc., the increasing labour coming from other sectors of Hungarian economy (industry, social institutions etc.), and the special requirements of new "farm" like production is well observable.

The wholesale companies (Subsector II.) are playing an increased role in the activity of the medicinal and aromatic plant sector, recently: they are dealing with purchase of raw material, cultivating plants, producing (processing) and marketing them. The number of these companies has increased in the past few years, unexpectedly.

Figure 2. Structure of the medicinal and aromatic plant sector of Hungary
(Bernáth and Németh 1998)

The retail trade (Subsector III.) was effected by the political and economical changes too. The number of dealers (and shops) selling medicinal and aromatic plant drugs and their products has increased since the changes of the political situation enormously.

The export-import activity (Subsector IV.) of the medicinal and aromatic plant drugs and their products which were done by exclusive licence of the state enterprises before, started to diversificate. The liberalisation of the export-import licence resulted a new situation: the number firms dealing with export-import of medicinal and aromatic plants increased, the competition among Hungarian and other former Comecom and western firms became more intensive on the same market.

3.3. Biological background of medicinal and aromatic plant production

Considerable amount of medicinal and aromatic plant drugs, which is produced and commercialised by the representatives of Hungarian Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sector comes from indigenous sources even nowadays. If the amount of medicinal and aromatic plant drugs, which are produced for industrial processing is calculated in, the ratio of plant material coming from indigenous flora is about 35-40 per cent. It does mean, however, that an enormous amount of plant material, about 10.000-15.000 t of dry biomass is taken off from the Hungarian indigenous flora year by year.

Evaluating the commercial data of the medicinal and aromatic plant drugs it is a difficult task to identify, either the plant material comes from wild, from cultivation or both of them. From this point of view Hungarian medicinal and aromatic plants can be classified into three groups (Table 4.).

The first and largest group, consisting of about 80 species compiles plants, which are occurring in the local flora naturally and their drug is produced by collection, only, even nowadays. Looking through the list of the plants collected from the natural systems it seems to be obvious that many of those species like Crataegus spp., Rosa canina, Hedera helix, Juniperus communis, Vinca minor will remain on the list of the collected ones in the future too.

The second group of plant gathers species, which can be produced in both natural and agrarian systems. Whether the plant is cultivated or collected are determined by many factors, including requirements for stability or homogeneity of the production, getting special chemical composition etc. Matricaria recutita and Origanum spp. are two of the characteristic example of this group. In the case of camomile for instance, if special chemical composition is required, the cultivation of special variety could be the solution, only (Franz, 1994).

There are about 40 species, listed into the third group including several members of Apiaceae (Anethum graveolens, Coriandrum sativum, Carum carvi, Foeniculum vulgare etc.), and Lamiaceae family (Lavandula officinalis, Mentha piperita, Satureja hortensis, Thymus vulgaris etc.), which can be produced in agrarian-systems only (Bernáth 1992).

3.4. Effect of the European market on the Hungarian drug production

Evaluation of the actual tendencies of the drug exportation, the Hungarian Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sector depends on the requirement of the West-European, especially on the German market, considerable (Lange, 1996). The volume of the exported Hungarian drugs may reach even the 50% of the total home production.

The policy and requirements of the main consumer countries determine the extension of medicinal and aromatic plant production and export volumes - beyond the existing biological and economical potential -. However, this policy was not formulated in any written documents its existence can be recognised easily. Analysing the information available on the present export activity of Middle- and South European countries (Lange 1998), including Hungary, the future tendencies can be estimated:

The export of raw material is the larger and most stable part of activity of medicinal and aromatic plant sector of these countries. The export is oriented to the main consumers of Europe, especially to Germany, England, etc. The requirement for drug quality is a moderate one, high quality required occasionally. The price of the drugs competes with the offers of North African or South American producers, in majority of cases.

The export possibilities of active agents isolated from plant sources are much restricted comparing to the raw. There are some compounds (opiates, ergot alkaloids etc.) which are produced in Middle- and South European countries in a large scale and can be included into this group.

The phytomedicine production of Middle- and South European countries is increasing continuously. Because of the statue of the European harmonisation no actual export of those products can be realised to the West. The market for phytomedicines of Middle and South European origin is opened for home consumption and consumers of former socialist countries.

There are a small, but valuable group of medicines processed by pharmaceutical factories of Middle- and South European countries, based on plant raw. The importance of this group in export activity is a very small one, because of the restricted interest of the West. The market for the export of these medicines exists in the former socialist, or developing countries.

1. Bernáth J. (1987): Recent efforts of preservation and exploitation of medicinal and aromatic plants. In: Leeuwenberg A.J.K., Medicinal and poisonous plants of the tropics. Pudoc Wageningen. 121-123.

2. Bernáth J. (1992): Ecophysiological approach in the optimalization of medicinal plant agro-systems. Acta Horticulturae. 306. 397-318.

3. Bernáth J. (1993): Introduction and cultivation of traditional and new medicinal and aromatic plant crops in Hungary. Acta Horticulturae, 344. 238-248.

4. Bernáth J. (1994): Recent advances achieved by the Hungarian medicinal and aromatic plant sector. In: Verlet N., Plantes aromatiques et medicinales. Ministre de l' Agriculture - Region Rhone-Alpes. Nyons pp.247.

5. Bernáth J. (1998): A tájtermesztés (regionalitás) és a minőség kapcsolata a gyógynövény ágazatban. "Agro 21" Füzetek, Magyar Tudományos Akadémia, Budapest, 26. 58-63.

6. Bernáth J. and Németh É. (1998): Changes in the medicinal plant sector of Hungary since the fall of communism. Medicinal plant trade in Europe: conservation and supply. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, (22-23 June 1998). Proceedings, 55-65.

7. ESCOP 1996-1999 Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs, ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy). Secretariat, Argyle House, Exeter, UK. Fasiculates 1-6.

8. Franz Ch. (1994): A survey on applied genetics of medicinal and aromatic plants. In: Verlet N. Plantes aromatiques et medicinales. Ministre de l' Agriculture - Region Rhone-Alpes. Nyons pp.247.

9. Lange D. (1996): Untersuchungen zum Heilpflanzenhandel in Deutschland. Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Landwirtschaftsverlag GmbH. Bonn-Bad Godesberg pp.130.

10. Lange D. (1998): Europe's medicinal and aromatic plants: their use, trade and conservation. Traffic International, Cambridge, UK. pp. 77.

11. Lewington A. (1990): Plants for people. The Natural History Museum, UL.

12. Németh É. (1996): Cultivation and utilization of mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plants in the temperate zone of Europe. World Congress of FIP. Jerusalem. Book of Abstracts. P.51.

13. Tóth E. and Németh É. (1996): Recent results in the development of genbank technologies specialized for medicinal plants. Beitrage zur Züchtungsforschung, 2. (1): 76-79.