Jamu, Standardized Herbal Medicine, and Phytopharmaca: The Difference Between Those 3
Have you ever stood in a pharmacy or health store, looking at rows of herbal products with different labels some reading jamu, others standardized herbal medicine, and still others phytopharmaca and wondered what exactly the difference is?
Many consumers buy herbal products based solely on familiar brand names or affordable prices, without realizing that behind these different labels lies a significant difference in scientific standards.
For manufacturers and industry players in the herbal sector, understanding these three classifications is not merely regulatory knowledge it is a roadmap that determines how far your product can grow, how strong the claims you're allowed to make, and how much trust you can earn from both consumers and medical professionals.
In Indonesia, traditional medicines are officially classified by BPOM into three main categories: Jamu, Standardized Herbal Medicine (OHT), and Phytopharmaca a classification based on the level of scientific evidence, quality standards, safety, and applicable regulations.
Table of content :
- Jamu: An Empirical Heritage That Remains Relevant
- Standardized Herbal Medicine: Bridging Tradition and Science
- Phytopharmaca: The Highest Standard for Natural Medicines
- A Quick Comparison of the Three Categories
- Why Is It So Difficult for Herbal Products to Level Up?
Jamu: An Empirical Heritage That Remains Relevant
Jamu is a natural medicine whose efficacy is proven based on empirical experience accumulated over decades to hundreds of years. It can take the form of dried simplicia or finished dosage forms such as powders, liquids, capsules, and tablets. Jamu does not require preclinical or clinical trials, but must still meet basic safety standards and be produced in accordance with Good Traditional Medicine Manufacturing Practices (CPOTB).
Common examples include kunir asam, beras kencur, and traditional herbal blends for boosting stamina. Despite the absence of formal scientific validation, jamu holds a strong position in the Indonesian market, built on generations of cultural trust.
Standardized Herbal Medicine: Bridging Tradition and Science
Standardized Herbal Medicine (OHT) not only has an empirical foundation but has also undergone preclinical testing on animals and standardization of raw materials and finished products. The extraction and standardization process ensures consistency in quality, dosage, and product safety.
OHT represents a transitional form from experience based traditional medicine toward research based medicine. OHT must meet criteria including safety in accordance with established requirements, efficacy claims proven scientifically through preclinical testing, and standardization of raw materials used in the finished product. Well known OHT products in Indonesia include Tolak Angin, Diapet, Lelap, and Mastin.
Phytopharmaca: The Highest Standard for Natural Medicines
Phytopharmaca is a natural medicine that has undergone clinical trials in humans and has complete scientific evidence regarding its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic dosage. It is produced to high standards equivalent to modern medicines and can be prescribed by healthcare professionals in formal medical services.
Currently, the number of phytopharmaca registered in Indonesia according to BPOM data stands at 23 products. Phytopharmaca must meet criteria including safety according to established requirements, efficacy claims proven through clinical trials, standardization of raw materials in the finished product, and quality requirements using high technology equipment. A well known example is Stimuno, used to boost the immune system.
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A Quick Comparison of the Three Categories
Simply put, the difference between these three categories lies in their level of scientific validation. Traditional medicines that have passed preclinical testing are known as standardized herbal medicines, while those based on clinical trials are called phytopharmaca.
Jamu, on the other hand, is a traditional medicine whose efficacy is based on generational heritage and empirical approaches. The higher the category, the stronger the claims that can be made, the greater the trust from medical professionals, and the broader the market opportunities including the chance to enter Indonesia's National Health Insurance (JKN) system.
Why Is It So Difficult for Herbal Products to Level Up?
Ironically, despite Indonesia's extraordinary biodiversity, around 8,000 preclinical studies on Indonesian herbal plants have been published in the last three years alone, yet very few have successfully developed into OHT products, let alone phytopharmaca.
Why? Without adequate clinical trials, herbal products cannot obtain distribution permits. Incomplete scientific documentation, a lack of synergy between academics, industry, and regulators, and unstandardized raw materials are the main obstacles hindering the development of Indonesian herbal products.
This is precisely where a competent testing laboratory becomes critically important helping manufacturers navigate each required testing stage efficiently and in full compliance with BPOM standards.
Ready to Level Up Your Herbal Product? Start with the Right Testing at IML!
Is your herbal product still classified as jamu and looking to develop into a Standardized Herbal Medicine or even Phytopharmaca? Or are you just starting out in natural medicine product development and don't know where to begin?
IML Testing & Research is ready to accompany you through every testing stage from basic safety testing and preclinical trials to preparing supporting data for clinical studies all in compliance with BPOM RI requirements. Consult your herbal product testing needs today and make scientific research the strongest foundation of your herbal business.
Author & Editor: Alphi
References
Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM RI). 3 Categories of Natural Medicines in Indonesia. imlresearch.com
Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health (Indonesia).
BPOM Regulation No. 32 of 2019 on Safety and Quality Requirements for Traditional Medicines. BPOM Head Decree No. HK.00.05.4.2411 of 2004 on Main Provisions for Grouping and Labeling of Indonesian Natural Medicines.
Puspitasari, I.M., Rachmawati, F., & Wardani, T. (2023). Introduction to Jamu, OHT, and Phytopharmaca Products. Jurnal Abdimas Indonesia.
SDGs Center Universitas Diponegoro. (2024). Thousands of Indonesian Herbal Studies Stuck in Laboratories. undip.ac.id
