The main objectives of the seminars have been the summary of the investigations scheduled and carried out from the previous seminar, as well as the revision of the recommendations according to the results of these new investigations, and to new bibliographical data (more than 3,660 references in total). This data was provided by participants and by computerized databases: ACCT, Biosis, CNRS, Fundaçao Brasileira of Medicinal Plants-ITAUTEC, Max Planck Institute, Medline and mainly NAPRALERT.