The German Commission E is a governmental regulatory agency that was  established in 1978.  It is composed of scientists, toxicologists, physicians, and pharmacists.

          Evaluated usefulness of 300 herbs, studied literature, clinical studies, case studies, field studies  and then prepared monographs.

       Published monographs listing uses, side effects, and any known drug/herb interactions.

         Found 200 herbs useful, and rejected the rest.  

     The American Botanical Council based in Austin, Texas, published an English translation of the Commission E monograph text.

Can be compared to The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.   (Comparisons)