The European Medicines Agency's Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) is scheduled to meet virtually from 6 to 8 July 2026 to adopt revised EU herbal monographs on Arnicae flos and Species diureticae, among other items. The meeting, chaired by Carmen Purdel with vice-chair Olga Maria Palomino, will also review monographs on aniseed, willow bark, sage leaf, and thyme herb for potential revision, and finalise a monograph on corn silk (Maydis stigma).
The agenda, published by EMA on 6 July 2026, outlines a three-day virtual session covering introductions, adoption of minutes, and a series of monograph-related decisions. Under item 2.2, the committee is set to give final approval to updated monographs on Arnicae flos (arnica flower) and Species diureticae (diuretic species), along with supporting documents. These revisions reflect ongoing assessment work by HMPC rapporteurs and peer-reviewers.
For public consultation, the committee will consider revised monographs on Anisi aetheroleum (aniseed oil), Anisi fructus (aniseed fruit), Salicis cortex (willow bark), and Salviae officinalis folium (sage leaf). A decision on Thymi herba (thyme herb) has been postponed. A new monograph on Maydis stigma (corn silk) is slated for final adoption.
In the guidelines section, the committee will discuss a reflection paper on borderline issues for herbal monographs (EMA/HMPC/224438/2024) and a guideline on genotoxicity assessment of herbal substances (EMEA/HMPC/107079/2007). Reports from the ORGAM and Quality Drafting Groups are also on the agenda.
The HMPC's work directly impacts manufacturers of herbal medicinal products seeking EU-wide marketing authorisations, as adopted monographs establish accepted uses and safety data. National competent authorities rely on these monographs for simplified registration procedures. Patients and healthcare professionals benefit from harmonised quality and safety standards. The committee's decisions also influence the broader herbal sector, including suppliers of raw botanical materials.
No referrals or urgent procedures are listed for this meeting. The outcomes, once published, will update the EU's official herbal monograph library, which serves as a reference for all member states.