Dr. Joerg Gruenwald has been invited to become a Member of the American Botanical Council (ABC) Advisory Board, the first person living in Germany to be appointed in its history. ABC is an international scientific organization, based in Austin, Texas, in the US, for education on herbal medicines and herbal supplements.

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of ABC, said: "This appointment more formally recognizes our decades-long relationship with Dr Gruenwald. For example, he was an invaluable contributor and editor of ABC's English translation and publication of The Complete German Commission E monographs in 1998. He is a pioneer and has been an international leader in areas of medicinal plant research and product development over the past 25 years. We believe that this will enhance ABC's non-profit mission to educate the public on the valuable role that herbs and phytomedicines can play in self-care and healthcare."

Dr Gruenwald added: "I am delighted and honored by this invitation. I have always respected the work of ABC and have been involved with several projects with them over many years."

Dr Gruenwald is the author of the leading international textbook "The Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) for Herbal Medicines" and 12 other books, e.g. "Gruene Apotheke" (Green Pharmacy) translated into 10 languages, "Plant-based Ingredients for Functional Foods", etc.

A regular chairman and speaker at international conferences, Joerg has worked as advisor to the FDA Office of Dietary Supplements, is on the International Advisory Board of the Research Council of Complementary Medicine. He was Chairman of the International Committee AHPA American Herbal Products Association, a member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition Botanical/Quality Standards Committee, and a member of the Ad Hoc Group on Botanicals of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).

Presently, Dr Gruenwald, one of the company's founder, still serves/acts/functions as Chief Scientific Advisor for analyzes & realize, the leading Consultancy and CRO specialized in botanicals and natural health products with over 40 employees, based in Berlin/Germany. Joerg's new position in the ABC Advisory Board means that a&r's clients will, via him, have access to the US supplement and herbal community as well as to the HerbalGram Journal.