Adverse effects of herbs and modern drug-herbal interactions
2000
Abas H, Sains Malaysia Univ. (USM), 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia). School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Many people have turned away from conventional medicines, with the belief that 'natural' substances like herbs are' safer than synthetic substances. This belief is augmented by many unwarranted claims such as herbal products do not contain chemicals while conventional medicines do and, thus, contribute to their side effects. Herbal products are not as stringently regulated as conventional drugs and hence, little is known about their efficacy, appropriate dosages, adverse or toxic effects, and drug interactions. The increasing use of herbal medicines has resulted in increasing concern about both the efficacy and safety of these products. Herbs can be hazardous in many ways. They may be directly toxic or toxic when taken in combination with other preparations. Because herbal preparations are usually not evaluated for purity and consistency of active compounds, they often contain accidental contaminants. Some of the cited causes for herbal adverse reactions or toxicities are inclusion of incorrect (but toxic) species, altered mixtures of species, intentional or unintentional inclusion of allergens, pollen, insect parts, heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic and scheduled poisons (drugs). The increasing use of herbal medicines means that there is a potential for more drug interactions, particularly between the herbal products and conventional 'Western' medicines with the former being often used by individuals with chronic health conditions. Toxicity and modem drug-herb interaction studies on local herbs are scarcely conducted and, therefore, should be encouraged. There should be proper documentation of adverse effects of herbs and doctors should ask their patients about the use of herbal or natural products(s). This is to evaluate the potential of these products to interact when used concurrently with prescription medication. Public awareness on the safety of herbs and herbal products should be inculcated tog ether with herbal development.
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