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Interactions between herbal and conventional medicines

Williamson, E.M. (2005) Interactions between herbal and conventional medicines. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 4 (2). pp. 355-378. ISSN 1474-0338

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1517/14740338.4.2.355

Abstract/Summary

Herb-drug interactions are subject to much interest at present, but for various reasons reports may be unreliable or unsubstantiated. Herbal medicines are variable in composition and quality, which may affect their interaction profile as well as the reliability of reports concerning them. In this review, clinical and experimental reports have been collated, evaluated and summarised, and the theoretical and clinical evidence presented. There is an explanation of the particular issues involved with herbal medicines as compared with conventional drugs, and reasons why comparisons may or may not be valid, which is intended for those without specialist experience in herbal products. It has become apparent that only a few herbal drugs have so far been cited in interaction reports, for example St John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba, Dan Shen, liquorice, Ma huang and garlic, and that the main drugs involved are those which are already susceptible to interactions with many other conventional drugs, such as warfarin, protease inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs. An attempt has been made to put the matter into perspective and recommendations have been given for health professionals to advise or develop strategies to safeguard patients, without resorting to speculation or scaremongering.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > School of Pharmacy
ID Code:13613
Uncontrolled Keywords:cytochrome P450, herbal medicines, herb–drug interaction (H–DI), P-glycoprotein

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