The popularity of herbal medicines is growing, mainly because they are perceived as low risk and are often used over the counter in alternative and complementary medicine in the framework of primary health care. But, medicinal plant preparations should be used with caution, because they contain hundreds of active biomolecules with potential beneficial or even detrimental effects for health and disease. These active substances are often capable of modifying vital functions of the body and interacting with other medications the patient is on, with significant impact on the effectiveness and toxicity of pharmacotherapy. Herbal preparations may also contain pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, solvents and other contaminations that increase their toxicity potential. Misidentification of plant species and excessive amounts used in herbal preparations are also responsible for toxicity. Therefore, authentication of medicinal plant species and removal of harmful phytochemicals by producers combined with broad knowledge of regulatory authorities, health care professionals and the community on their pharmacological and toxicity activities, constitute a prerequisite that ensures the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines as complementary or alternative therapies in the framework of primary health care.
Published Date: 2023-09-27; Received Date: 2023-08-30
