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Abstract
Herbal medicine refers to the use of substances extracted from flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, and stems, either alone or as an adjunct to other forms of alternative health care. It had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. For example, ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Herbal preparations are associated with a wide variety of toxicological manifestations includes: Direct health risks As dose-dependent toxic reactions, idiosyncratic toxic reactions, long-term toxic effects, and delayed toxic effects which includes carcinogenicity and teratogenicity. Indirect Health Risk by altering previous conventional prescription medication therapy. A patient may discontinue or become less compliant with previous therapy, with untoward consequences. Alternatively, the addition of an herbal preparation may affect the pharmacologic effect, whether it is the bioavailability or clearance of concurrently used medications, with resulting increase risk of toxicity and drug herbs interaction.Garlic: It has lipid lowering, antihypertensive, antineoplastic Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Antiviral effects. Also, it used for common cold and weight control beside its anti oxidant activity. Bad breath, body odor, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are the common reported side effects of garlic. Also, it increases the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs or herbs that also increase the risk of bleeding and alter levels of certain drugs metabolized by the liver’s CYP450 enzyme system. Ginkgo: It is used for cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and memory enhancement. Also used in intermittent claudication and Tinnitus. Because gingko decreases platelet aggregation, there is some concern that it may increase risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Ginkgo may alter the metabolism and effectiveness of some prescription as Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant, Antihypertensive, Cylosporine and Thiazide. Soybean: Used for Prevention of Heart Disease and cancer and treatment of Osteoporosis and Menopausal symptom. Findings from laboratory studies have raised concerns that soy consumption may stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and can lead to under functioning of the thyroid gland. Ingesting of soy inhibited the metabolism of theophylline, resulted in higher concentrations of the drug.John’s Wort: Saint John’s wort is effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Because of the possibility of developing serotonin syndrome, use of St. John’s wort in conjunction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is not recommended. Also, it induces cytochrome enzymes activity.Kava:Scientists have studied kava for Anxiety, Stress and Parkinson’s disease. Until recently, kava was thought to be safe when used at recommended doses for up to two months. However, there are now numerous reports of severe liver problems or death in people using kava. Other side effects may include upset stomach, allergic rash, psychotic syndromes, severe involuntary muscle movements, seizures, headache and drowsiness. Kava may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. It may also add to the effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.Echinacea: It is used for upper respiratory tract, urinary tract and fungal infection. In rare cases, Echinacea may cause allergic reactions. There has been one report of an individual developing erythema nodosum after taking Echinacea to treat the flu. When taken by mouth, Echinacea may cause temporary numbing and tingling on the tongue. People should not use the herb with immunosuppressive medications, especially when taken for organ transplant Using Echinacea with cyclophosphamide or other chemotherapy agents that act as immunosuppressant may allow the cancer-fighting medicines to kill the tumors while still protecting the immune system. Saw palmetto: It improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, Male-pattern hair loss, Prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Side effects are very rare, although mild stomach complaints and minor headaches may occur. Black Cohosh: Black cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism and sore throat. Currently, the primary use of black cohosh extract is for alleviation of menopausal symptoms. With the exception of a possible interaction with tamoxifen, there are no known interactions between black cohosh extract and any medications .Also, the only adverse effect reported with any significant frequency was gastrointestinal discomfort.Milk thistle: In the United States, milk thistle is most commonly used to treat viral infections and cirrhosis of the liver. Also it is used as Anticarcinogen and in the treatment of Amanita phalloides poisoning. It is significantly slow down the activity of the liver enzyme.
Valerian: Several clinical studies have shown that valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian has occasionally been reported to cause headache, excitability, stomach upset, uneasiness, dizziness, unsteadiness and low body temperature. chronic use may result in insomnia. Valerian may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, some antidepressants, and alcohols.
The Aims Of The Present Work Are 1- To Define Some Of Herbal Remedies In Alternative Medicine And Identify Their Uses.2- To Summarize The Potential Risks Of Using Such Herbal Prepartions Without Medical Supervision.3- To Appraise Herbal-Drug Interactions.