Herbal Drugs

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses that the ever-increasing use of herbal and food supplements by the general population necessitates a careful investigation of whether or not these substances are safe and effective and what factors influence their effectiveness and safety. The author points out that there is a high prevalence of alternative supplements used in conjunction with HIV medication. This paper reports that there is a general misapprehension among users of food supplements that "herbal" or "natural" means that a product is inherently safe.

From the Paper:

"Recent estimates indicate that the American population spends $5 billion per year for herbal supplements alone. This increased use may be due to several factors, including the perception that prescription medications are dangerous, expensive, and over-prescribed. Bauer (2000) emphasized that the growth of the herbal product industry in the United States shows no sign of slowing any time soon. Furthermore, continued use of herbal preparations by patients stresses the need for physicians to gain knowledge of the potential benefits and risks of these products as well as their ability to interact with pharmaceuticals. This knowledge will enable physicians to provide a balanced and objective view to patients seeking information on herbal and food supplements."

More papers on Herbal Drugs:

• Essay # 61133 : "Prescription, OTC and Herbal Remedies in Canada"
• Essay # 65334 : "Herbal Supplements and the FDA"
• Case Study # 119562 : "Drug History on Elderly Patient"

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