Summary Herbal Medicines: Possible Risks and Benefits
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Module
Herbal Medicines: Possible Risks and Benefits
Institution
Herbal Medicines: Possible Risks And Benefits
INTRODUCTION
The consumption of herbal medicines is increasing steadily throughout the world as an alternative treatment for alleviating a number of health problems including heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and even certain types of cancer. In India use of herbal drugs is much mo...
Each type of medicine has many strengths and weakne sses. In order
to protect and improve our health, it is important to become an
informed medical consumer. Herbal drugs are used widely for
preventive and therapeutic purposes. The manufacturers of these
products are not required to submit proof of safety and efficacy before
marketing, so the adverse effects associated with remedies are largely
unknown. Also, herbal products are not regu lated for purity and
potency. Thus, some of adverse effects reported could be caused by
impurities or batch to batch variability. The potency of herbal products
may increase the possibility of adverse ef fects. This paper highlights
potential benefits and possible risks associated with consumption of
herbal product so that conventional treatments can be made more safe
and effective.
The consumption of herbal fall under the category of medicine as long as
medicines is increasing steadily throughout the they are not marketed for the prevention of any
world as an alternative treatment for alleviating a
disease. Herbal drugs are considered as 'food
number of health problems including heart integrators and readily available in the market
diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and even without prescription. The major driving force
certain types of cancer. In India use of herbal for the use of herbal drugs is the perception
drugs is much more because of their easy that ‘they are safe because they are natural and
accessibility. Unlike drugs, herbal products are have fewer side effects than prescription
not regulated for purity and potency .There are drugs'. However, various studies and
neither studies on their effectiveness nor control
researchers have high lightened their possible
over the quality and safety of these preparations.
side effects, if taken irregularly, in excessive
As per Food and Drug Administration mandates, amounts or in combination with some
only medicines have to be proven to be safe medicines1. A common problem with herb use
before being released into market. Herbal is that people do not take into consideration
products do not how they may interact with any prescription
drug
American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics www.ajpct.org
they are taking, or with each other. Interaction cause undesired effects. Sometimes the use of
between drugs and herbs can result in commonly used herbs with prescription
unexpected concentration of drugs and also medicines become big barrier for the diagnosis
, Mahajan et al_________________________________________________________________
of certain diseases as people do not inform Aloe should be considered as a causative agent
their physicians about their consumption. The in hepatotoxicity2.
aim of this paper is to highlight the uses and If Aloe Vera is not processed properly
side effects of some selected below mentioned it turned out to be poisonous. Over dose of
herbal drugs so that these may be used safely. Aloe can cause intestinal cramps leading to
A tabular presentation of uses and adverse ulcers or irritated bowels. The use of aloe may
effects of selected eleven herbal drugs is given result in allergic reactions, cramps and kidney
in table1. damage 3. Also, overdose can lead to colicky
abdominal spasms and pain, as well as the
ALOE VERA formation of thin, watery stools. Aloe should
not be used during pregnancy except under
medical supervision after benefits and risks
There are about 400 species of aloe. have been evaluated according to WHO
Among them, particularly Aloe vera has been guidelines. People who are on steroids, pills
widely used in phytomedicines. The botanical for irregular heartbeat, diuretics, digoxin
name of Aloe Vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. should not use Aloe. Also, people with
It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) intestinal disorders, pregnant and nursing
family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, mothers and children below 12 years should
perennial, xerophytic, succulent; pea- green not use Aloe. On May 9, 2002, the U.S. Food
colour plant. and Drug Administration issued a final rule
banning the use of aloe and cascara sagrada as
Benefits laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug
The Aloe Vera plant has been known products. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a
and used for centuries for its health, beauty, bowel movement within 24 hours after use of
medicinal and skin care properties. a laxative may indicate a serious condition.
Phytomedicine describes aloe as an herb Chronic use may cause dependence and need
which has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative for increased dosages, disturbances of water
and anti-aging effects. The Greek scientists and electrolyte balance (hypokalaemia), and
regarded Aloe Vera as the universal panacea. an atomic colon with impaired function. One
The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of should be aware about the species of aloe used,
immortality”. Also, aloe has been purported to as the juice of the leaves of certain species is
have positive effects on wound healing, poisonous, for example Aloe venenosa is
recovery from burn injury, cell growth and poisonous.
immune modulation.
TURMERIC
Risks
But, in recent years several cases of Curcuma longa is the most important
aloe-induced hepatotoxicity were reported. species for the food industry and has a wide
The clinical manifestation, laboratory findings distribution in India. Curcuma longa is a small
and histological findings of three persons perennial herb native to India bearing many
admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis rhizomes on its root system.
taking aloe preparation for months, met Benefits
diagnostic criteria of toxic hepatitis. Upon Turmeric is known to possess
discontinuation of the oral aloe preparations, antibacterial, anticancer and antifungal
liver enzymes returned to normal level. So, activities. It is well recognized as the best anti-
AJPCT1[2][2013]226-239
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