Herbal medicine course within pharmacy curriculum

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Increasing consumer use of herbs and dietary supplements necessitates pharmacist knowledge.
• Existing curricula may not adequately cover herbal medicine and dietary supplements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an elective course designed to equip pharmacy students with essential knowledge of herbs and dietary supplements.
• To outline the course's objectives, curriculum, and teaching methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of an elective course curriculum at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science.
• Course content includes phytopharmacology, counseling skills, evidence-based resources, manufacturing, and regulations.
• Over 50 herbs are reviewed for clinical use, efficacy, safety, and drug interactions.

Main Results:

• The course provides a foundational understanding of herbal medicine and dietary supplements.
• Students gain practical skills in counseling and resource utilization.
• The curriculum addresses key aspects of herbal product knowledge relevant to pharmacy practice.

Conclusions:

• The developed elective course effectively addresses the need for pharmacist education in herbs and dietary supplements.
• This educational approach enhances pharmacists' preparedness to advise consumers on these products.
• The course serves as a model for other institutions seeking to integrate this vital topic into their pharmacy programs.