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Herb-Drug Interactions: An Insight into Cardiovascular Diseases Based on Case Reports
Cheila Batista1, N R Jesus1, Catia M Silva1
1Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Heath Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal.
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|October 18, 2016
Summary
Cardiovascular patients often use herbal products, risking dangerous herb-drug interactions. Healthcare providers must screen for these interactions, especially with popular herbs like goji berries and green tea.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular patients frequently use herbal medicinal products for chronic condition management.
- Natural products can cause adverse effects and herb-drug interactions, posing risks to patient health.
- A public campaign aimed to raise awareness among cardiovascular patients and healthcare providers about potential herb-drug interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To alert cardiovascular patients and healthcare providers about the risks of herb-drug interactions with cardiovascular therapy.
- To identify prevalent natural products used by cardiovascular patients in Portugal.
- To emphasize the importance of health professional screening for herb-drug interactions.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from a public campaign "Learning Health, among Plants and Medicines" by the Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions.
- Analysis of reported natural product usage by cardiovascular patients.
- Identification of specific herbal products with significant cardiovascular effects.
Main Results:
- Goji berries, green tea, mangosteen, and rooibos were highlighted as prevalent natural products used by cardiovascular patients in Portugal.
- These products possess significant cardiovascular effects, necessitating careful monitoring.
- A lack of knowledge regarding the risks of herbal product intake was identified among patients.
Conclusions:
- The consumption patterns of certain natural products by cardiovascular patients in Portugal require careful monitoring.
- Health professionals play a crucial role in preventing herb-drug interactions through screening.
- Increased awareness and education are vital to mitigate adverse health effects from herbal product use in cardiovascular patients.
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