Positive Health Online

Abstract

BONIEL and DANNON, Pharmaceutical Service, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel reviewed (27 references) the most commonly used herbal drugs and their safety and efficacy in psychiatric disorders .

Background

Use of alternative medicines is increasing throughout the world. Government ministries class herbal remedies as food supplements, and so they can be obtained freely from pharmacies and health stores without professional advice . Many herbs are used to self-treat psychiatric disorders . These herbs have pharmacological activities and side effects and can interact with prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, resulting in changes in mood, cognition and behaviour . The present article discusses such effects of the most commonly used herbal remedies.

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Clinicians should ask their patients about their use of herbal remedies in a non-judgemental manner and document this. It is vital that we become more aware of the side effects and potential drug interactions of these herbs. At present, patients should be advised to avoid long-term use of these herbs due to the lack of safety information .

References

Boniel T, Dannon P. (The safety of herbal medicines in the psychiatric practice.) Harefuah 140 (8): 780-3. Aug 2001.