More and more people are using natural herbs to boost their health. However, some herbs can interact with prescription medications, posing risks.
1. What Are Herbs?
Herbs are plants used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments or improve health. Additionally, herbs are also utilized as a means of natural healthcare, helping to maintain wellness and prevent diseases.
While herbs may have healing effects, they can also cause serious side effects if used improperly or in incorrect dosages. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions or interact with other medications.
Therefore, before using any herb, it’s advisable to consult a doctor or nutrition expert to ensure health safety. Additionally, it is important to use herbs from reliable sources, avoiding those of unknown origin or that have not been tested for safety and quality.
Using herbs must be done carefully to ensure safety.
| Since herbs are extracted from natural plants, many people believe that they are safe and less likely to cause side effects compared to chemical medications. |
2. Herbs and Medications Can Cause Adverse Interactions When Used Together
Both medications and herbs have the potential to interact with each other. Some herbs can affect the drug release process from the body, potentially diminishing the drug’s effectiveness. Additionally, certain herbs may influence the metabolism and absorption of medications in the body, leading to increased or decreased drug concentrations in the bloodstream.
It is important to note that medications with a “narrow therapeutic index”, such as chemotherapy agents, immunosuppressants, and anticoagulants, are particularly sensitive to these interactions. Even a slight change in dosage or concentration can shift the benefit-risk ratio, making the medication potentially more toxic than beneficial.
Thus, when using both medications and herbs, caution is essential. One should thoroughly research the usage and potential interactions between medications and herbs. If any unusual signs or reactions occur after using medications or herbs, it is important to notify a doctor immediately.
Older adults, children, individuals with chronic illnesses or specific medication issues, and pregnant or breastfeeding women are particularly advised to be cautious when consuming herbal products due to potential effects or reactions, which can sometimes be severe.
3. Common Herbs That May Interact with Medications
Many herbs can interact with medications. Here are some common examples:
Garlic
Garlic has numerous potential health benefits, including mild blood pressure reduction, prevention of atherosclerosis, improved peripheral circulation, and treatment of respiratory infections. Garlic is taken as a dietary supplement, formulated for better absorption, but it can also interact with medications in some cases.
Garlic reduces the circulating levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, garlic supplements should not be taken with medications that are transported by P-gp, such as gout medication colchicine, heart medication digoxin, cancer drug doxorubicin, immunosuppressant tacrolimus, and antiarrhythmic verapamil.
Turmeric
Curcumin is the main pigment in turmeric, known for its vibrant yellow color. It is used as a spice and dietary supplement. Curcumin is often taken to treat digestive disorders and reduce inflammation (for example, rheumatoid arthritis). However, research indicates that curcumin may lower the levels of some antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms and cognitive decline (such as dementia), eye disorders (retinal disease, glaucoma), and premenstrual syndrome.
Ginkgo acts as a platelet aggregation inhibitor, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with anticoagulants. Individuals on anticoagulants should avoid taking ginkgo supplements.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea is consumed to prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure.
Research shows that green tea extract can increase the concentration of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin, possibly due to P-gp inhibition. Conversely, studies have indicated that green tea extract may affect the transport of various medications such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, certain beta-blockers for cardiovascular conditions, cancer drug imatinib, and antiviral medications. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using green tea extract with these drugs.
Licorice
Licorice may interact with cancer treatments, chemotherapy, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory cortisone medications when taken as an herb or supplement, but not in its food form.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of freshwater blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids. Spirulina also provides antioxidant effects due to the blue pigment phycocyanin. Spirulina contains a significant amount of vitamin K1. When used alongside medications that counteract vitamin K synthesis, it may cause disturbances.
To avoid bleeding issues, caution should be exercised when using spirulina for individuals undergoing antiplatelet therapy. It is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking spirulina if on anticoagulant therapy.
The risk of interaction between natural health products and medications is always present. Thus, to ensure safety, it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
