Title:Herb-Drug Interactions: An Insight into Cardiovascular Diseases Based on Case Reports
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
Author(s): Cheila Batista, N. R. Jesus, Catia M. Silva, Tiago P. Silva and Maria G. Campos
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Adverse effects, cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular drugs, herbs, interactions, safety.
Abstract: Cardiovascular patients frequently use herbal medicinal products, in order to contribute to the
improvement of their chronic condition without medical intervention. However, they are likely to suffer
from adverse effects from natural products and herb-drug interactions. In this work we present the results
collected from a public campaign “Learning Health, among Plants and Medicines”, carried out by
the Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions (www.oipm.uc.pt), to alert cardiovascular patients and
healthcare providers for the potential occurrence of herb-drug interactions with cardiovascular therapy.
From the data received, it was highlighted the prevalence of certain natural products used by many cardiovascular
patients in Portugal, particularly goji berries, green tea, mangosteen and rooibos that have
significant cardiovascular effects. For this reason their intake should be carefully monitored in these patients.
This prevalence of consumption suggests a pattern in their use in Portugal and a prevention of
herb-drug interactions should be carried out by the health professionals. The ending results also indicate
that there is still a lack of knowledge about the possible risks of herbal products intake, which may adversely
affect the health of any patient. Thus becomes clear the value of the role of health professionals
in the screening of such interactions.
