Caution: What Is Important to Know When Taking Natural Medicines?

Many people use plant-based natural medicines. A comprehensive review in the BMJ journal revealed surprising findings about the dangerous effects of taking conventional and natural medicines together.

The article reported that researchers from the University of South Africa uncovered numerous cases where natural medicines diluted conventional prescription drugs, altered their effects, and caused dangerous side effects.

The article included various examples of patients who suffered severe effects after using herbal medications alongside antidepressants, anti-epileptic drugs, and heart medications.

"The findings illustrate and emphasize that natural components have potential biological effects and may harm many patients using herbal treatments," the researchers explained, "This is why it is important for consumers to be warned of the danger and to think twice before independently combining herbal and conventional medicines."

To identify previous cases of patients who suffered adverse effects, researchers scanned medical literature and included 49 reports. After analyzing the cases, they concluded that in 60% of the cases, herbal medicines played a role.

Additionally, according to recent studies, some active components in herbal medicines accelerate the breakdown rate of prescription drugs in the liver, thus reducing their effectiveness.

"If a person takes herbal medicines, he should discuss it with his doctor. The potential interaction between the medicines can be very harmful to the patient's health," the researchers emphasized.