PHARMACODYNAMIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC INTERACTIONS OF HERBS WITH PRESCRIBED DRUGS: A REVIEW

Abstract

This article is a recapitulation of the current research on interactions of Garlic, St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba, Black pepper, Kava-Kava, Ginseng and Ephedra with a number of prescription and OTC medications. There is extensive use of herbs as herbal medicine or dietary supplements for management of diseases or to enhance immunity. Numerous phytochemical present in herbs alters the enzymatic systems, transporters and/ or the physiological processes resulting into pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with prescribed drugs. Chances of herb interactions will be more for those drugs with narrow therapeutic index and in case of geriatric patients having chronic disorders or those having week immune system. Herbal-drug interactions can be examined by conducting in vitro and in vivo experimental research or by referring published case reports. Herbal interactions should be properly monitored and reported. Monitoring of herbal interactions should be done within a pharmacovigilance network.