- 1Observatory
of Herb-Drug Interactions & Drug Discovery Group of Center for
Pharmaceutical Studies, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of
Pharmacy, University of Coimbra.
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. This work aimed to alert cardiovascular patients and
healthcare providers of the potential of occurrence of herb-drug
interactions with cardiovascular therapy. Information obtained from the
campaign "Aprender Saúde Entre as Plantas e os Medicamentos", carried
out by the Observatory of Herb-Drug Interactions (www.oipm.uc.pt), was
accessed in order to exemplify some selected interactions. From data
received during the campaign, it was highlighted the prevalence of
certain natural products particularly goji berries, green tea,
mangosteen and rooibos that have significant cardiovascular effects. For
this reason their intake should be carefully monitored in
cardiovascular patients. This prevalence of use suggests a pattern in
their use in Portugal. The ending results also indicate that there is still a lack of knowledge about the possible risks of herbal
products, 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.
