Evaluation of herbal product use and possible herb-drug interactions in Turkish elderly

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and documentation of the use of herbal remedies by individuals aged ≥65 years and to evaluate possible adverse reactions and herb-drug interactions.

Method: Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 1418 participants (age range 65-95 years) via interview-based questionnaires.

Results: The prevalence of herbal use among older adults was 30% (n = 426); 64% (n = 274) used more than one prescription medication, and polyherbacy was reported by 47.5% (n = 202) of participants. Some participants used herbal products that are known to interfere with conventional drugs used to treat chronic diseases, such as cardiac glycosides, diuretics, anticoagulants, antidiabetics, anticonvulsants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Conclusion: To ensure good patient care, it is important that healthcare professionals are aware of possible health complications associated with the concomitant use of herbs and medications.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions; Elderly; Herbal products; Herb–drug interactions.