Publication

Abstract :

Background: Drug Herb Interactions is of utmost concern in Pluralistic Health care as the rate of death by Drug Interactions has increased by 15% and if there are more than eight medications the possibility of drug interaction is 100%. The physicians and the patients should be equally aware of the risk involved in consuming multiple medicines at the same time.

Method: The researches carried out in the area of Drug Herb Interactions were thoroughly analysed and the reasons behind these findings were studied in comparison to what Āyurvedic Classical Texts and Nighaṇṭū’s (Drug Lexicons) mention. The modern pharmacological and Āyurvedic concepts have been weighed to understand the prose and cons.

Result: When an allopath drug and herb is consumed together there is definitely a synergistic or antagonistic action. In fact, several medicinal herbs that are used extensively in treatments like Allium sativum, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Berberis aristata when consumed along with allopath drugs can hamper with the pharmacodynamics and kinetics of the drug that can prove to be life threatening.

Conclusion: The take home message is that every drug whether of a chemical structure or herbal source has its effect when consumed. We have to be alert about the possible interactions when drugs and herbs are consumed together. The positive aspects of drug interactions have to be used and negative aspects have to be prevented. Studies should be conducted to check for interactions between prominent herbs and allopath drugs in the interest of Public and Patient Health.