HERBOVIGILANCE: A REVIEW ARTICLE ON HERBAL DRUGS AND ITS PHARMACOVIGILANCE

This paper seeks to analyse the significance and effectiveness of herbal and traditional medicine. This medical practice traces its roots to ancient cultures and involves the use of plants and their extracts for the treatment of diseases and the support of bodily functions. Its use dates back to prehistoric times. Even today, herbal medicine remains the primary form of healthcare for nearly 75% of the global population—particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries—due to its cultural acceptance, compatibility with the human body, and comparatively fewer side effects. Pharmacovigilance refers to the science and practice concerned with the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse drug effects or any other drug-related problems. In recent years, its scope has expanded to include herbal, traditional, and complementary medicines, with the aim of comprehensively identifying, evaluating, and preventing adverse effects in individuals undergoing therapy. In India, the pharmacovigilance of herbal medicines has significantly evolved since its inception. The objective of this article is to present a concise review of recent trends and the challenges associated with pharmacovigilance of herbal drugs, particularly within the Indian context, while highlighting its critical role in ensuring the rational use of drugs in pharmacotherapy. The methodology employed involve an extensive search of contemporary scientific literature on the topic, supplemented by a review of bibliographies from selected publications.