TOXICITY AND MISUSE OF HERBAL DRUGS: MYTHS AND SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

For hundreds of years, herbs were utilized by humans; today, herbs are still widely recognized across the globe as alternatives to prescription medications because of their natural origin. Herbs are associated with cases of poisoning due to adverse effects like liver failure following use of kava or comfrey, heart disorders related to consumption of ephedra, and undesirable drug–herb interaction, such as St. John's wort. The main reason why herbs can be harmful is the lack of regulatory measures to regulate their quality, which leads to herb contamination and admixtures as well as uncontrolled dosages. Consequently, patients cannot distinguish herbs which can be helpful and harmful to them. It is crucial to disseminate information about herbs and promote awareness regarding herbs among the community in order to ensure the safety of their use. Using herbs safely while receiving their medicinal benefits is entirely possible by combining culture and science.