[Research] Herbal supplements

RosaryPang

Hi, everyone!!
I'm Rosary from Taiwan and I'm a member in Pharmacy Education committee!
I want to share and discuss about the herbal supplements with you. ☺

Many people take herbal supplements as a dietary supplement.
Herbal supplements have actually been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
In China, Taiwan or other east-Asian countries, Chinese medicine or traditional Asian medicine is a popular medical source. Many people take herbal supplements because they think herbs are healthier and have fewer side effects; however, all herbs — including products labeled as "natural" — can have medication-like effects.
Anything strong enough to produce a positive effect, such as lowered cholesterol or improved mood, is also strong enough to carry risk.
Therefore, it's important to investigate potential benefits and side effects of herbal supplements before you buy or take. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor, especially if you take medications, have chronic health problems, or are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Besides being a supplement, herbs can also be medicine. For example, artemisinin has been used in Tradition Chinese medicine for 2 thousand years but it is also an anti-malaria drug. Paclitaxel, vincristine, and vinblastine are also substances derived from natural plants that can be used to treat cancer. There are far more substances in plants that we don’t know their effects in human yet. Therefore, we must not ignore their importance.
What other herbal medicine do you know? Please share with everyone!
😁

This is a picture of many different kinds of Chinese medicine.

gbriellegimenes

RosaryPang Hello!
Excellent text, I liked the image too!

Here in Brazil thinking about better use of medicinal plants the Regional Council of Pharmacy of São Paulo created a booklet in 2009 and has been constantly updated, because before using it is important to know what the medicinal plant is for, what are the active ingredients, how to prepare and what is the dosage.

bianca

Very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing such a good information

Maria1998

Very interesting topic! Another medicinal plants: Echinacea or coneflower (a flower and popular herbal remedy) for immunity. Ginkgo Biloba is traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and sexual dysfunction. Also, St. John’s wort may treat mild to moderate depression.