CLINICAL EFFICACY OF COMBINING MEDICINAL PLANTS AND SYNTHETIC PREPARATIONS
Abstract
This article examines the clinical efficacy, pharmacological rationale, and safety considerations of the simultaneous use of medicinal plant extracts and synthetic drugs that is, phytopharmacological combination therapy on the basis of the scientific literature. The fact that approximately 80 percent of the world's population relies on plant-based preparations for primary healthcare needs (WHO, 2019) underscores the relevance of this topic. The article analyzes synergistic mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, and the results of clinical studies conducted for specific nosologies including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, oncology, and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the adverse consequences of herb-drug interactions, particularly with regard to phytochemicals that affect the CYP450 enzyme system, are examined separately. In conclusion, the conditions necessary for the development of integrative medicine as a scientifically grounded and safe practice are defined.
References
1. World Health Organization. (2019). WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019. Geneva: WHO Press.
2. Bauer, S., et al. (2003). Alterations in cyclosporin A pharmacokinetics and metabolism during treatment with St John's Wort in renal transplant patients. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55(2), 203–211.
3. Fuangchan, A., et al. (2011). Hypoglycemic effect of bitter melon compared with metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(2), 422–428.
4. Dhillon, N., et al. (2008). Phase II trial of curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 14(14), 4491–4499.
5. Ziegler, G., et al. (2002). Efficacy and tolerability of valerian extract LI 156 compared with oxazepam in the treatment of non-organic insomnia. European Journal of Medical Research, 7(11), 480–486.
6. Izzo, A. A., & Ernst, E. (2009). Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Drugs, 69(13), 1777–1798.
7. Posadzki, P., Watson, L., & Ernst, E. (2013). Herb-drug interactions: an overview of systematic reviews. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(3), 603–618.
8. Singh, N., et al. (2011). An overview on Ashwagandha: a rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 8(5S), 208–213.
