Medicines names and uses
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Medicines Names and Uses: A Comprehensive Overview
Herbal Medicines for Women's Menstruation Health
Common Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines have been widely used across different regions to treat menstrual diseases. Some of the most commonly used herbs include Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), Ruta graveolens L. (Common rue), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Angelica sinensis), Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Fennel), and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Catharanthus roseus). These herbs are known for their long-term usage and effectiveness in treating menstrual disorders.
Medicinal Plant Families
The most common medicinal plant families used for treating menstrual diseases are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, and Zingiberaceae. These families are preferred due to their widespread availability and the belief in the higher efficacy of medicines made from fresh plant parts.
Interactions Between Herbal Medicines and Prescribed Drugs
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide range of conventional drugs. It can reduce the plasma concentrations of drugs such as alprazolam, amitriptyline, atorvastatin, ciclosporin, digoxin, and warfarin. These interactions occur primarily through the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and P-glycoprotein, which increase the clearance of these drugs from the body .
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo can decrease the plasma concentrations of omeprazole, ritonavir, and tolbutamide. It has also been reported to interact with antiepileptics, aspirin, diuretics, ibuprofen, risperidone, and warfarin, potentially leading to serious clinical consequences such as bleeding and raised blood pressure .
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng may interact with phenelzine and warfarin, potentially lowering their blood concentrations. It has also been associated with inducing mania when used concomitantly with phenelzine .
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic interacts with chlorpropamide, fluindione, ritonavir, and warfarin. It can also reduce the plasma concentrations of chlorzoxazone, a CYP2E1 probe, and has been linked to hypoglycemia when taken with chlorpropamide .
Echinacea
Echinacea might affect the clearance of caffeine and midazolam, which are probes for CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, respectively. However, no significant interactions have been reported for saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) .
Commonly Used Herbal Medicines in the United States
Popular Herbs and Their Efficacy
In the United States, approximately one-quarter of adults use herbal medicines to treat medical illnesses. The ten most commonly used herbs include ginkgo, St John’s wort, ginseng, garlic, echinacea, saw palmetto, and kava. However, systematic reviews have concluded that only four of these herbs are likely to be effective, highlighting the need for more stringent regulation and additional research to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Simultaneous Use of Herbal Medicines and Antihypertensive Drugs
Prevalence and Risks
Approximately 80% of hypertensive patients use herbal medicines in combination with antihypertensive drugs. The most common herb used in this context is garlic. While this combination is often recommended for its perceived safety and efficacy, it can lead to side effects such as shortness of breath, ulcers, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Effective communication between patients and healthcare workers is crucial to prevent these risks.
Conclusion
Herbal medicines play a significant role in treating various health conditions, including menstrual diseases and hypertension. However, their interactions with conventional drugs can lead to serious clinical consequences. Therefore, it is essential to conduct further research and improve communication between healthcare providers and patients to ensure the safe and effective use of these herbal remedies.
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