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3.2.1. Stress and Sleep. Most of the seven families of phytonutrients present a pharmacological effect either in sleep disorders or in the case of problems related to stress. Some have a beneficial effect such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and caffeine.
Jul 20, 2020 · Among these papers, some focused on plants for which there is a growing interest in elucidating the potential effects of their bioactive compounds on different outcomes. For instance, Moringa oleifera (MO), that is a cruciferous plant belonging to the Moringaceae family, has been particularly taken into consideration in this Special Issue, with three original studies and a narrative review.
- Pedro Mena, Donato Angelino, Donato Angelino
- 2020
Jan 23, 2024 · Dietary supplements contain nutrients such as vitamins or minerals that are also found in regular foods, but in a more concentrated form and often at a higher dose. They come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and fizzy, soluble tablets. A dietary supplement is not necessarily made from plants, such as garlic: it could also be an animal product, like fish oil, or ...
- 2024/01/23
- Overview
- What is herbal medicine?
- How to take herbal supplements
- Using herbal medicine safely
- Table of herbal supplements
- Frequently asked questions
- When to contact a doctor
- Outlook
- Summary
Herbal medicines or supplements are natural compounds from plants’ leaves, bark, roots, seeds, or flowers that people can use for medicinal purposes. They may offer therapeutic benefits when people use them as complementary medicine.
Herbal medicines contain active ingredients from natural plants. Their use dates back thousands of years, even before the invention of conventional medicine.
While many people prefer herbal medicines to some doctor-prescribed medications, others may use them in combination with prescription and nonprescription drugs.
This article outlines the different types of herbal medicines, their uses, safety precautions, and when to contact a doctor.
Herbal medicines are natural botanical products, derived from plants, that people may use to treat and prevent diseases.
They are part of a category of treatments called complementary and alternative medicine. Currently, thousands of herbal medicine products are available over the counter in the United States.
Research from a 2018 focus-group study suggests that people may use herbal medicine because they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine. They may also use herbal medicines to:
•treat mild and moderate conditions
•start treatment before taking conventional medicine
Other common uses include:
How a person takes herbal supplements depends on the form. They are available as tablets, capsules, teas, powders, extracts, and fresh or dried plants.
A person can take herbal supplements by:
•swallowing them as pills, powders, or tinctures
•applying them to the skin as gels and lotions
•adding them to bathwater
•drinking them as teas
A person should talk with a doctor before taking herbal medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that supplements can increase or decrease the effects and side effects of prescription and OTC drugs. Doctors can advise people about drug interactions they need to be careful of.
Safe use of herbal medicine also includes:
•following label instructions carefully
•taking only the recommended dosage
•stopping taking an herbal supplement if it is ineffective
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that taking herbal medicine may not be suitable for a person if they are:
Some people use herbal supplements to treat specific symptoms, though there is not much formal research on these uses. The table below lists some herbal supplements and some conditions that they may benefit.
Using supplements can be unsafe for people who have certain health conditions or take medications. People who are breastfeeding or pregnant may want to avoid herbal supplements, as there is very little research on their effects.
Always consult a doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Learn about eight herbs and supplements for depression.
Does the FDA approve herbal medicines?
No, the FDA does not approve herbal medicines. This is because the FDA does not consider herbal medicines drugs. Instead, it considers them dietary supplements for complementary therapy. As a result, herbal medicines are not subject to the same testing, labeling, and manufacturing standards as traditional prescription and OTC medications. However, the FDA regulates herbal medicines to ensure that they meet specific criteria and that they are not dangerous for human consumption.
Is herbal medicine safe?
Not necessarily. The NHS warns that “natural” does not mean safe if a person uses a product without a doctor’s prescription. This is because some herbs can have adverse drug interactions with other medications. Some may also cause fatal side effects. A person should always check with a doctor before taking supplements if they have a health condition or are taking prescribed medication.
A person should discontinue using an herbal supplement and contact a doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
•nausea
•dizziness
•headache
•swelling
•upset stomach
According to a 2017 review published in American Family Physician, 40–60% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, including herbal medicines, and 25% report taking herbal supplements with prescription medication.
The authors note that many people who use herbal supplements do not disclose it to their doctors. This affects the clinical assessment and safety of specific herbal supplement-drug interactions.
To help healthcare professionals better evaluate herbal supplement interactions in the body, a person should:
•disclose any herbal supplements they are using to their doctor
•document their symptoms
•stop using herbal supplements if symptoms do not improve
Herbal medicines or supplements are natural compounds made from plant parts. Manufacturers extract active ingredients from the plants’ leaves, bark, roots, seeds, or flowers.
Herbal supplements are available in many forms, such as pills, teas, extracts, and powders. People use them to treat chronic conditions, including anxiety, sleep problems, and low libido.
Sep 21, 2023 · Micronutrient intake is vital for maintaining health and preventing diseases throughout life. While whole foods should be the primary source of micronutrients, supplementation is necessary in certain cases. Both deficiencies and excess intake of micronutrients can have adverse effects. Common deficiencies include vitamin A, folate, iodine, iron, and zinc. Strategies like fortification and ...
- 2023/09/21
Jul 11, 2022 · Plant nutrition is concerned with the relationship between soil nutrients and plant development [16]. Plants require at least 14 mineral elements in addition to O 2, CO 2, and H 2 O for optimal nutrition. Plant development and agricultural production are reduced when any of these minerals are deficient.
People also ask
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What are herbal medicines & supplements?
Jun 8, 2022 · Unfortunately, as mentioned at the outset, deficiency in B vitamins is all too common in humans, as a result of insufficient access to appropriate food sources, as well as in plants, partly as a result of damage through increasing environmental stress and millennia of selective breeding that unintentionally disregarded micronutrient content (Díaz et al., 2019).
