Hati-Hati Dalam Mencampur Adukkan Ubat Herba Dan Ubat Moden

Sila baca artikel di bawah mengenai kemungkinan bahaya yang bakal dihadapi jika kita mencampuradukkan produk herba dan ubatan moden. Mungkin cara yang lebih selamat adalah dengan mencuba satu persatu jenis ubatan daripada mencampurkannya.

Warning over herbal remedies interactions with heart drugs

Doctors have warned heart patients over the use of herbal remedies such as St John's Wort and ginkgo bioloba as they interact with medicines.

Millions of people are thought to use over the counter herbal remedies but doctors have warned that just because they are 'natural' does not mean they are safe.

They added that these substances can interfere with the way conventional medicines work, making them more potent or ineffective.

Researchers writing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology said patients should inform their doctor if they are taking any herbal preparations.

Experts from the prestigious May Clinic in Arizona, America, said that St John's Wort, typically used for mild depression and sleep problems can reduce the effect of drugs to treat heart rhythm problems and high blood pressure. It may also increase blood cholesterol levels which may contribute to heart problems.

Ginkgo biloba, taken by some to boost their immune system or 'sharpen' their attention and increase energy levels can increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking blood thinners warfarin and aspirin.

Garlic can also have the same effect when taken in large doses.

Patients taking drugs such as warfarin are already wanred to avoid a list of foods and drinks, including grapefruit juice, as it interferes with the blood thinning action of the drug.

Dr Arshad Jahangir, Professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, at the Mayo Clinic, said: "Many people have a false sense of security about these herbal products because they are seen as 'natural'.

"But 'natural' doesn't always mean they are safe. Every compound we consume has some effect on the body, which is, in essence, why people are taking these products to begin with.

"We can see the effect of some of these herb-drug interactions—some of which can be life-threatening—on tests for blood clotting, liver enzymes and, with some medications, on electrocardiogram."

He said a major concern is that patients often do not tell their doctor they are taking herbal remedies as they do not think of them as medicines.

Dr Jahangir said: "These herbs have been used for centuries—well before today's cardiovascular medications—and while they may have beneficial effects these need to be studied scientifically to better define their usefulness and, more importantly, identify their potential for harm when taken with medications that have proven benefit for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

"Patients, physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers need to know about the potential harm these herbs can have."