[Corrected title.] http://neurology.medscape.com/reuters/prof/2000/08/08.14/20000814publ003.html Physicians Called Upon to Change Attitudes Toward Herbal Medicines -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTPORT, Aug 14 (Reuters Health) - As the market for herbal drugs nears $4 billion a year in the US, the time has come for physicians to take a closer look at the benefits and risks of herbal medicines, according to Dr. E. Ernst, of the University of Exeter, UK. One driving force in this health trend has been the accumulation of evidence that some herbal medicines may have true clinical benefits, Dr. Ernst explains in the August 12th issue of the British Medical Journal. In particular, hypericum, the active component of St. John's wort, appears to be as effective as conventional antidepressants; gingko biloba seems to be able to delay the clinical course of dementia; and positive clinical effects of saw palmetto and horse chestnut seed extracts have been reported. On the flip side, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of most herbal drugs, according to the editorialist. And the fact that these medicines are sold as nutritional supplements means that they evade the safety requirements placed on conventional drugs. This is an important concern, Dr. Ernst says, given evidence of severe side effects of some herbal remedies and the possibility of drug-drug interactions. For instance, ginseng could cause excessive anticoagulation when combined with warfarin. Dr. Ernst says that many physicians maintain a "negative attitude" toward herbal medicines, and he calls on them to take a second look. "Doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals need to be knowledgeable to advise their patients responsibly, and there is an unquestionable need for reliable information on herbal medicines, a demand that must be met adequately by undergraduate and postgraduate education," he says. The editorialist adds that questions about herbal medicine use should become a routine part of any medical history, and that physicians should monitor the effects--both positive and negative--of these drugs in their patients. BMJ 2000;321:395-396. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 2000 Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Robert F. Tatman Information Technology Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jenkintown, PA, USA *Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.* <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
