Are Herbal Remedies Safer Than Manufactured Drugs?

By Masooma Hyder Baig

Introduction

Across centuries, using plants, herbs, and spices to treat and heal ailments has been an integral part of humanity. Advancements in modern medicine, scientific research and manufacturing processes have also served similar purposes in developing and curating drugs for disease management. This article aims to explore why many people assume herbal remedies are safer than synthetic drugs, examining the considerations of both for treatment.

Understanding Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are part of an umbrella term referred to as Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is defined as a group of non-orthodox and traditional therapies used alone, or alongside other therapies, in the treatment and prevention of disease in human and veterinary patients (Kayne, 2009). Other subdivisions of  CAM include but are not limited to: 

1. Mind-body practices (meditation, hypnosis, prayer)
2.  Biological-based therapies (herbal remedies like the use of medicinal plants, animal extracts and foods to provide healing) 
3. Manipulative body-based therapy (massages, chiropractic practice and reflexology) 

(Koithan, 2009)

Perceptions of biological-based therapies being safer stem from the idea that these therapies are purer and more compatible with the human body than synthetic drugs (NHS, 2022).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Herbal Remedies

One major benefit of herbal remedies is increased patient compliance as these therapies are often incorporated in cultural practice (WHO,2023). This also leads to increased accessibility to these treatments as they are generally more cost-effective than manufactured drugs (Ahmed et al., 2023). However, recommendations for herbal remedies are often based on traditional use instead of scientific or peer-reviewed evidence. For example, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the UK emphasises that herbal products should be tested for safety before being sold in the UK, reiterating that their efficacy is traditionally based rather than scientifically proven (MHRA, 2014). 

Some herbal remedies may have fewer side effects related to their therapeutic use, but the lack of scientific study makes it difficult to identify potential side effects, as some herbal remedies do not have known mechanisms of action (Karimi, Majlesi and Rafieian-Kopaei, 2015). Additionally, differing growing conditions and preparation methods of herbal remedies can result in inconsistent quantities of active ingredients, demonstrating the need for better regulation of herbal remedies (Wang et al., 2023). Side effects related to toxicity, allergic reactions and photosensitivity have been documented in popular herbal remedies like St John’s wort (indicated in mild depression and anxiety) and the Kava plant (used for its sedative and relaxant properties) (Ekor, 2014). These considerations do not render these remedies ineffective but call for healthcare professionals and herbal practitioners to correctly inform patients about the uncertainties related to specific herbal remedies: enabling shared decision-making.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Manufactured Drugs

It can be argued that manufactured drugs are safer than herbal remedies due to better regulation leading to consistent quality and accurate dosage. The efficacy of a drug is thoroughly investigated before it reaches the market: taking approximately 10-15 years of thorough research, development, multiple clinical trials and various regulatory processes (Lo and Field, 2013). However, this extensive process increases the cost of manufacturing drugs compared to many herbal remedies, making them less accessible, especially for population groups who are required to fund their treatment. 

The mechanisms of action of synthetic drugs are often better understood, allowing for more targeted action and greater awareness of the drug’s side effects (Stan et al., 2021). Yet it is important to note that being more aware of side effects does not necessarily mean patients view these drugs to be safer. Over-the-counter (OTC) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can be purchased by anyone but their side effects disproportionately impact patients who have asthma, hayfever or gastrointestinal issues (EMC, 2024). Therefore, similar to herbal remedies, healthcare professionals are also required to inform patients of these drug-related risks to enable shared decision-making in the patient’s best interest. 

Conclusion

To conclude, the debate over the safety of herbal remedies versus manufactured drugs is multifaceted. Herbal remedies offer benefits such as increased patient compliance due to cultural integration, cost-effectiveness and potentially fewer side effects. However, the lack of rigorous scientific research and pharmaceutical regulation poses substantial risks in recommendation. On the other hand, synthetic drugs undergo thorough research and quality control, ensuring consistent standards and a better understanding of their mechanisms and side effects. Yet, their higher costs and potential for adverse side effects may deter patients from adhering to them. Fundamentally, both herbal remedies and manufactured drugs have their place in healthcare, where the choice between them should be guided by informed decision-making: considering patient needs and preferences. Through multidisciplinary expertise, healthcare professionals and herbal practitioners play crucial roles in providing balanced information to empower patients to make the best choices for their health.

Reference list

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Edited by Ferhia Ibro