Safety of Traditional Remedies

Contents 1. Introduction―safety of phytotherapeutic preparations 2. Examples of safety issue with traditional remedies 2.1. Acute toxicity 2.2. Chronic Toxicity 2.3. Drug interactions 2.4. Adulterations 2.5. Quality of botanical products used 3. How frequent are toxic effects of traditional remedies 4. Quality control measures 5. Toxicity of traditional medicines – a public health perspective 6. Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary Local and traditional systems of medicine have a great potential for improving health care at the local level. This review examines safety issues surrounding botanicals used in medical systems all over the world and discusses examples of safety issues associated with traditional remedies. Acute and chronic toxicity, drug interactions, adulterations, the quality of botanical products used and measures for quality control are at the centre of the discussion. The data is largely drawn from Europe and North America, but shows the overall need for proper monitoring systems for botanicals. Examples discussed in greater detail are pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing drugs, Aristolochia species (used in many regions of the world) as well as kava-kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst.). A user-oriented approach is needed resulting in applied research for the further development of such autochthonous resources (ethnopharmacy).