Abstract
Throughout the history of mankind, herbal remedies were the only medicines available. However, when a pharmaceutical is prepared from a plant source, the active ingredient is sold in the pure form following extensive steps of extraction, purification, and standardization. In contrast, herbal remedies are crude extract of plant products and may contain active ingredients along with other active components which may cause toxicity. According to WHO, approximately 80% of world population relies on herbal medicines. In addition, many patients take herbal medicines concurrently with conventional drugs. For example, in the United States, the concurrent use of herbals and conventional drugs occurs in 20%–30% patients. As a result, a relatively safe herbal product such as St. John’s wort may cause treatment failure due to drug-herb interactions.
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