HERBAL DRUG USE FREQUENCY, REASONS, AND EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH: AN ETHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Herbal products are generally considered safe because of their natural origin with the belief that "herbs are harmless". Herbal medicines, teas, and mixtures can be purchased by consumers via the internet and telephone without the supervision of a doctor. The ease of direct sale of herbal products to consumers, potential toxicity, contamination, deception, and interactions with drugs and food pose a direct threat to public health.
 Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of use of herbal medicines and the reasons for use in Sivas city center and its districts.
 Method: The prepared questionnaires were approved by the Sivas Chamber of Pharmacists' board of directors and the questionnaires were administered to the patients under the supervision of a pharmacist. The results were evaluated with the chi-square test.
 Findings: According to the research results; Herbal products are bought from herbalists, online, no one knows about their content, the dosage is not known, the side effects are not known, they are easily used with prescription drugs, and there is no information about eliminations. Worst of all, 70% of the society tends to use herbal products. Doctors do not know much about phytotherapy and therefore cannot recommend herbal products. In this case, the most ignorant and charlatans have a say. Pharmacists can't compete with herbalists who act recklessly in this regard. Herbal product licenses are unfortunately not given by the Ministry of Health.
 Conclusion: In short, herbal products continue to pose a threat to public health as a "bomb with the pin pulled" unless precautions are taken.