Abstract
Objective: This work describes the medicinal plants and/or herbal medicines usage by the population assisted by Brazilian Public Health System (SUS), and their prescription by health professionals in the Brazilian Northeast. Methods: Questionnaires were applied for public health system users; pharmacists who work at compounding pharmacies; physicians and nurses. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The sociodemographic profile was individuals between 40 and 59 yearsold, majority of females, low family income, and low schooling levels. A great number of individuals (89.3%) used plant products, without prescription and based on traditional knowledge. There was a common trend regarding a lack of knowledge of plant toxicity potential. Regarding health professionals, 90% stated having knowledge about medicinal plants and/or herbal medicines, and 80% believe that its effect is important. Conclusion: The study reveals the major usage of herbal medicines and/or medicinal plants by familiar low income and low schooling level without prescription from a physician. These factors may cause a risk/benefit imbalance where could have a reduction in therapy efficacy and high toxicity potential of the drugs. This reinforces the need of pharmacosurveillance toward usage of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in the public health system.
Highlights
Modern mankind stands apart from that of other eras for its high consumption of medicines.[1]
The queries applied to the health professionals aimed at understanding the production, commercialization and prescription of compounded herbal medicines, which are known to come from plant extracts and substances alike
The results demonstrated that: all the professionals had some knowledge of medicinal plants and/or herbal medicines and their use; all claimed to prepare formulations with plant extracts and related substances in their establishments; and all the interviewed individuals said the patients adhere well to the treatment with formulas containing medicinal plants extracts
Summary
Modern mankind stands apart from that of other eras for its high consumption of medicines.[1]. Two types of plant products used in alternative medicine can be highlighted and are the focus of this study: medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Medicinal plants are those traditionally used by a population or community and are capable of preventing, relieving or curing diseases. Population focus of the study is assisted by the public health of the two largest cities of the cocoa micro-region, Ilhéus and Itabuna, which are centers of referral and counter-referral health, covering both residents of the two cities, as neighboring municipalities. According to 2010 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), conducted by the Brazilian Statistic Bureau (IBGE), the population of Ilheus and Itabuna was about 184.236 (104.67 inhabitants/ km2) and 204.667 (473.50 inhabitants/km2), with an estimated population for 2013 of 184.616 and 218.124, respectively.[15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
