Sulami, Fouz Al-Ghamdi and Ashwaq Al-Tuwaireqi JEDDAH/MAKKAH — Various herbal medicines have become popular these days as they are being marketed through social media networks. Many people, especially those suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, go after these medicines with the hope of finding cure for their illness. Medical experts have pointed out that some herbal mixtures contain harmful chemicals such as insecticides and people use them without any knowledge about their content and side effects. Dr. Alaa Aarif, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist, has advised people not to use such suspicious medicines marketed by unreliable producers. "These medicines are marketed without testing their effectiveness in curing certain diseases. However, it may cure some illness by coincidence and this should not mislead other people. Some of these medicines would worsen the disease," she told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. She said most of these medicines contain harmful chemicals including cortisone in high doses. They will have dangerous side effects and cause skin diseases and affect nails and joints. It may also cause obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes and increase the rate of cholesterol. "We should not adopt adventurism by taking unlicensed medicines," Dr. Aarif said. Dr. Emad Hilali, consultant endocrinologist, also advised the public not to use herbal tonics to treat various diseases as their herbal content would cause drug interactions and endanger health of patients and cause other diseases. "Usually these medicines are taken by people without consulting any doctor or medical expert and without knowing specific dosage of medicine," Hilali told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. He said diabetic patients use various herbal medicines. "If they use such herbal medicines without consulting medical experts it would worsen their condition." Dr. Maisem Ameen, consultant dermatologist, said nobody knows the genuineness and effectiveness of herbal medicines as they are marketed without being licensed by drug authorities. "Some of these medicines contain insecticides while some others contain heavy minerals, which could damage functions of some internal organs," he added. Speaking about side effects of such medicines, he said it would lead to kidney failure and acute poisoning. "Some herbal medicines are used for cosmetic purposes. Some chemicals added in these medicines are not good for human consumption," he added. "These medicines could cause side effects such as dry skin, appearance of rashes, vitiligo and leprosy," he pointed out. Ginkgo biloba extract, advertised as improving cognitive functioning, has been reported to cause spontaneous bleeding, and it may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. St. John's Wort, promoted as a treatment for depression, may have monoamine oxidase–inhibiting effects or may cause increased levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Ephedrine-containing herbal products have been associated with adverse cardiovascular events, seizures and even death. Ginseng, widely used for its purported physical and mental effects, is generally well tolerated, but it has been seen as a cause of decreased response to warfarin. Physicians must be alert for adverse effects and drug interactions associated with herbal remedies, and they should ask all patients about the use of these products.
