Wendel Abel

Herbs have been used for centuries to treat disorders of the body and mind.

Today, the sale of natural products have become big business and many persons have become addicted to using these products. This article is intended to highlight some of the facts and myths about the use of natural products.

Are natural products useful?

Yes they are. In a release put out by Dr. Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, consultant physician at the University of the West Indies, she indicated that the World Health Organisation reported that 80 per cent of the world relies on plants and plant extracts for health care and that of 150 proprietary drugs used in the United States, 57 of them have a major component derived from plants.

Are natural products popular in Jamaica?

Yes they are. Studies have shown that 71 per cent of Jamaican patients have used herbal medicine before presenting to their doctors.

What have we done in research and development of natural products in Jamaica?

Dr. Wright-Pascoe emphasised that the University of the West Indies has a rich tradition of research in this field. Some of the notable research findings include the identification of products in the cannabis plant and the subsequent development of a medication from this plant to treat glaucoma, an eye condition affecting many Jamaicans. Work done at the university has also resulted in the identification of chemicals in papaya for the treatment of ulcers including 'sore foot'.

Are all herbal products safe?

Not all products that are labelled natural are safe. Many of these products contain ingredients that are harmful to the body. Dr. Wright-Pascoe pointed out that there are major concerns about many natural products. These concerns include a lack of sufficient information about the chemical make-up of these products, the dosages that should be used and the toxic effects of these products.

In addition, some herbal products do not mix well with prescribed medication or commonly used over-the-counter medication.

This week, the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies will be hosting its annual research conference. The theme is: 'Drug development from natural products: past, present and future'.

Dr. Wright-Pascoe, chairperson of the research conference committee, indicated that the conference will be focusing on quality and standardisation of natural products and herbal medicines as a potential area for future research and development.

All are invited to attend. For further information call 927-1297 or 977-2565.

Useful tips

1. Not everything that is natural is safe!

2 Discuss all natural products you may be taking with your doctor.

3. Be careful of what you take if you have a known medical problem, are pregnant or are scheduled to have surgery.

Who should be careful?

Persons taking medication, persons living with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, the elderly, pregnant women, women who are breast feeding.

Herbal products that may aggravate bleeding:

Fever grass, ginger, gingko, ginseng.

Products that may increase blood pressure:

Ginseng, liquorice and ephedra.

Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Drugs that should not be used with other medications:
• Ephedra
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Kava Kava
• Ginger
• St. John's Wort
• Gingko