Diabetics’ Views Concerning the Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicines: A Qualitative Study
Saud M. Alsanad *
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 13317-4233, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetics have been known as potential to consume herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) to control their diabetes. HDS are taken widely despite limited scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy.
Methods: This qualitative study aimed to shed light on diabetic patients’ experiences and perceptions of HDS to identify any perceived benefit or harm.
Results: The findings provided two main themes concerning patients’ experiences of HDS use: Perceived beneficial experiences and perceived harm experiences. Most patients indicated experiencing benefits from HDS use.
Conclusion: It is essential to understand patients’ perceptions and appreciate their experiences in order to support them when choosing appropriate CAM treatments and avoid any harm resulting from their lack of knowledge or erroneous notions about such treatments. Many more pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to examine the efficacy and safety of popular HDS.
Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, herbal medicines, dietary supplements diabetes mellitus, Saudi Arabia.