Telephone survey about the use of herbal medicine in Portugal and appraisal of the scientific validity of the reported uses

Abstract

Introduction: Portugal has a long tradition of plants and herbal preparations for medicinal purposes (herbal medicines - HMs), but few studies on their use today. The professions of phytotherapy have recently been regulated, enabling more efficacy and safety.

Objectives: 1) assess the use of HMs in Portugal, including attitudes, behaviors, sources of information, acquisition methods and role of HMs in health management, and identify the most used plants and targeted conditions. 2) evaluate them according to scientific evidence.

Material and methods: a structured telephone interview. Scientific validity was assessed using the monographs of European Medicines Agency (EMA) and systematic reviews.

Results: in this sample of 272 individuals, HMs are considered mainly for prevention or minor health problems. Family knowledge is the main information source and supermarkets/herb shops the main places of purchase, infusions being the preferred form. Two cases of mild adverse effects were reported. Most targeted conditions are flu, cold, cough, digestive discomfort and insomnia. The most used plants are: eucalyptus, elderberry, thyme, lemon, peppermint, echinacea, lemon balm, chamomile, valerian and passionflower.

Conclusions: HM is mainly used for mild pathologies and chronic conditions. Its uses are mostly supported by scientific evidence. More attention to HMs from the medical community is important, in collaboration with phytotherapy and naturopathy professionals.