Herbal products are medicines derived from plants. They are used as supplements to improve health and well being, and may be used for other therapeutic purposes. Herbal products are available as tablets, capsules, powders, extracts, teas and so on. Herbal medicines are thought to be safe as it is natural, but in fact it can cause serious adverse effects and interaction with other drugs and supplements.
Average life expectancy at birth has increased from around 41 years in the early 1950s to approaching 80 years in many developed countries. Consequently, the percentage of elderly people (65 years and above) in our populations is increasing. The graying of our populations brings an increasing burden of chronic age-related disease and dependency.
Research needs in the field of herbal medicines are huge, but are balanced by the potential health benefits and the enormous size of the market. Research into the quality, safety, molecular effects, and clinical efficacy of the numerous herbs in common usage is needed.
