ArticleBMC complementary medicine and therapies2023
Integrated traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorder: the pattern of use and the knowledge of safety among the Eastern Region Saudi population.
Article in BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Mapping the scholarly landscape of Saudi Arabia-related folk medicine: a bibliometric study.The Libyan journal of medicine · 2026Article
- Impact of herbal medicine use on HbA1c levels among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in northwest Ethiopia.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Herbal Medicine Use Among Transplant Recipients in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Risk Awareness.Annals of transplantation · 2025Article
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6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundHerbal medicine is commonly integrated with conventional medicine in Saudi Arabia, especially for the management of digestive disorders. However, the majority of Saudis use herbal remedies without prior consultation with a physician, which raises concerns about their appropriate and safe use. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among the Saudi population regarding the proper utilization and potential adverse effects of frequently used herbs for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.
methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia from January to March 2021. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was distributed.
resultsA total of 543 participants from different age groups, educational levels, and cities across Saudi Arabia completed the study questionnaire. The most commonly used herbs at home by the participants were: myrrh, parsley, black seed, chamomile, mint, anise, clove, and green tea. 57.7% of the participants perceived herbs as safer than conventional medicines; 27.3% reported that using herbal remedies over conventional medicine was a family tradition, and 21.4% used herbs because they were cheaper than conventional medicines.
conclusionHerbal remedies, including myrrh, parsley, blackseed, chamomile, mint, and anise, are commonly employed for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Saudi Arabia. However, the knowledge level of participants regarding potential side effects and drug-herb interactions was found to be deficient. As such, there is a pressing need for educational campaigns and community awareness programs to elucidate the proper usage of herbal remedies and to caution against their potential adverse effects.
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