ArticleCureus2024
Perception and Use of Herbal Medicine in General Practice Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.
Article in Cureus, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Factors influencing the utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine in cancer treatment: a qualitative meta-synthesis of patient and healthcare professional perspectives.Frontiers in medicine · 2025Pooled it
- Knowledge and Use of Herbal Medicine Among Urban Adolescents and Young Adults in Western Mexico: Family Transmission, Social Media Exposure, and Associated Factors.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Herbal Medicine Use Among Transplant Recipients in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Risk Awareness.Annals of transplantation · 2025Article
- Biological analysis ofFrontiers in toxicology · 2025Article
- Medical Students' Knowledge and Perceptions of Herbal Medicine in Saudi Arabia: Should Medical Schools Take Immediate Action?Advances in medical education and practice · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundIn Saudi Arabia, herbal medicine is an essential component of traditional health practices, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for natural remedies. Despite widespread use, comprehensive data on perceptions and utilization among general practice patients are scarce. This study aims to elucidate the patterns of herbal medicine use, associated beliefs, and communication with healthcare professionals in this context.
methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through social media and professional networks, targeting adult residents of Saudi Arabia. The survey encompassed questions on demographic characteristics, use of herbal medicine, reasons for use, sources of herbal products, perceptions of efficacy and safety, and discussions with healthcare professionals about herbal medicine usage.
resultsThe survey was completed by 1,184 participants, with 736 (62%) reporting the use of herbal medicines in the past 12 months. Among these users, the age group 30-39 was most represented (328/1,184, 27.8%), while participants over 60 were the least (66/1,184, 5.6%). Herbal medicines were primarily used for general wellness (332/736, 45%) and treatment of specific ailments (221/736, 30%). The majority obtained their herbal medicines from pharmacies (427/736, 58%), and 294 (40% of users) used them as alternatives to prescribed medications. Only 259 (35% of herbal medicine users) had discussed their usage with healthcare professionals. Most users believed in the safety (515/736, 70%) and effectiveness (478/736, 65%) of herbal remedies, with a significant portion (626/736, 85%) advocating for more scientific research.
conclusionThis study reveals a significant engagement with and positive perception of herbal medicine among general practice patients in Saudi Arabia, alongside a notable gap in communication between patients and healthcare providers. The findings highlight the need for integrating discussions on herbal medicine into patient care, encouraging evidence-based, safe use through better-informed healthcare practices.
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