Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes towards Herbal Medicine – A Community-based Survey from a Central Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Herbal products are widely used in many countries in various forms including roots, leaves, barks seeds and so many, for inhibiting and treating Number of minor and major disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in capital of Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive online survey was conducted among general public from February to April 2018 using Google Forms. The survey was divided into 3 themes and comprised of 23 items that gathered information about the attitudes, perceptions and knowledge of respondents toward CAM. Results: Approximately 51 % of the respondents believed that herbal medications (HM) are better than commercially available prescription and over-the-counter drugs. About to 78.2 % believed that going to a physician is better than HM. Over half (53.7 %) reported that their physicians were aware of their CAM use. The most common influences for using this type of treatment were family and friends (68.9 %) followed by the internet (20.3 %). The most commonly reported herbal medicines used are ginger (61 %) and cinnamon (25 %). Nearly half of the respondents (46.5 %) reported that joint pain is the most common ailment for using HM. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of HM use among general community of KSA. More awareness and education about risks and complications of HM use are needed for both public and healthcare professionals.

The Commonly Utilized Natural Products during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

“…In Saudi Arabia, 75.6% of the general public in Riyadh reported using herbal medicines [ 17 ]. This high utilization rate of herbal medicines among the general public was attributable to the common belief that herbal medicines are generally safe [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Additionally, it has been reported in a study, which surveyed a sample of herbal medicine consumers in Saudi Arabia, that herbal medicines are generally harmless and safe [ 18 ].…”

“…Medicinal herbs, such as myrrh and ginseng, were reported to be used by 37% of the surveyed adolescents, and females reported a higher rate of utilization and more favorable views of medicinal herbs in comparison to their male counterparts [ 20 ]. Furthermore, ginger and cinnamon were utilized most frequently among females according to a community-based survey in the central region in Saudi Arabia [ 19 ]. Additionally, participants reported that they used CAM for joint pain and chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia [ 19 ].…”

“…Furthermore, ginger and cinnamon were utilized most frequently among females according to a community-based survey in the central region in Saudi Arabia [ 19 ]. Additionally, participants reported that they used CAM for joint pain and chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia [ 19 ].…”

Assessment of Knowledge about Traditional Medicine Reveals Overuse as a Potential Risk for Aggravating COVID-19 and Underlying Diseases in Geriatrics and Women’s Health in the Saudi Population

“…Besides, increased administration of raw products has the potential risk for adverse drug–drug interactions and significant pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with other conventional drugs, reducing the efficacies of the latter medicines [ 10 ]. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, the utilization of high levels of natural raw products, such as honey, black cumin, dietary supplements, myrrh, ginseng, cinnamon, and ginger, across the different regions within the country occurred before the COVID 19 pandemic as shown by many studies [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This is probably attributable to the common attitude and satisfaction towards these products based on many aspects of local lifestyles and beliefs [ 12 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…For instance, in Saudi Arabia, the utilization of high levels of natural raw products, such as honey, black cumin, dietary supplements, myrrh, ginseng, cinnamon, and ginger, across the different regions within the country occurred before the COVID 19 pandemic as shown by many studies [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This is probably attributable to the common attitude and satisfaction towards these products based on many aspects of local lifestyles and beliefs [ 12 , 14 , 15 ].…”