Use of herbal medicines by elderly patients: A systematic review

• Published in: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics 2014-09, Vol.59 (2), p.227-233
• Main Authors: de Souza Silva, José Edson, Santos Souza, Carlos Adriano, da Silva, Tamara Bispo, Gomes, Isla Alcântara, Brito, Giselle de Carvalho, de Souza Araújo, Adriano Antunes, de Lyra-Júnior, Divaldo Pereira, da Silva, Wellington Barros, da Silva, Francilene Amaral
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Complementary alternative medicine; Dietary Supplements - adverse effects; Elderly; Herb-Drug Interactions; Herbal drug; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medicinal plants; Older people; Phytotherapy - adverse effects; Phytotherapy - utilization; Plants, Medicinal
• ISSN: 0167-4943; 1872-6976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2014.06.002

Abstract Objectives We aimed to survey the published literature for articles that describe the use of herbal supplements by elderly patients and to summarize important aspects of selected studies, including most commonly used supplements, study type, study location, and potential hazards of herbal supplement use. Methods Literature searches were conducted on three scientific/medical databases: Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus. Search results were examined for articles involving the use of herbal products in the elderly population that met selection criteria. Results Initial searches yielded 1297 articles. Of these original results, only 16 met specific selection criteria. Twelve (75%) of studies identified were performed in North America. Nine studies (56.25%) were conducted in the United States. Seven of the studies were cross-sectional (43.8%). The most commonly reported were gingko biloba, garlic, ginseng, aloe vera, chamomile, spearmint, and ginger. Of these, gingko and garlic are the most commonly used among community-dwelling elderly. Both of these supplements have the potential to interact with anticoagulants and produce bruising or bleeding problems. Conclusions The use of herbal supplements is common among the elderly, a population that takes a disproportionate share of prescription medications compared to that taken by younger populations. Among the problems uncovered by these studies was a lack of dialog between medical professionals and patients about the use of herbal supplements. Prescribers need to consider the use of herbal supplements and discuss the matter with their elderly patients when making decisions about pharmacological treatments.