Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions

LE Magazine April 2009
New Book Provides Definitive Guide to Supplement-Drug Interactions

The recent release of the landmark textbook Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies provides the most detailed, complete source of information available on how commonly used herbs and nutrients interact with medications. Using these therapies together can support or interfere with a drug's action, or lead to adverse effects.

The book is co-authored by a team of practicing health care professionals with special expertise in integrative medicine: Dr. Mitchell Stargrove, a naturopathic physician, Jonathan Treasure, an authority on medical herbalism, and Dr. Dwight L. McKee, a diplomat of the boards of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology. Over 60 of the most commonly used herbs and nutrients are covered in depth.

This collaborative effort goes beyond previous books on herb-drug-nutrient interactions in that it analyzes the source, strength, and relevance of the scientific studies, and clearly presents the information in a clinically relevant format. Special consideration is also given to how nutrients are depleted from the body by specific medications.

Access to accurate, clinically relevant information on herb-drug and nutrient-drug interactions is vital to anyone combining therapies. Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies provides consumers with the ability to work with their doctors to confidently design safe and effective integrative treatment plans.

-Michael J. Hall, ND

Reference
* Stargrove MB, Treasure J, McKee DL. Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/apr2009_In-The-News_02.htm

The Pharmaceutical Journal

This is a useful reference book for a pharmacy and will help pharmacists involved in medicines use reviews or advising on the use of herbal products or food supplements in the context of conventional medicines to give evidence-based information to patients.

-Pam Mason