Pharmacokinetics-based Herb-Drug Interactions: Current Status in 	Experimental Models in Nigeria.

Mary Olufunmilayo Ologe; Olalekan Yusuf; Awodayo Adepiti; Olubunmi Atolani; Anoka Njan; Adedibu C Tella; Ezekiel O Iwalewa

doi:10.5937/afmnai41-47333

Mary Olufunmilayo Ologe 1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Olalekan Yusuf University of Ilorin
Awodayo Adepiti Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Osun State Nigeria
Olubunmi Atolani University of Ilorin, Faculty of Liffe Sciences Department of Chemistry Ilori Kwara State Nigeria
Anoka Njan 1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Adedibu C Tella University of Ilorin, Faculty of Liffe Sciences Department of Chemistry Ilori Kwara State Nigeria
Ezekiel O Iwalewa Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of MedicineUniversity of Ibadan Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/afmnai41-47333

Abstract

Herbs have been a vital renewable source of medicine throughout human history as a large proportion of global population still depends on it for their health benefits. The increasing popularity of herbal supplement has raised an obvious concern about the overall safety and potential interaction with other drugs in situ. The intent was to spur future research on herb-drug interactions as well as the mechanisms of interaction to understand the consequence of such interactions.

The review was conducted by a systematic search of relevant literature using the databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, Mendeley, Scopus and PubMed. Publications written in English were used.

Many herbal products are reported to exhibit herbs-drug interaction with known orthodox medicines. The inhibition-induction mechanism triggers chain reactions which often results to reduce drug bio-availability, toxicities or undesirable side-effects. Some herbal phytoconstituents reportedly bind CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 among numerous others temporarily or irreversibly.

We conclude by reiterating the imperativeness to routinely and regularly intimate both physicians and patients of the inherent dangers such as reduced efficacy and increased toxicities associated with herb-drug interactions (HDI). Herbs users should be regularly advised on appropriate use of herbal supplements in order to avoid the risk of adverse drug interactions during co-administrations or in combination therapies. As both synergistic and antagonistic effects could be observed in HDI; further preclinical and clinical empirical studies to underscore the mechanism and extent of HDI.