Herbal products are used for the management of various chronic diseases. This study sought to determine the frequency of herbal medicines use among Lebanese patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, their patterns, underlying causes and perceived efficacy.
This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that enrolled Lebanese adult patients from the six governorates of Lebanon between February and December Those who had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, chronic constipation, or rheumatoid arthritis were eligible for enrollment.
A total of patients participated in this study. The majority purchased the herbs based on a suggestion The most commonly used herbs were Pimpinella anisum , and Garlic The majority did not have an idea about the side effects The use of herbal medicines is common among adult Lebanese patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and constipation.
However, herbal products are not risk-free. Hence, further research in this area is warranted. Naturally occurring substances derived from plants, known as herbal medicines, undergo minimal or no industrial processing and are valued for their fragrance, taste, or therapeutic qualities [ 1 ].
They represent a popular choice in complementary and alternative medicine [ 2 ]. The global consumption of herbal products has risen significantly, addressing various health concerns [ 3 ]. A Lebanese national study found that The primary reasons for the widespread use of herbal products include their application in preventing diseases and managing various conditions, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, constipation, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others [ 9 ].
