Herbal medicines: prevalence, advantages and disadvantages of use in clinical practice and profile and evaluation of users

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed at reviewing the literature on the aspects of the use of phytotherapeutic drugs, medicinal products made from the extraction of active compounds from unprocessed plants, undergoing industrial processes. Therefore, the most commonly used phytotherapeutic substances, the prevalence of this practice, the advantages and disadvantages of its use, and the profile and evaluation of Universal Health Care users were identified. Material and Methods: The bibliographic research comprised of articles published within the period from 2014 to 2018 in the SciELO and Lilacs databases. The keywords “fitoterapia” (phytotherapy) and “medicamentos fitoterápicos” (phytotherapeutic drugs) were used, three hundred and fifty-three articles were found in SciELO database, yet only twenty-one were selected for reading, and thirteen were used to write this article. In comparison, in the Lilacs database, one thousand, four hundred and ninety articles were located, forty-six selected for reading, and only eight were utilized for preparing the article. The others were eliminated based on their titles, repetition, or because they did not adhere to the inclusion criteria. Results and Discussion: Four categories were created based on the twenty-one selected articles: the most commonly used phytotherapeutic medicine, the prevalence of phytotherapy use, advantages and disadvantages of the practice, profile, and evaluation of Universal Health Care users. Conclusion: The most commonly used phytotherapeutic medicine are Guaco (Mikania glomerata), medication made of Passiflora (passion fruit), green tea, and phytotherapeutic drugs extracted from Curcuma (Turmeric). There is a low prevalence of the practice, as indicated by the majority of the studies. As a disadvantage, it is possible to mention the insufficient knowledge by health professionals and the inadequate supply of phytotherapeutic drugs by the Universal Health Care system. On the other hand, the improvement of the doctor-patient bond is a positive aspect of using phytotherapeutic medication. The user profile includes women and individuals over 50 years old, who take the majority of phytotherapeutic drugs. Further studies on phytotherapy are needed, aiming at disseminating care provision that tightens the bond between the population and its ethnic-cultural singularities.