Main Research Findings

Traditional medicine is a widespread treatment method worldwide, but according to , its safety is not fully confirmed, and self-prescription is especially risky. In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicines can be nephrotoxic, and suggests that the use of herbal medicines should be considered in patients with unknown etiology of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Herbal medicines can also interact with Western medicine drugs, and states that careful selection of usable herbal medicines is necessary for patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney transplantation.

Various herbal medicines have been shown to be effective for various diseases. For example, presents research results showing that Si-Jun-Zi-Tang is effective for functional dyspepsia. 2 suggests that natural ingredients in herbal medicines may have Src kinase inhibitory effects, as the side effects of Src kinase inhibitors are a concern. Furthermore, suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating atrial fibrillation, and suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Additionally, suggests that Shanghan Zabing Lun, a classic Chinese medical prescription, is effective in treating dysmenorrhea. 3 suggests that Astragalus membranaceus has anticancer effects. Furthermore, states that Pinellia ternata is effective in treating coughs, phlegm, and vomiting. suggests that acupuncture has effects in relieving various types of pain. Moreover, suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in preventing and treating atherosclerosis. suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating post-infectious coughs. Furthermore, suggests that Simiao Powder may be effective in treating acute gouty arthritis. suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating epilepsy. suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases. suggests that Jieyu Pills may be effective in treating depression. suggests that Astragaloside IV may be effective in treating cardiovascular disease. suggests that herbal medicines may be effective in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. discusses the potential toxicity of herbal medicines to the liver. 4 reports a case of Bell's palsy after inactivated COVID-19 vaccination in a patient with a history of recurrent Bell's palsy. suggests that herbal medicines are effective in the conservative treatment of placenta accreta. reports a case of hypertension as a rare adverse effect caused by infliximab in the treatment of Crohn's disease. suggests that Lobelia chinensis may be effective in treating diabetes. 1 discusses drug interactions with the herbal medicine Ginkgo biloba. suggests that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) inhibitors may be effective in treating cocaine addiction. introduces HerDing, a system for recommending herbs to treat diseases. investigates the effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine for the survival of patients with early female breast cancer. investigates the dosage-effect relationship of different efficacies of rhubarb in constipation model rats by factor analysis. suggests that traditional Chinese medicine may be an alternative therapeutic option for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. discusses the adverse reactions of fluoroquinolones to the central nervous system.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of herbal medicines are thought to be caused by the diversity and complexity of their components, as well as the variability of individual responses. Herbal medicines are composed of various combinations of plants, animals, and minerals, leading to a wide range of ingredients. Even the same herbal medicine can have different components and effects depending on the manufacturing method and materials used. Furthermore, even if the same herbal medicine is taken, individual responses can vary due to differences in constitution, physical condition, and interactions with other medications. As a result, the manifestation of side effects also varies.

Common Side Effects

Digestive System

Taking herbal medicines can cause digestive side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. This is because the ingredients in herbal medicines can stimulate the function of the gastrointestinal tract or change the amount of digestive fluids secreted. suggests that herbal medicines can be nephrotoxic, and states that the use of herbal medicines should be considered in patients with unknown etiology of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.

Liver

Taking herbal medicines can cause liver side effects such as liver dysfunction. This is because the ingredients in herbal medicines can burden the liver or inhibit the function of liver cells. discusses the potential toxicity of herbal medicines to the liver.

Nervous System

Taking herbal medicines can cause nervous system side effects such as headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. This is because the ingredients in herbal medicines can affect the brain nerves or change the function of neurotransmitters. discusses the adverse reactions of fluoroquinolones to the central nervous system.

Skin

Taking herbal medicines can cause skin side effects such as itching, rash, and eczema. This is because the ingredients in herbal medicines can irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions.

Allergies

Taking herbal medicines can cause allergic reactions. This is because the ingredients in herbal medicines can act as allergens and trigger immune responses in the body.

Side Effect Management

Digestive System

If you experience digestive side effects, pay attention to your diet and eat easily digestible foods. It is also important to stay hydrated. If the side effects are severe, consult a doctor.

Liver

If you experience liver side effects, consult a doctor and stop taking the herbal medicine if necessary. It is also important to get regular liver function tests.

Nervous System

If you experience nervous system side effects, stop taking the herbal medicine and consult a doctor. It is also important to get enough rest.

Skin

If you experience skin side effects, stop taking the herbal medicine and consult a doctor. Also, apply medicine to the affected area or apply cold compresses.

Allergies

If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking the herbal medicine immediately and consult a doctor. If necessary, receive treatment with antihistamines or other medications.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Many studies suggest that herbal medicines have fewer side effects compared to Western medicine drugs. Studies also suggest that herbal medicines may be effective for diseases that are difficult to treat with Western medicine drugs.

Differences

The effects and side effects of herbal medicines vary depending on the study. This is because the diseases, types of herbal medicines, and research methods used in the studies differ. Therefore, further research is needed to accurately evaluate the effects and side effects of herbal medicines.

Points to Note in Applying the Research to Real Life

Herbal medicines are gaining attention as safe and effective treatments, but the risk of side effects is not zero. Therefore, when taking herbal medicines, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist and choose herbal medicines that are suitable for your constitution and physical condition. When taking herbal medicines, it is also important to read the package insert carefully and follow the dosage instructions. If you experience any health problems while taking herbal medicines, consult a doctor immediately. Herbal medicines are not a panacea, and it is important to follow the proper usage instructions. It can be dangerous to self-medicate with herbal medicines or to combine them with other medications.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on herbal medicines is still not extensive enough. There are still many challenges, especially in research on the components, effects, and side effects of herbal medicines. Therefore, further research is needed to make the safety of herbal medicines more certain. Research on herbal medicines also differs from Western medicine research in some aspects. Herbal medicines are not composed of single ingredients but rather combinations of multiple ingredients, making it difficult to investigate their effects. Furthermore, the effects and side effects of herbal medicines vary from person to person, making it difficult to evaluate their effects.

Future Research Directions

To make the safety of herbal medicines more certain, the following research is needed.

• Research on the components, effects, and side effects of herbal medicines
• Research on interactions between herbal medicines and Western medicine drugs
• Research on the variability of the effects and side effects of herbal medicines due to individual differences
• Research on quality control of herbal medicines

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese medicine has attracted attention because of its history and safety. However, we should not forget that herbal medicines also have the risk of side effects. When taking herbal medicines, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist and choose herbal medicines that are suitable for your constitution and physical condition. Herbal medicines are not a panacea. It is important to follow the proper usage instructions.