The potential of drug-herbal interaction among patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of the potential drug-herbal interaction among patients with chronic diseases in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia and to explore factors associated with the potential of drug-herbal interaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted through interview-based questionnaire at outpatient clinics in Al-Kharj. The study included patients with chronic diseases who used herbal products. This study included 336 patients in total. The mean age of participants was 52.4 ± 12.0 years, and their most-used medications were metformin, atorvastatin, and aspirin, while their most-used herbs were ginger (74.7%), mint (72%), and cumin (66.7%). In 310 out of 336 (92.26%) cases, at least one potential drug-herbal interaction was found, and most of these interactions (84%) were moderate. A substantial percentage of potential drug-herbal interactions were found among patients with chronic diseases. Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss the safety and efficacy of herbal products with their patients. •The use of herbal products is common in Saudi Arabia among patients with chronic diseases.•Patients with chronic diseases use multiple drugs and tend to use herbal products more than the general population.•The potential of drug-herbal interactions is always higher among patients with chronic diseases.•This study finds 92.3% of patients have at least one potential drug-herbal interaction.•The interaction levels were classified as 84% moderate, 15% minor, and 1% unknown.