Table 4.
Public knowledge regarding the safety and side effects of herbal medication, and herb-drug interactions
| Domain | Item | No | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and side effects | Which of the following herbs should not be taken by a pregnant woman in excessive amounts? | Fenugreek | 140 | 25.8% |
| Parsley | 86 | 15.8% | ||
| Myrrh | 96 | 17.7% | ||
| Senna | 190 | 35.0% | ||
| Black seed | 50 | 9.2% | ||
| Thyme | 35 | 6.4% | ||
| Don’t know | 236 | 43.5% | ||
| Which of the following herbs should not be taken by a breastfeeding woman? | Senna | 131 | 24.1% | |
| Fenugreek | 51 | 9.4% | ||
| Black seed | 42 | 7.7% | ||
| Mint | 52 | 9.6% | ||
| Thyme | 30 | 5.5% | ||
| Parsley | 47 | 8.7% | ||
| Don’t know | 321 | 59.1% | ||
| Herb-drug Interactions | Which of the following herbs interact with medicines used to prevent blood clots? | Chamomile | 43 | 8.0% |
| Fenugreek | 49 | 9.1% | ||
| Green tea | 63 | 11.7% | ||
| Marjoram | 32 | 5.9% | ||
| Thyme | 17 | 3.2% | ||
| Anise | 26 | 4.8% | ||
| Don’t know | 410 | 76.1% | ||
| Which of the following herbs interact with medicines used to lower blood sugar? | Cinnamon | 137 | 25.6% | |
| Fenugreek | 36 | 6.7% | ||
| Ginger | 59 | 11.0% | ||
| Red tea | 40 | 7.5% | ||
| Thyme | 23 | 4.3% | ||
| Senna | 24 | 4.5% | ||
| Don’t know | 343 | 64.0% | ||