Research on the use of medicinal plant materials and herbal-based medicines in the treatment of children, pregnant and breastfeeding wome

Abstract

Plants have been the primary therapeutic agents for humanity for millennia. Parents are increasingly seeking alternative treatments that appear safer to improve their children’s health, utilizing Herbal Medicine Substances (HMS). The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information for physicians and the public on the most commonly used medicinal plant materials and herbal remedies for treating children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, and to assess potential risks. Materials and methods. Data were collected about 713 children under the age of 12, represented by 678 respondents, and 383 of them about pregnancy and 385 women about breastfeeding. The study analyzed information on the herbal remedies used, their frequency of application, indications for use, treatment efficacy, and potential side effects of herbal preparations. The study examined seven specific objects: linden flowers (Tiliae flos), garlic bulbs (Allii sativi bulbus), chamomile flowers (Matricariae flos), calendula flowers (Calendulae flos), aloe leaves (Aloe folium), mint leaves (Menthae piperitae folium), and blueberry fruits (Myrtilli fructus). The analysis of the current state of HMS research was conducted based on data from PubMed, Embase, Best Evidence, EMA, and the British Medical Journal. Results. Within the studied continuum, 81% of children used medicinal plant materials or herb-based preparations. The predominant indications for use were respiratory infections (colds) and digestive disorders. It was established that the use of herbal remedies only partially complied with the recommendations of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). For instance, 54% of children used aloe leaves to treat skin inflammation, which the EMA does not recommend for this age group. The study also revealed the use of medicinal plant materials not recommended by the EMA, specifically coltsfoot leaves, St. John’s wort herb, and ginkgo biloba leaves. Side effects were recorded in 2.6% of children, most frequently associated with the use of garlic bulbs and mint leaves. Furthermore, the use of raw materials not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, such as motherwort herb, was identified. The systematized data served as the basis for recommendations for physicians and the public regarding the core criteria of phytotherapy in pediatrics, and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Conclusions. Since medicinal plant materials and herb-based preparations play a significant role in pediatric treatment, as well as during pregnancy and lactation, and study results indicate the use of products not recommended by the EMA, there is an urgent need to inform physicians and the general public about the correct application of herbal remedies and the potential risks associated with their use.