Herb-Drug Interactions Database

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There is an ever growing number of patients that use pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by their doctor but want to use natural remedies prescribed by their naturopath. Many CMA practitioners have enquired about a reliable database that they can access checking herbal-drug interactions for safe and optimal outcomes.

Recently a study compared the performance of eight drug–drug interaction screening tools to detect Herb–Drug interaction with anti-cancer agents. The performance of four subscription data bases; Micromedex, Lexicomp, PEPID Facts & Comparisons that deal with Herb–Drug interaction were evaluated. Results showed that Lexicomp had the highest positive predictive value (0.98) and best overall performance score (0.54) for a subscription herb-drug interaction screening tool. This study was published in Sage journals which also offer access to published articles mostly on herb-Drug interactions involved in oncology. Sage journals also provides free supplemental Herb-Drug interaction compendium with each article https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1078155220905009

 

Other high performance Herb-Drug interaction databases include Nat Med Pro with a subscription price of $182.00. However this database appears to be only available to allopathic physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dentists and councillors. This is also the case with Lexidrug (formerly Lexicomp). Naturopaths, Herbalists and Nutritionists may find it difficult to gain access. https://store.wolterskluwercdi.com/CDI

 

Medscape has an easy to use Herb-Drug interaction database although it has an eclectic array of herbs, isolates and pharmaceutical drugs. The Medscape database may not be comprehensive enough for some practitioners. It appears to be open to anyone. https://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker

 

The ANP (Association of Naturopathic Practitioners) database/website looks promising for a comprehensive Herb-Drug interaction source. It originates in the UK so many pharmaceutical drugs can have different names. Cost is 120.00 British Pounds for a yearly subscription.  https://staging.theanp.co.uk/product/access-to-herbdrugnutrient-com/

 

Another database for Herb-Drug interaction website is the Bioconcepts (Orthoplex) Drug Interactions Checker. https://info.bioconcepts.com.au/drug-interactions-checker

It provides a clear and easy-to-follow display of major, moderate and minor interactions between classes of drugs and Orthoplex products. This detailed information directly reflects the most up-to-date research available on Natural Medicines Database and provides practitioners with an option to explore each referenced interaction in detail in a drop-down format. It addresses known interactions between medications and nutrients and herbs, however does not cover herb-nutrient, herb-herb or nutrient-nutrient interactions.

Bioconcepts also offers the Natural Medicines Database. This website offers the member the ability to check the nutrient or herb you want to prescribe against the exact medication your patient is taking. It also details safety information on nutrients and herbs in pregnancy and lactation; the nutrients that are depleted when taking specific medications; and monographs on hundreds of nutrients and herbs.
Eligible practitioners that can join are Naturopaths, Herbalists and Nutritionists that have completed a 4 year program or members of the CMA. For more information on joining the ‘Bioconcepts Engage’ Program contact the clinical support team at
clinicalsupport@bioconcepts.com.au