A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Herb Usage Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities in the United States

Abstract

Clinical studies display a wide range of herb use prevalence among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States. We searched databases indexing the literature including CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health, CAB Abstracts, and Medline. We included studies that reported herbal medicine prevalence among ethnic minorities, African American, Hispanic, or Asian adults living in the United States. Data from 108 included studies found the prevalence of herb use by African Americans was 17 % (range 1–46 %); for Hispanics, 30 % (4–100 %); and for Asians, 30 % (2–73 %). Smaller studies were associated with higher reported herb use (p = 0.03). There was a significant difference (p = 0.01) between regional and national studies with regional studies reporting higher use. While herb usage surveys in racial/ethnic minorities show great variability, indications suggest high prevalence. More research is needed to understand herb use among ethnic/racial minorities, reasons for use, and barriers to disclosure of use to clinicians.

Perceptions of Medicinal Plant Use Amongst the Hispanic Population in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area

“…This study may have had higher number of participants by distributing surveys that could be taken in Spanish to prevent potential language barriers. This was evidenced by Gardiner et al 9 who found that bilingual studies may allow participants to explain more about their herb use if English is not their primary language. 9 In our study, over half of the respondents (58%) completed the survey in Spanish.…”

“…7,8 It is estimated that approximately 20% of the population of the U.S. use medicinal plants on a regular basis. [9][10][11] In a 2007…”

“…6 However, in a systemic review conducted by Gardiner et al in 2013, they noted that "smaller and regional studies have reported higher herb use rates among Hispanics, African Americans and Asians with rates as high as 46% among Hispanic people." 9 Another metaanalysis reported 4 to 100%, with an average of 30% of U.S. Latinos, regularly using medicinal plants. 9,10 As of July 1, 2013 the Hispanic population accounted for 17% of the U.S. population according to the U.S Census Bureau statistics.…”

“…9 Another metaanalysis reported 4 to 100%, with an average of 30% of U.S. Latinos, regularly using medicinal plants. 9,10 As of July 1, 2013 the Hispanic population accounted for 17% of the U.S. population according to the U.S Census Bureau statistics. It is predicted that this population will continue to grow and will constitute 28% of the U.S. population by 2050.…”

Chamomile Consumption and Mortality: A Prospective Study of Mexican Origin Older Adults

“…Recent research using the 2002 National Health Interview Survey/Complementary and Alternative Medicine supplement (NHIS-CAM) showed that 20% of the U.S. population used some type of herb or supplement in the last 12 months (Kennedy, Wang, & Wu, 2008). Prevalence among Hispanics and Asians is 30% (Gardiner et al, 2012), and prevalence is higher among women than men (Eisenberg et al, 1998;Mackenzie, Taylor, Bloom, Hufford, & Johnson, 2003).…”