Patients’ perceptions and use of natural health products

Barry, Arden R.

doi:10.1177/1715163518779409

Cited by 38 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The finding that male-identifying participants are significantly more likely to use DS mirrors the results of some studies on post-secondary students [ 12 , 29 ] but not others who reported higher rates of DS use among females [ 13 ]. It also contrasts with the results from recent studies on the general North American population, which found that females are more likely to use DS [ 7 , 11 , 18 , 38 ]. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution as this study had a very low male participation rate.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…Similar to the Canadian general population, the most commonly consumed type of DS in this study was vitamin/mineral supplements [ 7 , 18 , 28 ]. Alongside vitamins and minerals, this sample also indicated high levels of protein supplementation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regardless of the potential health risks, people continue to depend on DS information from unreliable sources. It has been repeatedly shown that friends and family are the most preferred source of information regarding DS, and many fail to acknowledge the essential role of healthcare professionals in guiding the use of DS [ 9 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 19 ]. Additionally, as per the Gateway Theory, a developmental hypothesis formulated to model how adolescents initiate and progress in the use of various drugs [ 20 ], this increasing familiarity with supplement use could be worrying.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dietary Supplement Use among Non-athlete Students at a Canadian University: A Pilot-Survey

et al. 2020

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Despite the emerging evidence of adverse consequences and interaction with doping substances, dietary supplements (DS) are commonly used by many Canadians. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patterns and determinants of current DS use among non-athlete students at a Canadian university using a cross-sectional approach. Of the 475 participants who completed the online survey, 43.4% declared using DS in the past six months. Participants who were male, aged ≥20 years old, and had a parent/guardian with a bachelor’s degree were significantly more likely to use DS. The types of DS used and the sources of information regarding DS were significantly influenced by age and gender. The most commonly used DS were vitamin and mineral and protein supplements. Most participants referred to healthcare professionals for information on DS, but many continued to depend on unreliable sources including family and friends. Of DS users, 10.1% reported experiencing adverse events from using DS. Findings from this study indicate that supplementation is very common among Canadian non-athlete students and highlight the urgent need for the development of educational programs surrounding DS use.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dietary Supplement Use among Non-athlete Students at a Canadian University: A Pilot-Survey

et al. 2020

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“…Our study confirmed the results of this study and reported the popularity of the use of ginger, onion and garlic among the general population and the belief in their ability to increase the immunity and reduce the chance of developing COVID-19. Previous studies reported that there is a common belief that herbal products are safer than prescription medications and of good quality ( Barry, 2018 , El Khoury et al, 2016 ). Dissatisfaction with conventional therapy, good experiences, with previously used herbal medicine, as well as family traditions and habits were commonly-reported reasons for the use of herbal products and supplements ( Welz, Emberger-Klein, and Menrad 2018 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dissatisfaction with conventional therapy, good experiences, with previously used herbal medicine, as well as family traditions and habits were commonly-reported reasons for the use of herbal products and supplements ( Welz, Emberger-Klein, and Menrad 2018 ). Vitamin C is one of the most commonly used vitamin across different populations due to its ability to contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system ( El Khoury et al, 2016 , Barry, 2018 , Carr and Maggini, 2017 ). In addition, vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function, promotes the oxidant scavenging activity, accumulates in phagocytic cells (such as neutrophils) and stimulate various defense mechanisms that contribute ultimately microbial killing ( Carr and Maggini 2017 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge about COVID-19 and beliefs about and use of herbal products during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Alyami

Orabi

Aldhabbah

et al. 2020

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal

131

147

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The lack of treatment options for COVID-19 has raised many concerns among populations worldwide, which has led to many attempts to find alternative options to prevent the transmission of the disease or to alleviate the progression of the infection, including focusing more on preventive measures (to prevent transmission to other individuals) and the use of natural products and herbal extracts to increase immunity and decrease the probability of getting infected. This study explored the knowledge of the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) about COVID-19 preventive measures and their belief about the consumption of herbal products for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. A total of 5,258 individuals participated in this study. Participants’ knowledge about the appropriate COVID-19 preventive measures in terms of handwashing procedures, self-quarantine and social distancing was moderate, with a mean score of 5.5 (SD: 1.7) out of 10 (representing around 55.0% of the total score). About 22.1% (n= 1,161) of the participants reported that they have used herbal products or nutritional supplements during the pandemic period, to protect themselves from the disease. Social media and the Internet (39.4%, n= 372) were the main motivators for the participants to try herbal products. Vitamin C was the most commonly used food supplement to increase immunity and reduces the chance of contracting COVID-19. Our study demonstrated that the general population in Saudi Arabia has a moderate level of knowledge about COVID-19 transmission and preventive measures. A considerable proportion of the population reported the use of herbal products or food supplements in order to protect themselves from the disease. Policymakers are suggested to provide further educational campaigns that increase population knowledge about the disease transmission routes and preventive measures. In addition, the use of herbal products should be evidence-based to ensure patient safety.

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Potential medicinal effects and applications of stevia constituents

Talevi¹

2021

Phytochem Rev

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The application of stevia glycosides in the food industry has grown steadily in the last two decades. Besides the use of its constituents as natural sweeteners, increasing attention has been given to their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. Whereas in some cases clinical studies have been realized (prominently, to investigate its hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activity) many of them have failed to cover the expectations from preclinical investigations. Here, we review current knowledge on stevia constituents' pharmacokinetics (both in rodents and in humans) and some of the most profusely investigated potential medical/health-related applications: i.e. diabetes and metabolic syndrome, hypertension, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The outcome of available clinical studies and the perspectives of Stevia therapeutic uses are discussed in connection with pharmacokinetics knowledge.

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Patients’ perceptions and use of natural health products

Abstract: Most respondents take 1 or more NHPs, preferring to use NHPs over prescription medications for minor and chronic health concerns seemingly based on a perception of safety and quality.

Cited by 38 publications

References 16 publications

Dietary Supplement Use among Non-athlete Students at a Canadian University: A Pilot-Survey

Dietary Supplement Use among Non-athlete Students at a Canadian University: A Pilot-Survey

Knowledge about COVID-19 and beliefs about and use of herbal products during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Potential medicinal effects and applications of stevia constituents

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