Interactions between Chinese herbal medicines and drugs

The popular use of herbal products in the general community raises concerns for potential herb– drug interactions. The risk of herb–drug interactions is increased if the herbal medicines are used concurrently with drugs which have a narrow therapeutic range, or are used in certain groups of patients, such as the elderly or those with impaired liver and renal functions. This short paper reviews some important concepts in herb–drug interactions and cases involving Chinese herbal medicines. It is important for Chinese medicine practitioners to understand, monitor and report potential herb–drug interactions.