Herbal and alternative medicine : the impact on anesthesia

Abstract

The use of herbal and alternative therapies is increasing all over the developed as well as the developing world. As pharmacological data on drug interactions involving herbal therapies becomes available, it is important to be familiar with the challenges that concomitant use of these medications may present within the peri-operative period. This review aims to shed light on the more commonly used herbal drugs, and to discuss drug interactions and complications that may be expected in their use.