Journal of Pharmacovigilance

Pharmacovigilance for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs: Current status and future strategies

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Trials

October 27-29, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Patil D A and Patil A G

Posters: J Pharmacovigilance

Abstract:

Medicinal plants based Traditional Systems of Medicine (TSM) are playing important role in providing healthcare to large section of population, especially in developing countries. Nowadays in developed countries interest is increasing in utilization of herbal products based on TSM. ASU drugs used in TSM pose threat if not prepared and administered properly. In the era of modern technology, scientific advancements, consumer awareness and the advent of evidence based medicine, there is inadequate genuine clinical trial evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of many ASU drugs. Further, a common misconception prevails among the people and practitioners that these drugs are without any side effects and safe to use. Selfmedication and misuse of over-the counter (OTC) medicines and traditional and complementary medicines are widespread, adding to the potential risk of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions. These and other factors are likely to increase the burden of drug-related morbidity and mortality in our country. It seems clear from the available evidence that ADRs have become a major global public health problem that needs to be addressed at all levels of health care. The lack of awareness and appreciation of the size and severity of the problem as well as the misclassification of ADRs as other diseases or the underlying condition are partially to blame for this silent epidemic. Pharmacovigilance is an important tool to analyse the drug particularly its side effects, if any. The present review discusses in brief the concept of Pharmacovigilance for ASU drugs.

Biography :

Patil D A is Assistant Professor in Botany at Smt. C. H. M. College, Ulhasnagar, M.S., India. She holds a PhD degree from University of Mumbai, India. She has worked in the field of Botany, Biotechnology and Herbal Science at undergraduate and post-graduate levels since last 20 years. She is actively involved in research projects sanctioned by National Medicinal Plants Board, Dept. of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, India and University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India. She has more than 25 research publications to her credit in various Indian and International Journals. She is also listed on the editorial board of reputed journals.