Journal of Pathology, Communicable Diseases and Preventive Medicines

Authors: Dr. Asha Mehta, Mr. Ravi Kumar

ABSTRACT: The use of herbal and traditional medicines (HTMs) has seen a rapid global increase, driven by cultural practices and a preference for natural therapies. While often perceived as safe, these medicines can cause adverse reactions, interactions with conventional drugs, and may be contaminated with adulterants or heavy metals. Pharmacovigilance in HTMs is critical for detecting, assessing, and preventing these risks while ensuring patient safety. This paper explores the principles, methodologies, challenges, regulatory frameworks, and modern tools employed in the pharmacovigilance of herbal and traditional medicines. Emphasis is placed on integrating real-world data, promoting standardization, and strengthening safety monitoring to enhance public confidence in complementary therapies.

KEYWORDS: Herbal Medicines, Traditional Medicine, Pharmacovigilance, Adverse Reactions, Safety Monitoring