ABSTRACT
The use of botanicals for medicinal purposes has been part of healthcare throughout documented history and across different cultures in the world. The safety of botanical use in individuals depends on many factors, such as the botanical extract preparation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and genetics, as well as dosage and formulation. Each factor may have an effect on the potency and outcomes with the botanical. Patients and consumers should be aware that supplement manufacturers generally do not perform the same rigorous trials or have to meet the manufacturing standards that prescription and nonprescription drugs do. Healthcare providers should discuss potential safety and efficacy issues with their patients. Open and supportive communication is essential. This chapter is a reflection on how botanicals are classified and evaluated, their potential risks, and providing a communication framework for healthcare providers and patients in regards to their use.
