Natural health product-HIV drug interactions: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #adult #anti-hiv-agents #ascorbic-acid #clinical-trials-as-topic

Natural health product-HIV drug interactions: a systematic review

Mills et al., 2005 | Int J STD AIDS | Systematic Review

Citation

Mills Edward, Montori Victor, ... Koren Gideon. Natural health product-HIV drug interactions: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2005-Mar;16(3):181-6

Abstract

The use of natural health products (NHPs) within the HIV community is high. Several NHPs have demonstrated interactions with HIV medications that could contribute to drug failure. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials examining NHP-HIV drug interactions and their methodological characteristics. We searched electronic databases and unpublished resources independently, in duplicate. Nine studies were identified, eight clinical pharmacokinetics trials and one population-pharmacokinetics trial. Investigators studied four different herbal medicines (St John's wort, garlic, goldenseal and milk thistle) and one vitamin (vitamin C). Significant interactions were observed with St John's wort, garlic and vitamin C. However, methodological challenges exist to making the results directly generalizable to patients. This review finds that important drug level changes exist when NHPs are combined with HIV medications. Considering patient values and the implications of these studies, further research is urgently required to determine the extent of interactions with other commonly used NHPs.

Key Findings

Considering patient values and the implications of these studies, further research is urgently required to determine the extent of interactions with other commonly used NHPs.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • HIV Infections
  • HIV-1
  • Herb-Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

  • PMID: 15829016
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09