Abstract
Due to the growing use of herbs and dietary supplements by consumers, pharmacists now need a basic knowledge of this topic for their professional practices. To meet this need, an elective course on herbs and dietary supplements is being taught at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science. The objective of the course is to teach students basic phytopharmacology, counseling skills on herbal medicine, evidence-based resources, manufacturing practices, and dietary regulations. A review of over 50 herbs touches on clinical use, efficacy, safety, and drug interactions. This paper reviews the course curriculum, resources and exercises used throughout the course.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Lana Dvorkin
F. U. Alakbarov is Head Scientific Officer, expert in the Oriental and Folk Medicine, Institute of Manuscripts of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, 8 Istiglaliyat str., Baku, 370001, Azerbaijan.
At the time of writing Liya Davydov was PharmD candidate, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, St. John’s University. Currently, she is Pharmacy Practice Resident, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY.
Ila Mehra Harris is Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, College of Pharmacy, and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Practice & Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Colin J. Briggs is Professor of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba. Recently he completed a secondment to Health Canada, as Senior Science Advisor in the Therapeutics Products Programme with special responsibility for complementary medicines.
Gemma Briggs is Research Assistant, IMPACT, The Injury Prevention Centre of Children’s Hospital, 501G-715 John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Mary Chavezis Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Director of Complementary Medicine Education and Research, The Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice, Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy Glendale, Glendale, AZ 85308.