Exploring that space-in-between primary data and traditional knowledge when researching herbal medicine

Primary research can provide additional layers of data to inform the decisions of herbal manufacturers, clinicians and regulators. Overlapping data from primary research can often support traditional knowledge. However, what do you do when such confluence is lacking or contradicts your own understanding? By reviewing research data on four important herbal medicines, we can apply that data to generate additional questions worth probing in client interactions and herbal product manufacturing, as well as in regulatory settings. Although definitive answers may not appear immediately, exploring that space-in-between the traditional knowledge and primary research findings can help us refine our strategies for assessing both efficacy and safety.

By deconstructing pharmacokinetic research, in vitro assay and clinical trials research, the talk will review four herbs, – Hypericum perforatum, Panax quinquefolius, Ephedra sinica and Sambucus nigra – with the strategy of using the information to improve rational choices in dosing, extraction methods, growing practices and safety review. As is often the case when balancing evidence-based and traditional approaches to herbal medicine, it will require improvisational and analytical thinking.