Pharmacists’ challenges in promoting rational use of natural health products / Muhammad Suhaidi Sha’ari

• Main Author: Sha’ari, Muhammad Suhaidi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Pharmacy 2024
• Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry
• Online Access: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/105694/1/105694.pdf; https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/105694/

The popularity of natural health products (NHPs) has increased in recent decades, driven by various socio-economic [1], cultural [2, 3], and health-related factors [3]. NHPs are widely available over-thecounter, where consumers can self-select and use these products without a prescription. Consumers often utilise NHPs not only for general health maintenance but also as a means of preventing and treating various ailments [4]. Given the increasing popularity of NHPs, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by pharmacists in promoting their rational use, ensuring consumer safety and efficacy. There are three challenges addressed in this section; (i) limited knowledge about NHP; (ii) lack of standardised guidelines; and (iii) consumer misconception about NHP