Pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward herbal medicine: An integrative review

Abstract

Hassan Muslih Alraddadi*, Muhannad Ghali Alenezi, Ziyad Jameel Alrehaili, Abdullah Mossaed Alahmadi, Mohammed Faisal Alyanbaawe, Rayan Mohammed Alharbi, Fayez Jabal Alshahrani and Abdulaziz Ijl Alrehaili

Herbal medicine is increasingly used worldwide as an alternative and complementary therapy. Pharmacists, as frontline healthcare professionals, play a pivotal role in guiding patients on the safe and effective use of herbal products. However, variations in their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) remain a challenge for integrating herbal medicine into modern healthcare. This review synthesizes global evidence on pharmacists’ KAP toward herbal medicine, highlighting regional differences, key barriers, and opportunities for strengthening pharmacists’ role. Findings indicate that while pharmacists generally recognize the potential value of herbal medicine, their knowledge is often insufficient, attitudes vary from supportive to skeptical, and practices are hindered by limited training, regulation, and evidence-based guidelines. Addressing these gaps requires targeted education, standardized regulations, and improved pharmacist–patient communication.