Safe usage and therapeutic evaluation of herbal medicines derived from medicinal plants in children: A collaborative review

Abstract

Maha Ali Aldraimly*, Nosaiba Basheer Khairi, Rahaf Humaidan Alamri, Razan Abdullah Alrehaili, Somayah Aljuhani, Shoug Abdulhafith Alahmady, Lama Ahmed Qarras, Rahaf Hussain Mufti, Yousef Ahmed Sayed Noor Mohammed

Background: Increasing global use of herbal medicines in paediatric populations, concerns regarding safety, dosing, interactions, and regulatory oversight.

Objective: To systematically evaluate evidence on herbal medicine use in children and examine the collaborative role of pediatricians and pharmacists in ensuring safety, efficacy, and rational use.

Methods: Databases searched (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase); PRISMA-guided systematic review; inclusion criteria; risk of-bias assessment; qualitative synthesis. Results: Summarize number of studies included; most commonly used herbs; reported benefits; adverse effects; interaction risks; identified gaps in interprofessional coordination.

Conclusion: Interdisciplinary collaboration improves medication safety, parental counseling, pharmacovigilance, and therapeutic outcomes.