Modulation of the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs by Chinese herbal medicines.

Concomitant use of NSAIDs and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is frequent, yet summarized information on their interactions is lacking.A systematic review of literature in four evidence-based English databases was performed. Articles which reported CHMs altering the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs were identified and summarized. Such interactions may lead to beneficial, detrimental or no change in outcomes. The current review covers four therapeutic effects of NSAIDs, including: i) anti-inflammatory; ii) analgesic; iii) antiplatelet, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular; and iv) anticancer effects and four adverse effects of NSAIDs, including: i) gastrointestinal u…