Interações entre plantas medicinais e medicamentos em pessoas idosas de Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is a widespread practice in Brazil and often occurs alongside pharmacological treatment, which can lead to undesirable interactions, especially among elderly people. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify possible interactions between medicinal plants and medications used by elderly people residing in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais. The research was conducted in 2022 using convenience sampling, involving volunteer participants aged 60 or older who attended the "Comunidade Viva em Ação" group, where they participate in physical activities. Data collection was carried out through direct interviews using a semi-structured script, covering sociodemographic variables, meication use, and medicinal plant use. In total, 110 elderly people participated. It was observed that 70% used medicinal plants and medications simultaneously, with Melissa officinalis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Matricaria chamomilla L. being the most frequently cited species. A risk of interactions was found in 31.2% of respondents who used these medications concomitantly, mainly involving antihypertensive drugs, benzodiazepines, and anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings reinforce the importance of considering the use of medicinal plants in clinical history taking and pharmacotherapeutic monitoring, and of promoting guidance on the rational use of these practices among the elderly population.