There are 7 types of potential risks and hazards from herbs, including allergic reactions, toxic reaction to liver and kidney, adverse effects, possible mutagenic effects, mistaken plants, contamination of heavy metals and adulterants mainly from steroids or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In addition, herb-drug interactions related to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics are also summarized. This indicates that some plants used for medicinal purposes are associated with serious risks. Therefore we should be aware in using medicinal plants.
