Why pharmacovigilance of traditional medicines used as analgesics is important?

Traditional remedies have gained recognition for their effectiveness in treating various conditions such as diabetes, arthritic pain, liver disease, cough and cold, memory enhancement, and immunological stimulation. Their perceived safety has led to the increasing use of herbs by people without prescriptions. These therapies remain significant in areas with limited access to modern drugs or cultural preferences for traditional treatments. With a long history of use, traditional medicines have been the primary method of pain management. This review article explores natural and herb-based analgesics, their origins, and potential benefits, along with the growing scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Studies have examined their efficacy in treating musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and migraines. Rather than being seen as separate therapies, traditional medicines should be considered supplementary or alternative options that can be integrated into comprehensive pain management regimens. However, some studies have reported adverse drug reactions associated with herbal formulations and plants. Therefore, there is a need for pharmacovigilance in traditional medicine to ensure patient safety and promote evidence-based practices. Although pharmacovigilance in this field is still developing, it faces challenges due to the wide availability of herbal medicines without on-site medical supervision. This paper discusses the complex challenges of herbal pharmacovigilance, provides insights on recent advancements, and offers recommendations for improving the safety monitoring of traditional medications in the future.