Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments

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Autores principales: Alexandra Drebka, Annika J. Scholl, Teresa Ochs, Olaf Kelber, Ralph Mösges, Beatrice E. Bachmeier
Formato: Artículo Open Access
Publicado: Wiley 2026
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author Alexandra Drebka
Annika J. Scholl
Teresa Ochs
Olaf Kelber
Ralph Mösges
Beatrice E. Bachmeier
author_facet Alexandra Drebka
Annika J. Scholl
Teresa Ochs
Olaf Kelber
Ralph Mösges
Beatrice E. Bachmeier
Alexandra Drebka
Annika J. Scholl
Teresa Ochs
Olaf Kelber
Ralph Mösges
Beatrice E. Bachmeier
collection Wiley Open Access
contents Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments Alexandra Drebka Annika J. Scholl Teresa Ochs Olaf Kelber Ralph Mösges Beatrice E. Bachmeier Phytotherapy Research ABSTRACT Most Germans consider herbal medicinal products (HMPs) to be an important supplement to conventional medicine. Despite existing clinical evidence for safety and efficacy, they are still not sufficiently integrated into drug therapy of gynaecological complaints in everyday practice. By analysing patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), this gap in medical care can be closed. Real‐world data was extracted from the pharmaco‐epidemiological database PhytoVIS. We analysed a sample ( n  = 1658) containing PROs from women who utilised HMPs to treat their gynaecological complaints applying descriptive and non‐parametric bivariate statistical tests. Perceived effectiveness and tolerability of HMPs was rated as very good. For the treatment of menstrual complaints, Vitex agnus‐castus L. was primarily used, and Actaea racemosa L. for menopausal complaints. Various herbal drugs were applied for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs), but mainly Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi (L.) Spreng. Regarding the pharmaceutical form, herbal teas were preferred for the treatment of uUTIs or by very young or elderly women. All other pharmaceutical forms were favoured for menstrual and menopausal complaints or middle‐aged women. The pharmaceutical form did not impact the perceived therapeutic effectiveness. Our results provide valuable insights into patient preferences and show options for their integration into existing treatment strategies. By identifying the most popular and efficacious plants for certain gynaecological ailments, we support healthcare providers to better address the growing demand for complementary treatment options. This knowledge helps in tailoring healthcare to meet patient needs and to ensure the safety and efficacy of HMPs. 10.1002/ptr.70321 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
doi_str_mv 10.1002/ptr.70321
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spellingShingle Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments
Alexandra Drebka
Annika J. Scholl
Teresa Ochs
Olaf Kelber
Ralph Mösges
Beatrice E. Bachmeier
Phytotherapy Research
Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments Alexandra Drebka Annika J. Scholl Teresa Ochs Olaf Kelber Ralph Mösges Beatrice E. Bachmeier Phytotherapy Research ABSTRACT Most Germans consider herbal medicinal products (HMPs) to be an important supplement to conventional medicine. Despite existing clinical evidence for safety and efficacy, they are still not sufficiently integrated into drug therapy of gynaecological complaints in everyday practice. By analysing patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), this gap in medical care can be closed. Real‐world data was extracted from the pharmaco‐epidemiological database PhytoVIS. We analysed a sample ( n  = 1658) containing PROs from women who utilised HMPs to treat their gynaecological complaints applying descriptive and non‐parametric bivariate statistical tests. Perceived effectiveness and tolerability of HMPs was rated as very good. For the treatment of menstrual complaints, Vitex agnus‐castus L. was primarily used, and Actaea racemosa L. for menopausal complaints. Various herbal drugs were applied for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs), but mainly Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi (L.) Spreng. Regarding the pharmaceutical form, herbal teas were preferred for the treatment of uUTIs or by very young or elderly women. All other pharmaceutical forms were favoured for menstrual and menopausal complaints or middle‐aged women. The pharmaceutical form did not impact the perceived therapeutic effectiveness. Our results provide valuable insights into patient preferences and show options for their integration into existing treatment strategies. By identifying the most popular and efficacious plants for certain gynaecological ailments, we support healthcare providers to better address the growing demand for complementary treatment options. This knowledge helps in tailoring healthcare to meet patient needs and to ensure the safety and efficacy of HMPs. 10.1002/ptr.70321 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
title Trends and Patterns for the Use of Herbal Medicinal Products for Gynaecological Ailments
topic Phytotherapy Research
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.70321