Stacie Deyglio, ND
As is characteristic of all Dr Brinker’s written works, he has taken utmost care in this edition to thoroughly explain each section, to assess in detail each of more than 2000 references, and to caution clinicians that in clinical context all herbs are not equal unless the user identifies how and what was extracted, the dosage form used, and the amount administered. In this current 4th edition, Dr Brinker has organized his Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions publication on 321 known herbs that constructively enhance the therapeutic activity of drugs or reduce adverse effects as used for inflammation, chemotherapy, drug abuse, and infections.
This text meticulously distinguishes between what is known through empirical clinical observations and data obtained from current clinical human studies vs from laboratory research on animals and with tissues and cells. Dr Brinker’s 4th edition cites more than 2700 medical and scientific sources that document these findings. In addition, the type of preparation studied is described to emphasize differences between preparations from the same herb. Furthermore, this edition focuses on combinations of herbal preparations with drugs that have been shown to beneficially enhance therapeutic activity or reduce adverse effects, as identified for 98 of 321 herbs listed in the main text.
The main text provides contraindications and drug interactions information for 321 herbs covered. In addition, the 4th edition contains extensive knowledge-based appendixes that organize information on these herbs into categories addressing specific cautions, interactions with particular types of drugs, drug interactions with vitamins and minerals, and precautions for mothers, infants, and children, as well as advantageous combinations with medicines used for inflammations, infections, cancer, and addressing substance abuse. Specifically, the metabolism appendix is central to note, as it provides an impressive compilation of known herbal effects on drug absorption and metabolism involving transport proteins, cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, and conjugating enzymes.
The high level of committed detail that Dr. Brinker’s interactions books contain, beginning with the first edition in 1997, continues to support his presence as a leader in the herb-drug interactions field.
Title: Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines, 4th Edition
Author: Francis Brinkler, ND
Publisher: Eclectic Medical Publications
Available from: Eclectic Medical Publications
Pages: 603
Style: Softcover
Copyright: 2010
MSRP: $68.70
Stacie Deyglio, ND received her baccalaureate degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Mt. St. Vincent in New York. Her personal health issues paved the way to discovering naturopathic medicine in 1999. Resonating with the philosophy and principles of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Deyglio graduated from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. As a medical student, she was involved in student government, fundraising and the generation of two successful student-run health fairs. Dr. Deyglio’s interests include relating integrative therapeutics to the health of pediatric and geriatric populations. Currently residing in Phoenix, Dr. Deyglio is an avid bookworm, and is actively creating her practice.
