Ex Vivo Analysis of Various Herb–Drug Interactions and Their Effects on Metronidazole Absorption ^†

Abstract

Aim: 1. To study the effect of food, drink, or pharmaceuticals on the action of drugs; 2. To study the result of interactions between medication molecules and secondary targets; 3. To study the effect of herbal extracts on drug absorption. Objectives: 1. To identify the effects of different herbal extracts on the absorption of metronidazole; 2. To study in vitro and in situ herb–drug interactions; 3. To study the effect of different herbal extracts on the absorption of metronidazole. Methodology: Take a sufficient amount of cold thyroid solution, place it in a Petri dish, transfer the ileum to it using forceps, and tie one end through the intestinal sac to a double-looped knot of a moistened thread. Fill a syringe with metronidazole alone or in combination with a herbal extract. Put the intestinal sac in a beaker, stir, take samples of the solution at particular time intervals, and assess the absorption of metronidazole. Results and Discussion: Metronidazole is used as a treatment for amoebiasis or related diarrhea-like conditions which are also treated with home remedies like asafoetida, ginger, and lemon juice, given to the patient to correct electrolyte imbalances. However, these routine food items can affect the therapeutic effect of the synthetic drug when taken concomitantly, either by pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Conclusions: The results of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the potential interactions between herbal extracts and metronidazole absorption. Herbal extracts, which are frequently used in conventional medicine and as food additives, might affect how synthetic medications like metronidazole are absorbed. Such interactions may affect the effectiveness of therapy and the results for patients. These results highlight the need of taking into account possible herb–drug interactions and modifying drug delivery schedules accordingly. For safe and effective medication administration, it is essential to comprehend these interactions.