Author(s): Ariana Chaudhary and Abbe Luvale Floribert

Abstract: Herbal medicine has been used for centuries across the globe, yet its role in modern healthcare remains uncertain. This study represents the largest systematic analysis of herbal medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa, examining health outcomes and mortality among over 13,000 patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the participants, 47% reported using herbal medicine, with 95% receiving prescriptions from traditional practitioners. Significantly fewer patients below the age of 20 years reported herbal medicine use, compared to the rest of the population, and significantly more patients with acute illnesses reported use compared to patients with chronic disease. Significantly increased mortality was found in patients reporting herbal medicine use, while significant clinical improvement was found in patients reporting no herbal medicine use. This study suggests that herbal medicine may not be efficacious in acute disease, and timely access to specialty care is essential to prevent deaths from life-threatening illnesses.

DOI: 10.22271/flora.2025.v13.i3a.988