Phytovigilance to bridge traditional use and modern safety standards in Algeria Position Paper

 In Algeria, where traditional medicine is deeply linked to native plants, phytotherapy remains a legacy passed down through generations. Today, its popularity is rising, especially through social media, which highlights it as a natural, affordable, and accessible alternative to pharmaceuticals. However, this growing interest hides serious concerns: dosages are rarely specified, medical histories often ignored, and risks like drug interactions and treatment disruptions are underestimated. While herbal remedies are rooted in tradition, their modern use calls for scientific regulation. That’s where phytovigilance comes in. It’s a reminder that even nature needs regulation. 

 In Algeria, the integration of phytotherapy is increasingly observed, particularly among chronically ill patients who often turn to herbal remedies without informing their healthcare providers. In a study in Tizi-Ouzou, 42.8% of diabetic patients reported using medicinal plants, mostly prepared as infusions, and 88% of them experienced adverse effects. Similarly, at the Internal Medicine Department of EPH Mohamed Boudiaf in Ouargla, 65% of diabetic and 70% of hypertensive patients used herbal remedies. While 89.6% noted some symptom relief, 10.4% suffered side effects, and 6.2% even acknowledged the toxicity of these treatments. Moreover, a study focusing on herb-drug interactions among patients on antithrombotic therapy revealed that 76% of them used medicinal plants alongside prescribed medications. As a result, 47% experienced adverse events such as bleeding and hematomas. Despite this, 88% of these patients were unaware of the associated risks and continued usage, pointing to significant gaps in patient education and risk communication. These findings highlight a gap between phytotherapy’s growing integration and the lack of safety infrastructure. In 2025, Algeria still lacks a functional phytovigilance system, with fragmented data and underreporting due to absent adverse event reporting, limited education, and weak collaboration between healers, pharmacists, and physicians. Yet, widespread use within the Algerian community shows ongoing integration. This context offers a chance to value traditional medicine and close the gap between ancestral knowledge and modern safety through scientific regulation. 

 To safely integrate phytotherapy into the Algerian healthcare system, a national phytovigilance strategy is urgently needed. This includes establishing a clear legal framework for herbal medicines and integrating phytovigilance into the pharmacovigilance system. Clear and standardized labeling of herbal products is essential to ensure safe usage and informed choices. Simple reporting tools and

public education campaigns should be implemented. Medical and pharmacy training must include herbal safety. Traditional healers should be engaged and trained. Quality control standards must be enforced, and research encouraged. Digital tools can support reporting and awareness. By implementing these solutions and recommendations, Algeria can progressively build a robust phytovigilance system that protects public health while respectfully integrating the rich heritage of traditional medicine into modern safety standards. This balanced approach will foster both innovation and responsible use of herbal remedies.