Watch Intro Video

Introduction

Drug Herb Interactions

With Dr. Greg Sperber

We can predict potential drug-herb interactions. This course takes the basic pharmacology principles discussed in the Basics of Pharmacology course, including the ADME scheme and the therapeutic index, and applies them to understanding and predicting drug-herb interactions. In addition, recent areas of research related to interactions, such as p-glycoprotein and other transporters, will be discussed. The emphasis is on both the theoretical prediction and real world application of strategies for preventing and dealing with interactions. This includes a discussion about creating a Drug-Herb Interaction Matrix for determining an individual patient's risk. The template for the matrix will be provided as part of the course.

This online course is based on my book published by Blue Poppy: Integrative Pharmacology, Combining modern pharmacology and Chinese medicine written with Bob Flaws. It is the second in series of courses leading to a certificate in Drug-Herb Interaction Expert.

Course Goals

1. Understand how the basics of pharmacokinetics, including the ADME scheme, and pharmacodynamics can be used to predict drug-herb interactions
2. Identify the risks involved with combining drugs and herbs
3. Create a Drug-Herb Interaction Matrix for assessing individual patient risk and as a tool for communication

Video-Class with Online Examination

(unlimited access)

  • watch and rewind video as often as you like

  • learn at your own pace

  • three CEU credits (TCM-Fachverband and ASA)

  • Multiple-Choice Exam at the end of the course

  • ask your questions to your lecturer by e-mail

  • course fee: free

This course is suitable for

  • Medical Doctors

  • TCM Practitioners

  • All Other Health Professionals

Watch Intro Video

Course snippet

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction and CV

    • Introduction with CV
  • 2

    ADME

    • Drug-Herb Interactions
  • 3

    Therapeutic Margin

    • Pharmacokinetics

    • Absorption

    • Acidity

    • Gastrointestinal Motility

    • Binding

    • Distribution and Protein Binding

    • Metabolism and Herbs

    • Eliminations

    • Therapeutic Index

    • P-Glycoprotein and other transporters
  • 4

    Guidelines to prevent or minimize interactions

    • Preventing Drug-Herb interactions
  • 5

    The Matrix

    • Drug Herb Matrix
  • 6

    Outro and Exam

    • Thank you

    • Hand-Out (printable)

    • Drug-Herb-Matrix-Sample

    • Exam

About the lecturer

Dr.

Greg Sperber

Dr. Greg Sperber is currently a practitioner of Chinese medicine and host of Sperb’s Herbs Podcasts. Previously, he has been Vice Provost at Bastyr University California, Dean of the College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences, clinical chair and director of clinical services at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego (PCOM), and a clinical supervisor and professor at several colleges and universities. He is co-author of Integrative Pharmacology, Combining Modern Pharmacology with Integrative Medicine and Playing the Game, A Step-by-Step Approach to Accepting Insurance as an Acupuncturist. Dr. Sperber received a masters and doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine from PCOM, San Diego, a medical degree from Flinders University of South Australia, and a master of business administration from National University. He has been a past president of the California State Oriental Medical Association and has spoken at many conferences about Chinese medicine, business, drug-herb interactions, pharmacology, and ethics and professionalism.