Public knowledge and awareness of drug-herb interactions: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Background: Herbal medicines are widely used globally; however, public awareness of their appropriate use and potential adverse effects remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of herb–drug interactions among the general population in Saudi Arabia, a context where research in this area is scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire disseminated through social media platforms. Data were analyzed with SAS® version 9.4, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with participants’ knowledge scores. Results: A total of 834 respondents participated in the study. The majority were female (64.4%) and married (48.7%). More than half of the participants (57%) demonstrated moderate knowledge of herb–drug interactions. Age and region were negatively associated with knowledge levels, whereas female gender and prior use of herbal products were positively associated. Conclusions: The findings reveal a moderate level of public knowledge regarding herb–drug interactions in Saudi Arabia. Targeted educational initiatives and public health interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness and promote safe practices.