The Role of Medicinal Plants in Enhancing Patient Adherence to Treatment

 Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Patient nonadherence to prescribed treatments, particularly in the management of chronic diseases, poses a significant challenge to global health systems. The integration of medicinal plants into therapeutic regimens has emerged as a complementary strategy that may improve adherence by aligning with patients’ cultural practices, perceptions of natural efficacy, and concerns over pharmaceutical side effects. This paper examines how the use of medicinal plants influences patient adherence through cultural relevance, perceived safety, availability, and user engagement. The study synthesizes evidence from historical and contemporary sources, including case studies, pharmacological mechanisms, and sociocultural factors affecting the utilization of medicinal plants. It further highlights how medicinal plants may support psychological and behavioral aspects of adherence by fostering a sense of agency and trust in treatment. Key barriers such as safety concerns, provider-patient communication gaps, and biopiracy are discussed alongside the potential of patient education and community-based interventions. The findings advocate for a more holistic, culturally sensitive approach in chronic disease care by recognizing the role of medicinal plants in promoting sustainable adherence strategies.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Treatment Adherence, Chronic Disease Management, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Patient Compliance, Herbal Therapy, Pharmacological Mechanisms.

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2025). The Role of Medicinal Plants in Enhancing Patient Adherence to Treatment. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 5(1):57-64. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2025/515764