COMPARING THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF HERBAL MEDICINES Vs CONVENTIONAL DRUGS IN RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Respiratory diseases remain one of the leading global health burdens, ranging from acute infections such as influenza and pneumonia to chronic conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conventional pharmacological agents, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and biologics, are widely recognized for their clinical efficacy and regulatory approval, yet their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, drug resistance, and financial burden. In contrast, herbal medicines have been used for centuries in various cultural and traditional systems of medicine, offering potential anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, antiviral, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory benefits. Recent interest has increasingly focused on systematically comparing the effectiveness and safety of herbal therapies with conventional drugs, especially as patients actively seek holistic and integrative approaches to respiratory care. This review critically examines the available evidence on herbal interventions such as Echinacea, Pelargonium, licorice root, ginger, turmeric, and ivy leaf and contrasts them with standard pharmacological options including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucolytic agents. Safety profiles, possible herb drug interactions, pharmacoeconomic aspects, and limitations of current studies are also evaluated. By synthesizing both traditional knowledge and modern clinical evidence, this review aims to highlight the potential role of herbal medicines as complementary or alternative therapies, while emphasizing the need for robust clinical trials, quality assurance, and standardized formulations. The ultimate goal is to provide a balanced, evidence-based perspective to guide clinicians, researchers, and patients toward safer, cost-effective, and informed decisions in the management of respiratory diseases, thereby supporting innovation, patient empowerment, and sustainable healthcare practices worldwide, particularly in diverse clinical and community settings.