(P25-037-25) Ecuadorian Scientific Manual of Phytotherapy: Evidence-Based Use of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases in Adults

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a scientific manual detailing the evidence-based use, drug interactions, and nutritional interactions of 150 medicinal plants used as complementary treatments for metabolic diseases in adults. These conditions include hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, and cancer, among others. The manual provides a comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals, integrating phytotherapy into conventional treatments while ensuring patient safety.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research strategy utilized MeSH terms: Plants OR Phytotherapy AND Metabolic Diseases AND Adults. The initial search yielded 1,231 articles, which were filtered down to 311 based on relevance. After applying exclusion criteria, 18 articles underwent further evaluation using CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines, ultimately selecting 8 high-quality studies.

The inclusion criteria required studies to:
• Focus on medicinal plants used for treating metabolic diseases.
• Provide evidence of therapeutic effects and interactions with drugs or nutrients.
• Be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Exclusion criteria included studies lacking clinical relevance, those with insufficient methodological quality, and non-human research.

Results: A total of 150 medicinal plants were initially analyzed. However, only 33 plants met the criteria for valid scientific evidence regarding their therapeutic applications, drug interactions, and nutrient interactions. These plants were documented in the manual with detailed descriptions of their mechanisms of action, potential contraindications, and recommendations for safe use in clinical practice.

Conclusions: The findings confirm that phytotherapy can be a valuable complementary approach in the treatment of metabolic diseases, provided that evidence-based guidelines are followed. The 33 validated medicinal plants included in this manual have demonstrated potential benefits, though their interactions with drugs and nutrients should be carefully considered to optimize patient outcomes and prevent adverse effects. Future research should focus on expanding clinical trials to strengthen the scientific foundation of phytotherapy in metabolic disease management.

Funding Sources: This research did not receive external funding. Data were obtained from peer-reviewed scientific literature (Scientific Articles).