Additive

Latest Edit: Hector 2011-07-25 (EDT)

Additive effects refer to plant compounds that target the same receptors as a drug. Just as it is common for a person to take more than one drug to treat a condition, the concept of additive effects is used when herbs are being chosen to treat the same condition as an existing drug; such as St. John's Wort which can inhibit the same enzyme as a monoamineoxidase (MOA) drug. Taking an herb and a drug for the same condition can result in an increased or additive effect, versus only taking one of them.

In an additive reaction you end up with the effect that 1 + 1 = 2.

Additive Herbs

• Licorice
• Milk Thistle