Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The inclusion criteria were not specified in terms of study design. Case reports, case series and observational studies were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Reports on the therapeutic use of HMPs were eligible for inclusion. Reports of accidental poisoning were excluded. The included studies reported on the use of a wide variety of HMPs.
Participants included in the review
The inclusion criteria were not specified in terms of participants. The participants in the included studies had been treated for a variety of conditions, such as skin conditions, gastrointestinal complaints, tumours, back pain, dysmenorrhoea, meteorism, respiratory infections, asthma, weakness, obesity, high cholesterol, insomnia, anxiety, induction of abortion, healing of wounds and fractures, multiple sclerosis, hair loss, joint problems, urinary problems and other assorted problems. The included studies were of men, women and children.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies presenting data on hepatotoxic events that occurred from 1990 onwards were eligible for inclusion.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently selected the studies for inclusion and resolved any disagreements on inclusion through discussion.