Abstract

Drug disposition in the human body is strongly influenced by transporters and metabolizing enzymes expressed in key organs including intestine, liver and kidney. Since drugs and chemicals present in foods such as fruit juices and herb-based products are substrates of the above-mentioned proteins, there is a high probability of pharmacokinetic interactions. Findings from preclinical and clinical studies helped to characterize the mechanisms by which the components of fruit juices and herbs act as perpetrators of pharmacokinetic interactions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of pharmacokinetic fruit juice- and herb-drug interactions that could be relevant in the clinical setting.