A Scoping Review to Refine A Framework for Self-Consumption of Herbal and Dietary Supplement among the Older Adults

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Older adults in Malaysia increasingly use herbal and dietary supplements (HDS), often alongside conventional medicine, despite the potential risks of adverse herb-drug interactions and low disclosure rates to healthcare professionals. Current safety frameworks lack specific stakeholder role definitions and clinical integration protocols. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise evidence regarding the roles of stakeholders, including the elderly, caregivers, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies, to refine a framework for the safe self-consumption of HDS among the elderly in Malaysia. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (Scopus, EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) for studies published between 2015 and 2026. Results: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 30 relevant articles were selected for final data extraction. The results suggest that safety cannot rely on individual choice alone it requires a “shared responsibility” where healthcare providers move from passive observers to active screeners, and systemic bodies mandate the integration of HDS documentation into routine clinical workflows. Conclusion: The refined framework emphasises shared responsibility for HDS safety, with pharmacists and other healthcare providers assuming proactive roles in screening, counselling, and monitoring. Integrating routine HDS screening and documentation into clinical practice may strengthen communication, facilitate early identification of potential herb–drug interactions, and promote safer HDS use among older adults.