Sadia Rafique1,
Aamna Habib2,
Abdul Qader3 
,
Amber Shafi2,
Qudsia Rehman2,
Kainat Ilyas3,
Romana Riaz4
For correspondence:- Abdul Qader Email: Pharmacistqader316@gmail.com
Received: 3 May 2024 Accepted: 19 November 2025 Published: 30 November 2025
Citation: Rafique S, Habib A, Qader A, Shafi A, Rehman Q, Ilyas K, et al. Knowledge, attitude and preference of traditional medicines among pharmacy students: A multi-centered cross-sectional study from Pakistan. Trop J Pharm Res 2025; 24(11):1441-1451 doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v24i11.12
© 2025 The authors.
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Purpose: To determine the knowledge and understanding of traditional medicines among Pharmacy students and to evaluate students' perspectives, attitudes, and inclinations concerning traditional remedies. Methods: Undergraduate Pharmacy students in Punjab, Pakistan, from 3rd to 5th year participated in the online survey. The survey targeted various aspects, including beliefs regarding the effectiveness of traditional medicines, their compatibility with conventional allopathic treatments, and preferences for specific types of medications depending on health conditions. Results: A total of 535 respondents (58.9 % females and 41.1 % males) completed the survey. Among the respondents, 70 % had taken herbal medicines and 58.9 % believed that herbal medicines only cured the symptoms. About 66 % believed that herbal medicines were less effective as compared to allopathic medicines, while half of the respondents considered concurrent use of homeopathic and allopathic medicines safe. Most of the respondents used herbal medicines for skin problems and mild illnesses, but for chronic illnesses, most of them (80 %) used allopathic medicines. Sixty percent believed that allopathic medicines were better than other medicines. Significant differences occurred with reports of side effects, effectiveness and awareness of herbal medicines and their concurrent use with allopathic medicines (p < 0.001). There were also significant differences regarding effectiveness and awareness of homeopathic medicines, the number of healthcare service visits after using homeopathic medicines and encouraging others to use homeopathic medicines (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study indicates varying beliefs regarding the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines compared to allopathic treatments. Further studies and educational interventions may be warranted to enhance understanding and promote safe and informed use of traditional medicines among pharmacy students.
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