Unit Introduction and Objectives

The Herbal and Alternative Medicine Unit is a specialized unit within the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University, providing services to various community segments including students, the public, official agencies, and governmental and private institutions. The unit contributes to elevating healthcare services in the Kingdom to achieve the goals pursued by both the college and the university.

Vision

Achieving leadership and excellence in enhancing understanding and knowledge of herbal medicine and alternative therapies.

Mission

Educating students, the public, agencies, and educational institutions about the importance of herbal medicines and various alternative medicine approaches, while advocating for and motivating the development of training skills to acquire professional knowledge in practicing complementary and alternative medicine.

Unit Objectives

• Responding to inquiries from healthcare workers, institutions, companies, and the public regarding alternative medicine and natural products in general, particularly herbs, whether for treatment or poisoning cases.
• Collaborating with the Pharmacognosy Department and Plant Research Center to study applications received by the unit.
• Raising awareness about the proper use of herbs and alternative medicine methods, the risks of self-medication, and guiding individuals to consult specialists to avoid drug interactions.

Unit Staff

• Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawal (General Director)
• Dr. Wael Mustafa Abdel-Magid (Unit Supervisor - Male Section)
• Prof. Shatha Mohammed Al-Ma'sarani (Unit Supervisor - Female Section)

Educational and Community Services

1. The unit maintains an educational Twitter account aimed at raising awareness about herbal and alternative medicine for all community segments.
2. The unit provides a specialized database on herbal and alternative medicine to serve students and researchers in this field.
3. Receiving inquiries about herbal and alternative medicine from university members and others.
4. Providing books and scientific references that serve the specialization of herbs and alternative medicine.
5. Participating in the college's internal and external community events.
6. Contributing to research in the Pharmacognosy Department.

Unit Achievements

1. The unit has updated its logo and visual identity.

   
2. Created additional social media accounts on LinkedIn and Instagram to reach a wider community both inside and outside the Kingdom.
3. Through its social media accounts, the unit conducts intensive awareness campaigns about various herbs, their medical benefits, proper usage, and precautions.
4. The unit receives numerous inquiries through its Twitter account, phone calls, or personal visits.

Inquiry Statistics

Total tweets on the account: 477

Total followers: 6,674

Community Participation

1. Participation with the Community Services Unit at the Female Campus - King Saud University on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the World Alzheimer's Day event, showcasing medicinal herbs that enhance memory and brain function.

   

2. On World Mental Health Day, the unit participated with the Social Cultural Club in the "Mental Health is a Universal Right" event, showcasing medicinal herbs and essential oils used to enhance mental and physical health.