Public Course Explores the Evidence Behind Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine

Dietary supplements and herbal products are widely used by adults, yet many people may not know how to evaluate their safety, effectiveness, or potential interactions with medications and other treatments.  

As part of our public education program, Osher WISE (Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone), we are offering a four-week course that will provide practical, evidence-based guidance for people who want to make more informed decisions about dietary supplements and herbal medicine. 

“What Should I Take? Making Informed Choices About Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine” will be held Wednesdays, October 7–28, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. PT. The course is chaired by Cathi Dennehy, PharmD, and Candy Tsourounis, PharmD, faculty members in the UCSF School of Pharmacy. 

“As the use of dietary supplements continues to grow, consumers need reliable information to help them distinguish between what is supported by scientific evidence and what is not,” said Cathi Dennehy, PhD. “This course is designed to give participants practical tools they can use to ask better questions, evaluate products and have more informed conversations with their health care providers.” 

The four classes include: 

• Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicine Essentials: What You Need to Know 

• Supplements for Healthy Aging: What’s Popular, and Should I Take It? 

• Longevity: Can Supplements Help You Live Longer and Healthier?  

• Vitamins and Minerals: What Makes Sense for You? 

Classes are offered individually or as a 4-class bundle. You can learn more and register on our website: osher.ucsf.edu/Osher-WISE