6 - Materia Medica: A Directory of Herbs for Cancer Flashcards
What are polyphenols and where are they commonly found?
Polyphenols are compounds found in green tea and are known for their potential anticancer properties.
What is the role of mushroom polysaccharides in cancer treatment?
Mushroom polysaccharides are immunomodulating and can enhance the body’s immune response against cancer.
What is the significance of turmeric in cancer care?
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory pigments that may help in cancer treatment.
Name two plant-derived chemotherapy drugs mentioned.
- Taxol
- Etoposide
What is the pyramid prescribing model in herbal formulation?
It is a model where supportive herbs target tissues and enhance the effectiveness of specific herbs.
True or False: The herbs discussed in this chapter are considered systemically toxic.
False
What are the medicinal actions of Aloe vera?
- Soothing demulcent
- Emollient
- Laxative
- Anticancer
What part of Andrographis paniculata is used for medicinal purposes?
Aerial parts
List the medicinal actions of Baikal Skullcap.
- Bitter
- Cooling
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
What is the primary part used from Bupleurum falcatum?
Root
What does the Latin name Theobroma cacao translate to?
Food of the gods
What are the benefits of cacao in cancer care?
- Blood-sugar regulation
- Immunomodulation
- Heart health
What plant family does Calendula officinalis belong to?
Asteraceae
What are the medicinal actions of Corydalis?
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Blood moving
- Decongesting
- Anticancer
What are the benefits of Dan Shen in cancer care?
- Blood-moving action
- Brain-repair effects
- Kidney-repair effects
What parts of Echinacea are used medicinally?
- Root
- Stem
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
What medicinal actions are attributed to Garlic?
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Anticancer
- Antiparasitic
What are the medicinal actions of Ginger?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Warming
- Carminative
- Antiemetic
What is a key action of Gotu Kola?
Cerebral circulatory stimulant
What are some anticancer effects of Green Tea catechins?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Suppress tumor initiation and growth
- Inhibit genetic mutations
- Prevent cardiac toxicity in chemotherapy
What is the primary part used from Horse Chestnut?
Whole, hulled fresh nut
What are the medicinal actions of Indian Frankincense?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Anticancer
Fill in the blank: The part used from Aloe vera is the _______.
leaf (inner gel)
Fill in the blank: The part used from Andrographis is the _______.
aerial parts
True or False: Indian frankincense is commonly used in perfumery.
True
What should be considered when using threatened or endangered herbs?
Use with restraint and consider substitutes.
What is the common name for Scutellaria baicalensis?
Chinese skullcap
What is the common name for Zingiber officinale?
Ginger
What is the alternate common name for Indian Frankincense?
boswellia
Boswellia serrata is known for its resin used in traditional medicine.
What part of the Magnolia plant is used medicinally?
bark
Magnolia species include M. grandiflora, M. virginiana, M. acuminata, M. macrophylla, and M. officinalis.
What are the medicinal actions of Nigella sativa?
antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulating, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepatoprotective, renal protective, gastroprotective, antioxidant
Commonly referred to as black seed.
What plant family does Pomegranate belong to?
Punicaceae or Lythraceae
The medicinal parts used are fruit and seed.
What are the medicinal actions of Propolis?
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant
Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees.
What are the medicinal actions of Red Clover?
alterative for the skin, mild phytoestrogen, fertility aid, menstrual balancer
It is particularly indicated for teenage acne, eczema, and acne rosacea.
Fill in the blank: The medicinal actions of Sea Buckthorn include _______.
antioxidant (redox regulator)
Parts used include leaf, fruit, and seed.
What is the primary part used from St. John’s Wort?
flowering tops
St. John’s Wort is known for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the key active constituents of medicinal mushrooms?
beta-glucans, chitin, ergothioneine, lectins, statins, terpenes, vitamin D2
These compounds contribute to their medicinal properties.
What is the primary medicinal action of Turmeric?
inflammation modulating, anticancer, antioxidant
The active part used is the rhizome.
True or False: Curcumin is always effectively absorbed in the body.
False
Studies suggest that absorption may not be the most important factor for therapeutic effects.
What is the medicinal action of Tulsi?
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, lowers fevers, normalizes blood sugar, adaptogen, immunomodulator
Tulsi is also known as holy basil.
What are the medicinal actions of Taheebo?
anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immune-stimulating, antiviral, antiparasitic
Commonly known as pau d’arco or lapacho.
What is the primary use of the resin from Boswellia serrata?
anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer
The resin is often standardized to boswellic acids content.
What are the benefits of Red Clover in cancer care?
effects on estrogen signaling, increased apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, synergy with chemotherapy
Red Clover may support traditional cancer treatments.
Dosing forms for Nigella sativa include _______.
dried seed, tincture
Nigella is known for its wide range of medicinal actions.
Fill in the blank: The primary part used from the Pomegranate plant is the _______.
fruit and seed
Pomegranate has antioxidant and anticancer properties.
What are the contraindications associated with St. John’s Wort?
can reduce effectiveness of various pharmaceuticals
It may induce certain drug-metabolizing enzymes.
What is the main concern regarding the sustainability of Propolis?
harvesting can be harmful to bees
Herbalists use it in small amounts to appreciate its rarity.
