Botanicals

Question 1

Licorice scientific name

Answer 1

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Question 2

Licorice parts used

Answer 2

root

Question 3

Licorice active constituents

Answer 3

Glycyrrhizin (eliminated in DGL: d/t high bp & water retention)

Flavonoids

Question 4

Licorice physiologic effects

Answer 4

Inhibits gastric acid secretion
Increases protective gastric mucus secretions
Inhibits H. Pylori
Increases blood flow and cell growth

** May interfere with normal corticosteroid catabolism and may bind to mineral corticoid receptors.

Question 5

Licorice contraindications

Answer 5

Liver and serious kidney disorders

Question 6

Licorice side effects

Answer 6

Glycyrrhizin content in large amounts can produce pseudoaldosteronism with resulting risks of elevated blood pressure, electrolyte disturbance, and cardiac problems.

Question 7

Peppermint scientific name

Answer 7

Mentha piperita

Question 8

Peppermint part used

Answer 8

Leaf & essential oil

Question 9

Peppermint active constituents

Answer 9

Menthol, menthone, and other related volatile chemicals

Question 10

Peppermint physiological effects

Answer 10

1. Carminative
   a) Imprecise term relating to the release of trapped stomach or intestinal gas, probably through inhibiting sphincters and/or contracted taenia coli.
   b) Enhances gastric emptying in humans.
2. Antispasmodic
   a) Inhibits smooth muscle contraction in intestine by antagonizing Ca++ influx.
   b) Reduces number of contractions and contraction amplitudes of the migrating motor complex.
   c) Inhibits contraction of the gallbladder.

Question 11

Peppermint contraindications

Answer 11

Liver/gallbladder disease

Question 12

Peppermint side effects

Answer 12

Occasional heart burn and upset stomach

Question 13

Peppermint uses

Answer 13

IBS
Tension headache
Non-ulcer dyspepsia

Question 14

Saw Palmetto scientific name

Answer 14

Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, Sabal serrulata

Question 15

Saw Palmetto parts used

Answer 15

ripe fruit (berry)

Question 16

Saw Palmetto active constituents

Answer 16

Lipophilic berry extract containing 80-90% fatty acids and sterols.

**Don’t use teas! Water extracts are not high in fatty acids.

Question 17

Saw Palmetto physiologic actions

Answer 17

1. Antiandrogenic: prevents enzymatic conversion of testosterone to more active DHT by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.
2. Antiproliferative: slows prostate cell proliferation by inhibiting growth factors, stimulating apoptosis.
3. Anti-inflammatory: inhibits eicosanoid pathways, lowers TNF-a, IL-1b.

Question 18

Saw Palmetto side effects

Answer 18

Dizziness, GI complaints, fewer sexual function complaints than Rx.

**May prolong bleeding time in susceptible people; se caution with potent anti platelet or anticoagulant co-medication.

Question 19

Pygeum Bark scientific name

Answer 19

Prunus africanus, African plum

Question 20

Pygeum Bark active constituents

Answer 20

fat soluble: sterols and triterpenes

Question 21

Pygeum Bark physiologic effects

Answer 21

Anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory

Question 22

Nettle Root scientific name

Answer 22

Urtica dioica, stinging nettle

Question 23

Nettle Root physiologic effects

Answer 23

anti-proliferative, anti-androgenic

Question 24

Cranberry scientific name

Answer 24

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Question 25

Cranberry parts used

Answer 25

Ripe fruit (juice or whole berry or berry extract)

Question 26

Cranberry active constituents

Answer 26

Flavonoids (anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins)

Question 27

Cranberry physiologic actions

Answer 27

Inhibit adhesion of some urinary pathogens to epithelial cells.

Question 28

Cranberry side effects

Answer 28

GI upset, weight gain (juice), need for more insulin in diabetics

Question 29

Cranberry contraindications

Answer 29

Salicylate hypersensitivity, may increase kidney stone risk in large amounts, increased bleeding with prolonged anticoagulant therapy (?)