Botanicals - CNS Flashcards
How many botanical listed for the CNS for NPLEX 2? How many can you name?
There are 21 CNS botanicals listed. Aconitum napellus Atropa belladonna Avena sativa Bacopa monnieri Centella asiatica Datura stramonium Eschscholzia californica Gelesemium sempervirens Humulus lupulus Hyoscyamus niger Hypericum perforatum Matricaria recutita Melissa officinalis Passiflora incarnata Piper methysticum Piscidia erythrina Pulsatilla vulgaris Rhodiola rosea Scutellaria lateriflora Tanacetum parthenium Valeriana officinalis
Aconitum napellus indications
Neuralgia (trigeminal, intercostal); fever, chills
Aconitum napellus contraindications
Pregnancy, lactation
Aconitum napellus side effects
Highly toxic; tingling of the mouth, fingers and toes which then spreads. Body temperature decreases quickly and vomiting, diarrhea and urination.
Aconitum napellus constituents
Tropane alkaloids, benzacoine, Nor-diterpene alkaloids; aconitine, hypaconitine
Aconitum napellus actions
Sensory and motor depressant, sedative; antipyretic
Aconitum napellus pharmacology
Aconitine raises membrane permeability for sodium ions and slows repolarization. Aconitine is initially stimulating, and then causes paralysis and motor and sensitive nerve endings, and in the CNS. In smaller doses it triggers bradycardia and hypotension; in higher doses it has at first a positive ionatropic affect, followed by tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Di-ester alkaloids when applied topically has an itchiness or burning a fact, followed by an analgesic effect. It has an anti-febrile affect
Atropa Belladonna (belladonna, Devil’s cherries) Indications
Liver and gallbladder complaints, any smooth muscle complaints
Atropa Belladonna Contraindications
Long term use or high doses, BPH, urinary retention, prostate cancer, tachycardia, arrhythmia, closed angle glaucoma, G.I. stenosis, megacolon, pregnancy, lactation, children.
Atropa Belladonna Interactions
Potentiates anticholinergic drugs: atropine, bupropion, dextromethorphan, dicyclomine, diphenhydramine, tiotropium, bromide, tolterodine; tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Atropa Belladonna side effects
Hyperthermia, flushed face, dry mucous membranes, mydryiasis, blurred vision, giddiness, loquacity, delirium, tachycardia, hyperventilation, sleepiness, hallucinations, dysphagia, convulsions, coma, death.
Hot as a hair, red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter
Atropa Belladonna Constituents
Tropane alkaloids: Atropine (DL-hyoscyamine), L-scopolamine, atropine
Atropa Belladonna actions
Anti-spasmodic, parasympathetic depressant, vasoconstrictor, smooth muscle inhibitor, bronchodilator
Atropa Belladonna pharmacology
Tropane alkaloids are anticholinergic parasympatholytic, spasmolytic, positive dromotropic and chronotropic effect. A TROPA belladonna act as parasympatholytic or anticholinergic through competitive antagonism of the neuromuscular transmitter acetylcholine. It target smooth muscle and CNS. It can have relaxation of organs with smooth muscles and relieve spastic conditions like the G.I. tract and bile ducts. It has been used in folklore medicine for its hallucinogenic effect.
Avena sativa oats indication
Internal: nervousness, acute and chronic anxiety, nicotine / opiate withdrawal, rheumatism, insomnia
external: anodyne for irritated or inflamed skin, eczema; soak rolled oats in cold water, squeeze and strain through cloth and add to bathwater example Aveeno, or apply to the skin.
Avena sativa Contra indications
People with celiac disease should avoid oats
Avena sativa constituents
Starch 60%, saccharo-mucilaginous (11%) albumin, fiber and moisture
Avena sativa actions
Nutritive, nervine and mild sedative
Avena sativa pharmacology
Beta glucan (oat gum) will increase food viscosity, peak postprandial glucose. It increases stool weight and stool fax creation through increased bile excretion and decreasing blood lipids
Avena sativa interactions
Statins: oat bran may impair absorption and effectiveness of HMG – CoA reductase inhibitors. Administer oat brand two hours before or 4 to 6 hours after an HMG – CoA reductase inhibitor
bacopa monnieri indications
Cognition, anxiety, epilepsy, poor memory
bacopa monnieri Contra indications
N/A
bacopa monnieri interactions
N/A
bacopa monnieri Side effects
Possible palpitations, nausea, dry mouth, thirst
bacopa monnieri constituents
Triterpenoid saponins
bacopa monnieri actions
Antioxidant and neuroprotective. In animal studies, it inhibits acetylcholinesterase, activates choline acetyltransferase, and increases cerebral blood flow
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) indications
There is clinical evidence that is useful as a cancer preventative and as a preventative for dental carries. It can also be used to increase physical performance.
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) Contra indications
Caution should be taken with patients with weakened cardiovascular system, renal disease, thyroid hyper function, spastic disorders and psychological disorders such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, vertigo. It is not recommended that pregnant women drink green tea due to the caffeine content, or avoid large contents of it. Mothers who are breast-feeding should avoid green tea as it might cause sleep disorders in infants.
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) interactions
Concurrent use of green tea may result in reduced anticoagulant effectiveness
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) Side effects
G.I. irritation, reduction of appetite, constipation or diarrhea due to intense tea consumption. These side effects can be generally avoided by the addition of milk (reduction of cholorgenic acid and other tannins).
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) constituents
Purine alkaloids, (caffeine, theobromine), caffeic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid), catechinds, volatile oil.
Cameilla sinensis (green tea) actions
Anti-tumor, antimicrobial, stimulant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant
Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) indications
Nervousness, poor memory; epilepsy. Venous insufficiency.
External: inflamed skin, ulcers, psoriasis, snake bite poultice.
Centella asiatica Contra indications
Not to be used during pregnancy
Centella asiatica Side effects
skin irritation (topical), photosensitization, caution with diabetes or hyper lipidemia as it may increase blood glucose and lipids. Possible infertility.
Centella asiatica constituents
Triterpene acids
Centella asiatica actions
Nervine, antipyretic
Datura stramonium (jimson weed) indications
Not recommended due to a non-standardize jimson weed products that have varying inconsistent alkaloid Contant. In folk medicine, it has been used for asthma, convulsive cough, pertussis during bronchitis and influenza, for severe catarrh as an expectorant
Datura stramonium Contra indications
Glaucoma, pregnancy (absolute contraindication), anti-cholinergic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants
Datura stramonium interactions
Potentiates anticholinergic drugs: atropine bupropion, dextromethorphan, dicyclomine, diphenhydramine, tiotropium bromide, tolterodine; tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Datura stramonium Side effects
Hyperthermia, flushed face, dry mucous membranes, mydriasis, blurred vision, getting us, loquacity, delirium, tachycardia, hyperventilation, sleepiness, hallucinations, dysphasia, convulsions,, death
Hot as a hair, red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter
Datura stramonium constituents
Tropane alkaloids: daturine, atropine, hyosine, scopolamine
Datura stramonium actions
Sedative, anti-spasmodic
Datura stramonium pharmacology
Tropane alkaloids have anticholinergic and parasympatholytic properties (see belladonna); scopolamine fraction is more responsible for this effect
Eschscholzia californica (california poppy) indications
California poppy is used as a sedative hypnotic for children, especially in cases of overexcitement and sleeplessness.
Eschscholzia californica Contra indications
Pregnancy, lactation
Eschscholzia californica interactions
May potentiate MAOi’s (phenelzine), SSRI’s (fluoxetine)
Eschscholzia californica Side effects
Addictive
Eschscholzia californica Constituents
Alkaloids, flavone glycosides
Eschscholzia californica actions
Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne
Gelsemium sempverirens (Yellow Jasmine) indications
Ovarian cyst pain, topical two OS to induce labor, insomnia, fever, nervous on rust, headache, convulsions, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, asthma.
Gelsemium sempverirens Contra indications
Hypotension, myasthenia gravis, pregnancy (uterine stimulant), respiratory or cardiac disease.
Gelsemium sempverirens interactions
May potentiate aspirin
Gelsemium sempverirens Side effects
Initially double vision, dryness of the mouth, swallowing difficulties, vomiting. Can progress to headache, dizziness, loss of speech ability, pupil enlargement, trembling of the limbs, paralysis of muscles, cyanosis, shortness of breath, coma. Not typically used anymore, mostly homeopathic
Gelsemium sempverirens constituents
Indole alkaloids, gelsemine, gelsemicine, sempervirine; hydroxycoumarins: scopoletin
Gelsemium sempverirens actions
Stimulates and depressants in neural function; anti-spasmodic, cardio Saturday off
Gelsemium sempverirens pharmacology
Inhibition of cholinesterase; cardiac circulatory affects (vasodilation, hypotensive); bronchodilation; affect smooth muscles, analgesic effect, as well as mydriasis in animal studies.
Humulus lupulus (Hops) indications
Mood disturbances: agitation, anxiety, nervousness and restlessness. Insomnia. Can be used as a bitter to stimulate the appetite and increase the secretion of gastric juices. Studies have shown it does have the potential for prevention or treatment of menopause, but lack randomized, double blind placebo trials.
Humulus lupulus Contra indications
Sedative effect will worsen symptoms of individuals with depression. Not to be used during pregnancy because of anti-spasmodic activity in the uterus
Humulus lupulus Side effects
Nausea, headache
Humulus lupulus Constituents
Acylphloroglucinols (10%), alpha-biter acids, beta bitter acids (humulone), volatile oils (2-methyl-but-3-en-ol).
Humulus lupulus actions
Sedative nervine, digestive better, cholagogue, mild laxative
Humulus lupulus pharmacology
Humulone inhibit Gram + and Gram- bacteria, som efungi/yeast. 2-methyl-but-3-en-ol has a sedative effect.
Humulus lupulus interactions
Hobbs may potentiate the sedative hypnotic effect of barbiturates example phenobarbital
Hyosyamus niger (henbane) indications
Dyspeptic complaints, spasms. Cough. Nervous irritability, unrest, insomnia, delirium.
Hyosyamus niger Contra indications
Tachycardic arrhythmias, prosthetic adenoma, angle closure glaucoma, mechanical stenosis and G.I. tract, megacolon.
Hyosyamus niger interactions
Potentiates anticholinergic drugs: atropine, bupropion, dextromethorphan, dicyclomine, diphenhydramine, tiotropium bromide, tolterodine; tricyclic antidepressant (amitriptyline), Amantadine
Hyosyamus niger Side effects
Dryness, nausea, proper password tachycardia, vertigo, mydriasis, hallucinations, salivation, coma, death by asphyxiation
Hyosyamus niger constituents
Tropane alkaloids: hyosyamine, atropine, scopolamine, flavonoids (rutin), fatty oils
Hyosyamus niger actions
Sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic
Hyosyamus niger pharmacology
It causes a parasympatholytic or anticholinergic affected by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine. This inhibition affects the muscarinic action of acetylcholine but not it’s nicotine like effects on motor and plates. It also fffects the autonomic nervous system and on smooth muscle (G.I. track) as well as the central nervous system (tremors).
Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) indications
Depression, anxiety. Inflammation of the skin, wounds and burns. Blunt injuries.
Hypericum perforatum CI
Suicidal ideation, high doses and pregnancy
Hypericum perforatum s/e
High doses with exposure to UV light causes photosensitivity rash, alopecia, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, depression, elevated liver enzymes.
Hypericum perforatum interactions
Similar action to benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), May cause serotonin syndrome with SSRIs (fluoxetine), used to wean patients off MAOI's (phenelzine). Potentiates antiretrovirals (zidovudine), antagonizes theophylline, cyclosporine, digoxin, warfarin, induces CYP 450 3A4.
Hypericum perforatum constituents
Volatile oil; naphthodianthones (hypericin), phloroglucinols (hyperforin); catechins; pro anthocyanidins; flavonoids (rutin).
Hypericum perforatum actions
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, Vulnerary, nervine, antimicrobial
Hypericum perforatum pharmacology
Comparable to try cyclic and SSRI, but with fewer side effects. Dose is dependent on inhibition of reuptake for Noradrenaline and serotonin (5 – HTP) at presynaptic axon membrane. Hyperforin may increase serotonin, lower cortisol and act on GABA receptors. Has antibacterial and antiviral effects. Suppresses inflammation and leukocyte infiltration of wounds.
Matricaria recutita Indications
Atopic dermatitis, skin ulcer, wounds, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, infant colic, gas, gastritis, gastroenteritis, IBD, smooth muscle spasm, fever, peridontal disease, gingivitis, insomnia, anxiety, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis.
Matricaria recutita CI
Allergy or sensitivity to chamomile; should not be used in pregnancy
Matricaria recutita s/e’s
Allergic reaction in high doses (allergic conjunctivitis and contact dermatitis). There has been one case of anaphylactic reaction that has been reported.
Matricaria recutita Interactions
May potentiate sedatives: anti-histamines (diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine), barbiturates (phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam), opiates (codeine, hydrocodeine, morphine, oxycodeine, methadone), trazodone, zolpidem.
Theoretical: decrease drug absorption due to increased gut motility
Matricaria recutita constituents
Volatile oil (alpha bisabolol); coumarins; flavonoids; (apigenin); azulenes; polysaccharides
Matricaria recutita actions
Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, Volnerary, anti-emetic, carminative, spasmolytic, diaphoretic, hypnotic, anxiolytic, nervine.
Matricaria recutita pharmacology
Alpha-bisabolol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, decreases stomach ulcer healing time and prevents their genesis from aspirin, alcohol, and stress. Coumarins and flavonoids relax smooth muscle. Polysaccharide stimulate beta lymphocytes and macrophages activity.
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) indications
Nervousness and insomnia–herbal tranquilizer for autonomic nervous system problems as it acts on the limbic system.
Cardiac problems associated with nervousness and depression (tachycardia, palpitations). Dyspepsia from anxiety, depression, relieves spasmatic stomach, colic
Topical: cream and bath help relieve skin irritations
Melissa officinalis constituents
Volatile oil: citronella, Citral, GERANIOL;
Caffeic acid derivatives: rosemaric acid, flavonoids
Melissa officinalis actions
Limbic sedative, anti-spasmodic, carminative
Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) Indicaitons
Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, spasms, convulsions, nervous palpitations and tachycardia
Passiflora incarnata CI
Pregnancy, uterine stimulant (harmane, harmaline)
Passiflora incarnata interactions
May potentiate SSRIs (fluoxetine), MAOI’s phenelzine), sedatives: anti-histamines (diphenhydramine hydroxyzine), barbiturates (phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam), opiates (codeine, hydrocodeine, morphine, oxycodone, methadone), trazondone, zolpidem
Passiflora incarnata constituents
Flavonoids, alkaloids (harmane, harmaline), cynogenic glycoside (gynocardine), volatile oil.
Passiflora incarnata actions
Nervine, sedative, anti-spasmodic
Passiflora incarnata pharmacology
Passionflower contains glycosides that have hypotensive effects and stimulates respiration.
Piper methysticum (kava kava) Indications
Nervous anxiety and stress; restlessness, tension and agitation. Neuralgia (facial, trigeminal, toothache).
Piper methysticum CI
kavalactones enter breastmilk. Not to be used during pregnancy., Is contraindicated in patients with endogenous depression because it may increase the danger of suicide.
Piper methysticum s/e’s
Hepatotoxicity, addictive, exfoliative dermatitis, ulcers, vomiting, unconsciousness
Piper methysticum interactions
Potentiates antipsychotics (risperidone), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam)
Piper methysticum constituents
Kava lactones (kava pyrones): kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, yangonine, diihydromethysticin).
Piper methysticum actions
Skeletal muscle relaxant, antispasmodic; sedative, and anxiolytic
Piper methysticum pharmacology
Kavas analgesic effect is due to inhibition on cyclooxygenase COX enzyme two. The analgesic action of kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin and dihydromethysticin is due to anti-nociceptive activities. Kava pyrones inhibit the limbic system that can affect mild generalized anxiety disorder, but not moderate to severe anxiety. Kava pyrones inhibits sodium ion currents giving a muscle relaxant properties.
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican dogwood) Indications
Anxiety, fear and as a daytime sedative. myalgia, spasms.
Piscidia erythrina CI
Pregnancy at high doses
Piscidia erythrina interactions
May potentiate sedatives: anti-histamines (diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine), barbiturates (phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (alprazolam diazepam, opiates codeine, hydrocodone morphine oxycodone methadone), trazodone, zolpidem.
Piscidia erythrina se’s
At high doses, nausea, vomiting, salivation, diaphoresis, hyporeflexia, bradycardia, mydriasis, depressed consciousness, convulsions, respiratory depression, heart failure, death.
Piscidia erythrina constituents
Isoflavonoids: jamaicine, ichythynone, tannins; rotenones: lisetin, piscidone
Pulsatilla vulgaris (Pulsatilla, Wind flower, Pasque flower) Indications
Pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, PMS, leukorrhea, insomnia, nervousness, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, asthma, indigestion, IBS
Pulsatilla vulgaris CI
Pregnancy
Pulsatilla vulgaris s/e’s
Extended skin contact with freshly harvested plant (protoanemonin) known is severely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and can lead to blister formation. If taken internally, severe irritation to the G.I. tract (burning of mouth, throat, salivation, nausea and vomiting), colic and diarrhea.
Pulsatilla vulgaris constituents
Saponin; anemonin, protoanemonin
Pulsatilla vulgaris actions
Nervine, sedative, and emmenagogue
Pulsatilla vulgaris pharmacology
Protoanemonin and anemonin have antipyretic effect. Protoanemonin is a strong local irritant to the mucus membranes and skin.
Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola) Indications
Traditionally used to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness. It’s also used to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, G.I. ailments, infections and nervous system disorders. Rhodiola is most indicated for relieving mental and physical fatigue and improving endurance exercise performance and general well-being.
Rhodiola rosea CI
Do not prescribe in patients who are manic
Rhodiola rosea s/e’s
Rhodiola has an activating, anti-depressant affect, so it should not be used in individuals with bipolar disorder who are vulnerable to becoming manic when given with antidepressants or stimulants. Rhodiola is not linked to any serious side effects. It should be taken early during the day because it can interfere with sleep or cause vivid dreams during the initial few weeks.
Rhodiola rosea interactions
It may have an additive affect when taken with stimulants
Rhodiola rosea constituents
Flavonoids, ligaments, monoterpene glycosides
Rhodiola rosea pharmacology and actions
Affects the central nervous system; adaptogenic, anti-stress and Neuro endocrine effects, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective.
Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap) Indications
Insomnia, anxiety, pain, nervousness, headache, delirium, seizures, irregular arrhythmias, fasciculations
Scutellaria lateriflora CI
N/A
Scutellaria lateriflora Adverse reactions / Toxicity
Tremors, hepatotoxicity from adulteration
Scutellaria lateriflora constituents
Flavonoids, tannins, iridoid glycosides, volatile oils
Scutellaria lateriflora actions
Hypnotic, anxiolytic, anodyne, nervine, spasmolytic, anticonvulsant
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) Indications
Migraine headache, digestive problems, rheumatoid arthritis, irregular menstruation.
External: topical antiseptic, anodyne for toothache; Pyrethrin is natural insecticide used by gardener’s
Tanacetum parthenium CI
Pregnancy high doses may cause uterine contractions, Asteraceae pollen allergy
Tanacetum parthenium Interactions
May antagonize analgesia of morphine. May potentiate blood thinners (Coumadin, warfarin).
Tanacetum parthenium s/e’s
May have blood thinning effect
Tanacetum parthenium constituents
volatile oil: L-camphor, transchrysanthyl acetate
Sesquiterpene lactones: Parthenolide, 30beta-hydroxy-parthenolide, canin, artecanin, secotanopartholide A.
Flavonoids: tanetin, quercetin
Tanacetum parthenium actions
Anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, bitter
Tanacetum parthenium pharmacology
3-beta-hydroxy-parthenolide, canin, artecanin, secotanopartholide A contain an alpha-methylene butyrolactone unit responsible for anti-inflammatory activity. Parthenolide and chrysanthenyl acetate inhibit prostaglandin synthetase. Feverfew has been show to suppress 87% of prostaglandin production, but does not inhibit COX, all the actions of Feverfew’s components contribute to its reducing migraine effects through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, blocking platelet granule section and decreasing vascular smooth muscle spasm. It is also shown anti-tumor and mast-cell inhibitory activity.
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) Indications
Insomnia, anxiety, smooth muscle spasm, epilepsy
Valeriana officinalis CI
Avoid in individuals with liver disease as hepatotoxic reactions
Valeriana officinalis interactions
Do not mix with other hepatotoxic agents. Concurrent use with alcohol, opioid analgesics, barbiturates and benzodiazepines may result in increased central nervous system depression and sedation. Tannin content of valarian and make complex with concomitantly administered iron, possibly resulting in decreased iron absorption
Valeriana officinalis s/e’s
Drowsiness, headache, vertigo, restlessness, insomnia Gerd, CNS paralysis
Valeriana officinalis constituents
iridoids: Valepotriates, isovaltrate, isovaleroxyhydroxy, didrovaltrate
Volatile oils: Bornyl isovalerenate and isovalerenic acid
Sesquiterpenes: Valerenuc acid
Starch, gum resin, tannin iridoid
Valeriana officinalis actions
Sedative, anodyne, spasmolytic
Valeriana officinalis pharmacology
In vitro, Valerenic acid decreases the degradation of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). Animal studies have demonstrated an increase of GABA at the synaptic cleft via inhibition of reuptake and an increase in secretion of the neural transmitter. The increase of GABA concentration is one factor that may be responsible for the sedative properties of valerian root.
