Botanicals - Endocrine and GI System Flashcards
Which botanical herb is:
Iodine, nutritive, anti-obesity, antirheumatic
Used for: iodine-defic hypothyroidism, goiter, obesity, RA
Side effects: may aggravate hyperthyroidism, long term ingestion may dec. iron absorption d/t binding properties, some products may contaminated with heavy metals that can cause renal failure, and acne has been reported w/use
C/I: may exacerbate or induce hyperthyroidism, pregnancy/lactation
Concurrent use of anticoagulants, anti platelet, and thrombolytic agents may result in inc. bleeding
Fucus vesiculosis
Bladderwrack, kelp
Which botanical herb is:
Hypolipidemic, anti-obesity
Used for: DM, metabolic syndrome, Wt loss, hypercholesterolemia
Side effects: aggravates reflux
C/I: GERD
It dec. insulin requirement, potentiates hypoglycemic drugs, and may potentiate atorvastatin
Gymnema sylvestre
Which botanical herb is:
Antigonadotropic, antithyrotropic, inhibits peripheral de-iodination of T4 to T3, normalizes overactive thyroid, blocks conversion of thyroxine to T3 in liver, interferes w/thyroxine production by inhibiting TSH, corrects irritability or irregularity of the heart, cardiac sedative, nervine, calms cough of nervous origin,
Used for: mild overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, nervousness, insomnia, PMS
C/I: hypothyroid and thyroid gland enlargement, infertility, pregnancy
May antagonize hypothyroid meds (Levothyroxine)
Lycopus virginicus
Bugleweed
Which botanical herb is:
Hypoglycemic effect, emmenagogue
Late onset DM, primarily non-insulin dependent DM (NIDDM or DM2)
Side effects: possible food intolerance
C/I: Pregnancy (emmenagogue/abortifacient), hypoglycemia, lactation
Concurrent use w/antidiabetic agents (inc. risk of hypoglycemia)
May potentiate cholesterol-lowering drugs
Momordica charantia (Bitter melon)
Which botanical herb is:
Anti-parasitic, anthelminthic, astringent, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic,
Used for: intestinal parasites/worms, chronic constipation, dysentery, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol
Side effects: N&V, diarrhea, carcinogenic, mutagenic
C/I: pregnancy and long term use
Juglans nigra
Black walnut
Which botanical herb is:
An insect repellent, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, ulcer-protective, emmenagogue, bitter, astringent
Used for: intestinal worms/parasites, gingivitis, weak digestion, amenorrhea
Side effects: allergy to Asteraceae
C/I: Pregnancy, GI irritation
Tanacetum vulgare
Tansy
Which botanical herb is:
Astringent, antispasmodic, splenic tonic, hypotensive, sedative, expectorant,
Used for: fatty liver, hepatitis, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, bronchitis, asthma, cough, dysentery, GI bleeding, skin irritation/sores
May antagonize anticoagulants
Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey Tea
Which botanical herb is:
Used for: bleeding GI ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds, heavy menstruation, metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea
Geranium maculatum
American cranesbill
Which botanical herb is:
Astringent, styptic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
Topical use: varicosities, anal fissures, wounds, small burns, strains, WEEPING ECZEMA, HEMORRHOIDS
Douche use: leucorrhea, vaginal prolapse, post-partum uterine bleeding
Internal use: DIARRHEA, dysentery, rectal bleed, IBD, ulcers
Side effects: iron defic. anemia, malabsorption w/ long-term use
C/I: heart failure, large areas of skin damage, constipation, iron defic. anemia
Quercus rubra
Red oak
Which botanical herb is:
Alterative, diuretic, bitter, hypoglycemic
Used for: bitter stimulant for digestion and appetite as well as anorexia nervosa, skin conditions (dry, scaly patches like psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff)
Topical use: mastitis, OA, RA, sprains
Side effects: Nausea
C/I: allergy to Asteraceae
Additive hypoglycemic effect may require adjusting insulin
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Which botanical herb is:
Bitter, carminative, antimicrobial, antidepressant,
Used for: weak digestion, dyspepsia, stomach pain, colic, gas, roundworm/pinworm, mild depression, cold/flu
Side effect: continuous use (not advised), Thujone content in large doses can lead to vomiting, stomach cramps, HA, dizziness, and CNS disturbance
C/I: Hx of seizures, stomach/intestinal ulcers, pregnancy/lactation
Antagonistic effect w/ PPI
Administer separately from iron (1-2 hour spacing)
Artemesia absinthum (Woodworm)
Which botanical herb is:
Bitter tonic, nervine tonic, carminative, emmenagogue
Used for: poor digestion (hypochlorhydria, dyspepsia, biliary insuffic. dyskinesia, anorexia, atonic constipation, gas), depression, amenorrhea
Side effects: Thujone - emmenagogue, abortifacient, convulsions
C/I: GERD, active peptic ulcer, gastritis, biliary OBSTXN, acute cholelithiasis, diarrhea, pregnancy/lactation, allergy to Asteraceae
Antagonistic effect w/ PPI
Potentiates hypoglycemic drugs
Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort
Which botanical herb is:
Bitter, cholagogue, hepatotonic, sialogogue, antimicrobial, emennagogue
Used for: dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and flatulence, stimulate bile secretion
Side effects: excess stomach acid, nausea
C/I: Presence of stomach or duodenal ulcers
Antagonistic effect w/ PPIs
Gentiana lutea
Yellow gentian
Which botanical herb is:
ASTRINGENT, CARMINATIVE, antibacterial (H. pylori), antimicrobial, vasodilator, diaphoretic, antispasmodic
Used for: loss of appetite, N&V, dyspepsia (indigestion)
Side effects: GI irritant, N&V
C/I: pregnancy, stomach/intestinal ulcers, acid reflux, prolonged use as essential oil is toxic
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Cinnamon
Which botanical herb is:
Carminative, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogen, galactagogue
Used for: flatulence, colic, stimulation of digestion/appetite, calming effect of bronchitis, coughs, infant colic, non-ulcer dyspepsia, maldigestion, IBS, flatulence, catarrh of upper respiratory tract.
Side effects: cross sensitivity w/ celery, fresh plant = contact dermatitis, CNS toxicity (high doses)
C/I: Pregnancy, kiddos under 2, prolonged use
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
Which botanical herb is:
Spasmolytic, CARMINATIVE, anti-emetic, counter-irritant, antimicrobial, nervine
Topical use: myalgia, OA, RA, HA, strains/sprains
Internal use: cholelithiasis, infant colic, non-ulcer dyspepsia, flatus, maldigestion, IBS/IBD, N&V, smooth muscle spasm, viral URI
Side effects: avoid w/use of G6PD deficiency. Avoid prolonged use as an inhalant
C/I: pregnancy, GERD, occlusion of biliary ducts, GB inflammation, and severe liver damage. Do not apply to open wounds or faces of infants or small children (esp. nasal area d/t potential for asthma RXN)
Oil of this herb with use of calcium channel blockers may result in reduced effectiveness of CCBs.
Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
Which botanical herb is:
Antimicrobial, hypertensive, circulatory stimulant, antioxidant, carminative, oil improves circulation
Topical use: MYALGIA, neuralgia, arthritis
Internal use: dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite
Side effects: at toxic dosage, may lead to coma, spasm, vomiting and death
C/I: Pregnancy, epilepsy
Potentiates: Doxorubicin and Vinblastine
Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Which botanical herb is:
Warming, stimulating tonic, carminative, anti-emetic, rubefacient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory
Used for: loss of appetite, motion sickness, dyspeptic complaints, RA (inhibits COX, LOX, and prostaglandins
Side effects: gas, bloating, and heartburn, dermatitis
C/I: To be safe, do not exceed 2 grams a day during pregnancy, presence of gallstones, hemorrhage (inhibits thromboxane synthesis)
Concurrent use with anticoagulants can increase risk of bleeding
Zingiber officinale
Which botanical herb is:
Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory
Used for inflammation of gastric mucosa, oral and pharyngeal irritation
C/I: profuse catarrh or congestion of mucous membranes in respiratory conditions
Should be administered at least 2 hours away from any other medications
Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow, Sweet weed
Which botanical herb is:
Analgesic, sedative, anti-emetic, psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive
Used for: appetite stimulant (Dronabinol) in the tx of AIDS related anorexia and anti-emetic for chemotherapy induced vomiting.
Side effects: dizziness, euphoria, laughing fits, paranoid RXN, somnolences, abN thinking
Caution is advised w/ concurrent use of CNS depressant drugs
Geriatric pts are more sensitive to CNS effects than younger pts, respiratory - long term smoking = chronic respiratory s/sxs
C/I: N&V d/t other reasons than chemo, pregnancy/lactation, PMHx or FHx of schizophrenia, DO NOT operate a motor vehicle w/in 8 hours of use
Concurrent use with Sildenafil can = cardio events, incl. MI, concurrent use of EtOH results in inc. intoxication.
Cannabis sativa
Marijuana
Which botanical herb is:
Demulcent, emollient, laxative, antitussive, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic
Used for: constipation, GI irritation, nutritive (EFA’s, lignans), hormone imbalance, breast CA
C/I: Ileus (intestinal OBSTXN) of any origin, stricture of esophagus, acute inflammatory illnesses of the intestine, esophagus, and stomach
Take away from other medications
Linum usitatissimum
Linseed, flax
Which botanical herb is:
Demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Used for: irritated and inflamed mucus membranes (lining of the throat and digestive tract)
External use: poultice to expedite healing of wounds, burns, swollen glands
Taking this herb with iron can affect iron absorption
Ulmus species
Ulmus rubra - Slippery Elm
Which botanical herb is:
Inflammation and immune modulator, vulnerary, demulcent
Topical uses: BURNS, WOUNDS, frost bite, ulcerations, stretch marks, warts, varicose veins
Internal uses: GASTRITIS, IBD, peptic ulcer, interstitial or INFX cystitis
Side effects: may cause diarrhea and/or cramping
C/I: 3rd degree burns, deep/INFX’d wounds or wounds healing by 2nd intention
This herb has an additive hypoglycemic effect w/ glyburide
Aloe vera
Which botanical herb is:
Laxative effects, cathartic
Used for constipation
Side effects: acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea, uterus reflex —> contraction, miscarriage
C/I: do not administered in the presence of intestinal OBSTXN, acute inflammatory intestinal dz or appendicitis
Avoid use with hypokalemic drugs
Cassia augustifolia
Senna
Which botanical herb is:
Purgative (not used anymore d/t cytotoxicity), anti-tumor
Used for: warts (poultice, lotion, ointment), constipation, CA
Side effects: irritating to skin and mucous membranes
(Herb should NOT be taken internally = severe abd. pain, bloody-watery diarrhea, vomiting of liquid bile, dizziness, HA, spasms, collapse and death thru resp. failure
C/I: Pregnancy, gallstones, GI irritation
Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple, American mandrake)
Which botanical herb is:
Laxative, cathartic, emetic, bitter
Used for constipation
Side effects: Acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea
C/I: Pregnancy/lactation, intestinal OBSTXN, children younger than 12. DO NOT use over 1-2 weeks
Avoid hypokalemic drugs
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana
Which botanical herb is:
Raw parts of this plant are extremely TOXIC and poisonous
Laxative, purgative (BM in 3-5 hours after ingestion)
Internal use: constipation
External use: skin d/o’s, furuncles, carbuncles, abscesses
Side effects: internal consumption - acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea
Poisoning leads to disruption of the FXN of ribosomes which prevents protein synthesis.
Symptoms of poisoning: severe gastroenteritis w/ /bloody vomiting and diarrhea, kidney inflammation, loss of electrolytes, convulsions, death
Tx w/ IV diazepam, fluids and electrolyte substitution
C/I: Topically - large areas of broken skin
Internally - beyond 10 days, bulimia, intestinal OBSTXN, spastic constipation, acute GI inflammation, , unk abd pain, under 12, pregnant/lactating
Avoid hypokalemic drugs
Ricinis communis
Castor bean plant
Which botanical herb is:
Laxative, hepatoprotective
Mild constipation, sluggish digestion, liver congestion
Traditionally used as a decoction for scurvy, skin eruptions, and as a “blood cleanser”.
Side effects: acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea
C/I: GI irritation, Hx of kidney dz and oxalates
Avoid hypokalemic drugs
Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Which fungus can contaminate non-pharmaceutical cannabis?
Aspergillus
How many castor beans would it take to kill an adult?
12
