Botanicals For Fibromyalgia/SEID/CFS Flashcards
This herb is known for its bitterness, an main actions is for autoimmune diseases (due to its immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties). And believe it or not it is also an emmenagogue.
Andrographis paniculata
Main Indications
Used in Asian medicine – many indications – mainly for colds
* Colds, flus , infections
* Infectious diarrhea, colitis, autoimmune diseases (because immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory), good for liver because its bitter (like goldenseal)
Actions
* Immunomodulating and antimicrobial (antiviral, antibacterial)
* Bitter - due to Diterpene lactones (andrographalide) compounds help to stimulate digestion in liver
* Anti-inflammatory
* Emmenagogue
* Nothing in German commission E or Kings American Dispensary ...relatively new herb!
Phytochemicals
* Diterpene lactones (Andrographolide) * Polyphenols: Flavonoids- which may have antiviral effects as well)
Safety
Contraindications: Gastritis & stomach ulcers, obstructed gallbladder
* Similar to goldenseal, need to be careful with gastritis and liver issues when bitter, cautious off gallstones…can be used for digestion but stomach ulcers or obstructed gallbladders can make it worse because it stimulates digestive juices
Side-effects: May cause GI irritation leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Pregnancy & Lactation: NOT recommended. unknown
* Most indications from Chinese and southeast Asia
* No evidence for pregnancy so don’t use it, other safe herbs!
* Twice as effective as placebo to reduce symptoms and duration of cold (clinical study showed this – great one to take)
more information:
* Part— whole plant
* Constituents— terpenes- andrographolide; flavonoids; arabinogalactans;
* Antimicrobial— E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis; Candida albicans;
* Inflammation— NOx; LPS, IL-1beta; IL-6; IL-12; TNF-alpha;
* Antioxidant— CCL4 in rats;
* Cytotoxicity— HT-29 colon cancer cells; lymphocytic leukemic cells; NIH studies–
- Diabetes— Sig reduction in glucose in streptozocin-induced hyperglycemia; no effect on normo-glycemic rats;
- Anti-protozoan— Plasmodium berghei NK65; Mastomys natalensis;
- Insecticidal— Culex quinquefasciatus; Aedes aegypti;
- Infections— URTI 1200 mg/d Sig reduce fatigue; sleeplessness; sore throat; nasal secretions; cough intensity; Tx began on day 2 of Sx
- Other— anti-angiogenic– melanoma; renal protective; hepatoprotective;
- Hormones— mice/rats– not alter progesterone; not induce abortions; decreased mounting latency; elevated serum testosterone at week 4; no effect on sperm count and motility;
- Neurological— neuro protective; andrographolide crosses BBB; in infarct models reduced infarct magnitude and neurological issues post-infarct;
- Genotoxicity— > 5g/d in rats non-toxic;
- improved recovery; best effect if early
- Posology— 90-600 (1200 mg) QD, 500-3000 mg TID; standardized 40-60 mg andrographolide BID/TID; ⌀ tincture— 20-30 gtt TID/QID; 0.75-1 mL TID/QID;
Caution— allergy? sudden wheal or papule with itching;
This herb is known for alot of A’s, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anticance, immune adaptogen, anticancer and more what is it called?
Astragalus membranaceus
Primary Actions: Immune modulator, immune stimulant, moderate adaptogen
Constituents: Triterpenoid saponin glycosides. High molecular weight polysaccharides similar to those found in many medicinal mushrooms.
Indications: Recurrent infections, convalescence, anemia, anemia of chronic disease
Cautions/Contraindications: General CI in hypertension (TCM). Preg B, Lact CC.
Extra Information: Useful in the immune system, though debate exists as to whether it is best used, or CI, in acute infection. Generally useful in bolstering the immune system (and WBC) in chronic infections.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 8–20 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 9–15 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Ganoderma lucidum, Dioscorea villosa, and Lycium barbata as immune tonic (Change of Season Soup)
Closest Substitute: Panax quinquefolius
More information:
* Part— root from 4-7 yo plants
* Constituents— aglycones; flavonoids– kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin; polysaccharides– astragalans I, II, III; triterpenoids saponin glycosides– astragaloside I, II, IV, isoastragaloside I, II, acetylastragaloside i; amino acids; fiber;
* Actions— immune adaptogen; anti- inflammatory; immunomodulator; immune stimulant; hepato-protective;
* diabetic neuropathy; chemotherapy immune
- Immune— polysaccharides induce maturation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells; anti- inflammatory by inhibiting production of iNOS, COX-2, IL1 alpha, IL-6, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha;
- Anticancer— NSCL cancer-– meta-analysis of 34 randomized trials, N=2900, improved effectiveness of combination tx vs platinum alone J Clin Oncol.2006.24(3):419-430.
- Antiaging— TA-65 extract maintained telomere length in female mice; 5 yr in humans improved metabolic markers of bone, metabolism,
- Posology— decoction- 2-4 tsp/cup or 9-30 g decocted 3x qd; ⌀ 20-60 gtt TID, 4-8 mL TID; change of season soup QD 1-2 weeks;
- Caution– pregnancy and lactation no data; historically used in both; acute infections in TCM;
- Toxicity— related species contain swainsonine a toxic indolizidine alkaloid; 100 g/kg A.m. in rats not toxic;
- Change of season soup— diverse formulas;
Which botanical is known for its adaptogenic properties and is traditionally used to support immune function and reduce fatigue?
A) Astragalus membranaceus
B) Harpagophytum procumbens
C) Andrographis paniculata
D) Capsicum frutescens
A) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
Rationale: Correct – Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Astragalus, is known for its adaptogenic and immune-supportive properties, helping to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, which can be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients who often experience chronic fatigue.
B) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Rationale: Incorrect – Harpagophytum procumbens, or Devil’s Claw, is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which target pain rather than fatigue or immune support.
C) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Andrographis paniculata, known as Andrographis, is primarily recognized for its immune-stimulating and antiviral effects, not as an adaptogen.
D) Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne)
Rationale: Incorrect – Capsicum frutescens, or Cayenne, is known for its analgesic properties and is more commonly used to relieve pain than to support immune function or reduce fatigue.
Which of the following herbs has significant anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to relieve joint and muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia?
A) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
B) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s claw)
C) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
D) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
B) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Rationale: Correct – Harpagophytum procumbens, or Devil’s Claw, is highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which are beneficial for managing the joint and muscle pain common in fibromyalgia.
A) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) has some anti-inflammatory properties but is mainly used for immune and antiviral support rather than for pain relief.
C) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis) is generally used as an adaptogen and immune tonic rather than for its anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving properties.
D) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Rationale: Incorrect – Glycyrrhiza glabra, or Licorice, has mild anti-inflammatory properties but is more commonly used to support adrenal health and address chronic fatigue.
Which herbal medicine contains capsaicin, which can help with pain management in fibromyalgia by depleting substance P?
A) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
B) Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne)
C) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
D) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
B) Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne)
Rationale: Correct – Capsicum frutescens, or Cayenne, contains capsaicin, which helps manage pain by depleting substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, making it suitable for fibromyalgia pain relief.
A) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
Rationale: Incorrect – Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia) is primarily used for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties in TCM, rather than for pain relief through substance P depletion.
C) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis) is mainly used as an adaptogen and immune support herb, not for its pain-relieving properties.
D) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
Rationale: Incorrect – Astragalus membranaceus, or Astragalus, is known for its immune-modulating and adaptogenic effects, rather than its ability to manage pain by affecting substance P.
Which of the following herbs should be used with caution in individuals with high blood pressure due to its potential to increase sodium retention and cause edema?
A) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
B) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
C) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
D) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s claw)
B) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Rationale: Correct – Glycyrrhiza glabra, or Licorice, can increase sodium retention and cause edema, potentially raising blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in hypertensive patients.
A) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
Rationale: Incorrect – Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) does not typically affect blood pressure or cause sodium retention.
C) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) does not cause sodium retention or affect blood pressure in the way Licorice does.
D) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Rationale: Incorrect – Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) is used primarily for pain relief and does not have known effects on sodium retention or blood pressure.
Which herb is primarily indicated for antiviral properties and might benefit fibromyalgia patients with frequent infections or viral reactivation?
A) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
B) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
C) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
D) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
C) Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)
Rationale: Correct – Andrographis paniculata, known as Andrographis, has potent antiviral and immune-modulating effects, making it beneficial for fibromyalgia patients who experience frequent infections or viral reactivation.
A) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis) is an immune tonic but is not specifically known for antiviral properties.
B) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
Rationale: Incorrect – Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia) is used mainly for adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory support in TCM, not as an antiviral.
D) Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Rationale: Incorrect – Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) is used primarily for anti-inflammatory purposes rather than for antiviral effects.
Which herb is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to “raise yang Qi” and might be beneficial for postpartum fatigue and weakness in fibromyalgia patients?
A) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
B) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
C) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
D) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
C) Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus)
Rationale: Correct – Astragalus membranaceus, or Astragalus, is known in TCM for its ability to “raise yang Qi” and is beneficial for patients experiencing fatigue and weakness, including postpartum women.
A) Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
Rationale: Incorrect – Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia) is traditionally used to nourish yin rather than raise yang.
B) Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis)
Rationale: Incorrect – Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis) is an adaptogen that supports immune health but is not specifically known for raising yang Qi.
D) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
Rationale: Incorrect – Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) is used for its adrenal support and anti-inflammatory properties, rather than raising yang Qi.
In which condition is Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) contraindicated?
a) Fibromyalgia
b) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
c) Autoimmune conditions
d) Anxiety
Correct Answer: c) Autoimmune conditions
Explanation: Astragalus may stimulate immune function, potentially worsening autoimmune conditions. Careful consideration or avoidance is recommended in such cases.
Incorrect options:
a) Fibromyalgia: This is not directly contraindicated.
b) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Astragalus may be used cautiously to support immune function in CFS.
d) Anxiety: Astragalus does not directly affect anxiety, so it is not contraindicated.
