Botanicals - Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
The GI section is broken into 6 categories. What are they?
Anthelmintics Astringents Bitters Carminatives Demulcents Regulators
GI list of botanicals
Juglans nigra Tanacetum vulgare Ceonothus americanus Geranium maculatum Quercus rubra Articum lappa Artemisia absinthum Artemisia vulgaris Gentiana lutea Cinnamonum zeylandicum Foeniculum vulgare Matricaria recutita Mentha piperita Rosmarinus officinalis Cannabis sativa Linum usitatissimum Ulmus ribra Aloe vera Cassia senna Podophyllum peltatum Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana Ricinus communis rumex crispus
What botanicals are considered GI Anthelmintics? what does Anthelmintics mean?
Juglans nigra
Tanacetum vulgare
Used to destroy parasitic worms
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) indications
Intestinal parasites and worms, chronic constipation, dysentery, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol
Juglans nigra CI
Pregnancy, long term use
Juglans nigra s/e’s
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, carcinogenic, mutagenic
Juglans nigra constituents
naphthoquinones, volatile oils, tannins
Juglans nigra actions
Anti-parasitic, anthelminthic, astringent, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic
Jug of nigra (black) worms can cause cancer and kill babies.
Juglans nigra family, parts used
family: Juglandaceae; Parts used: Bark, leaves, rind of the fruit
Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) indications
Intestinal worms, intestinal parasites. Gingivitis, weak digestion, amenorrhea
Tenacious and vulgar worms can be kept at bay with thujone but can also kill your baby.
Tanacetum vulgare CI
Pregnancy, G.I. irritation
Tanacetum vulgare interactions
None
Tanacetum vulgare s/e’s
Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae
Tanacetum vulgare constituents
Volatile oils: thujone, artemisia ketone, isothujone. Sesquiterpene lacotnes, flavonoids, tannins
Tanacetum vulgare actions
anthelmintic, insecticide, emmenagogue. Bitter, astringent
Tanacetum vulgare family, parts used
Family: Asteraceae
Parts used; dried flowering herb
how many astringents are there in the G.I. system, name them
there are 3
Ceanothus americanus
Gernamium maculatum
Quercus rubra
Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) indications
Fatty liver, hepatitis, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, bronchitis, asthma, cough, dysentery, G.I. bleeding, skin irritation and sores.
CeCe an Thus are true Americanos! Two Jersey boys drinking Long Island Ice teas. Too bad they both end up with fatty livers and enlarged spleen and LNs. They both end up in the hospital with GI bleeds, skin sores and coughing their brains out.
Ceanothus americanus CI
None
Ceanothus americanus s/e’s
None
Ceanothus americanus interactions
May antagonize anticoagulants
Ceanothus americanus constituents
cyclic peptide alkaloids, triterpenes: ceanothusic acid, ceanothenic acid. Tannins
Ceanothus americanus actions
Astringent, anti-spasmodic, splenic tonic. Hypotensive, Sedative, expectorant.
Ceanothus americanus pharmacology
Tannins have an astringent effect from rat studies where the herb reduce blood clotting time by 25%. Results are difficult to assess to extrapolate to its application human studies. The herbs useful as an astringent, expectorant and anti-spasmodic.
Ceanothus americanus Family and parts used
Family: Rhamnaceae
Parts used: dried leaves, dried root bark and fresh leaves
Geranium maculatum (American cransebill) Indications
Bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds. Heavy menstruation, metarrahgia, dysmenorrhea
Geranium maculatum CI
None
Geranium maculatum s/e’s
None
Geranium maculatum interactions
Tannins may reduce drug absorption when taken simultaneously
Geranium maculatum constituents
Tannins; Gallo tannins 30%
Geranium maculatum pharmacology
Tannins give the herb astringent, hemostyptic and tonic properties
Geranium maculatum Family and parts used
Family: Geraniaceae
Parts used: dried rhizome and leaves
Quercus rubra (red oak) indications
Topical: veracities, anal fissure, wounds, small burns, strains, sprains, weeping eczema, hemorrhoids
Douche: leukorrhea, vaginal prolapse, postpartum uterine bleeding
Internal: diarrhea, dysentery, rectal bleed, IBD, ulcers
Quercus rubra CI
Heart failure, large areas of skin damage, constipation, iron deficiency anemia
Quercus rubra interactions
Tannins may reduce drug absorption when taken simultaneously
Quercus rubra constituents
Tannins
Quercus rubra Family and parts used
Family: Fagaceae
Parts used: Bark
how many bitters are there in the gastrointestinal system? Name them.
There are four bitters Articum lappa (Burdock) Artemesia absinthum (Wormwood) Artemisia vulagris (mugwort) Gentian lutea (Gentian, yellow gentian)
Articum lappa indications
Burdock’s action is a bitter stimulant for digestive juice secretion (bile). This helps with digestion and appetite, as well as for anorexia nervosa and similar conditions. It’s also used for treating skin conditions that result in dry and scaly patches like psoriasis, eczema, dandruff.
Topical leaves: mastitis, OA, RA, sprains.
Articum lappa CI
May cause allergic reaction and people sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae family
Articum lappa s/e’s
Nausea
Articum lappa interactions
Additive hypoglycemic effect may necessitate adjustment of insulin (speculative)
Articum lappa constituents
lignins, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, mucilage, pectin, fatty acids, phenolic acids
Articum lappa actions
Alternative, diuretic, bitter, hypoglycemic
Articum lappa Family and parts used
Family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Root, seeds, leaf
Artemesia absinthum (wormwood) indications
Weak digestion, dyspepsia, stomach pain, colic, gas. Round worm and pin worms. Mild depression. Colds and influenza
Artemesia absinthum CI
History of seizures, stomach or intestinal ulcers. Pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Artemesia absinthum s/e’s
Continuous use of wormwood is not advisable. thujon content of this herb in large doses can lead to vomiting, stomach and intestinal cramps, headaches, dizziness, and disturbances of the central nervous system.
Artemesia absinthum interactions
Antagonistic effect with proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole)
Iron: tannin content of wormwood may complex with concomitantly administered iron and may result in adverse sequela and blood components. Administer separately within one to two hour spacing.
Artemesia absinthum constituents
Volatile oil: THUJONE. Sesquiterpene bitters; absinthine, anabsinthine, matricine
Artemesia absinthum actions
Bitter, carminative, antimicrobial, antidepressant (mild)
Artemesia absinthum Family and parts used
Family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Aerial leaf
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) indications
Poor digestion (hypochlorhydia, dyspepsia, biliary insufficiency, dyskinesia, anorexia, atonic constipation, gas), depression, amenorrhea
Artemisia vulgaris CI
Due to bitter digestive stimulation: Gerd, active peptic ulcer, gastritis, biliary obstruction, acute cholelithiasis, diarrhea; pregnancy and lactation; allergy to asteraceae family
Artemisia vulgaris Interactions
Antagonistic effect with proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole)
Potentiates hypoglycemic drugs (Metforman, glyburide, Rosiglitazone)
theoretical: decrease drug absorption due to increased motility
Artemisia vulgaris s/e’s
Thujone: emmenagogue, abortifacient, convulsions
Artemisia vulgaris constituents
volatile oils: thujone, camphor. Sesquiterpene lactones: vulgarin, pilostachyin,. Lipophilic flavonoids. Hydroxycoumarins: aesculetin
Artemisia vulgaris actions
Bitter tonic, nervine tonic. Carminative, Emmenagogue
Artemisia vulgaris Family and parts used
Family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Root, dried branch tips
Gentiana lutea (Gentian, Yellow gentian) indications
Dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, flatulence. I’ll see used as a tonic and in teas to stimulate bile secretion and alleviate loss of appetite and fullness.
Gentiana lutea CI
Deserves stimulation of gastric juice secretion rules out it’s administration in the presence of stomach or duodenal ulcers
Gentiana lutea s/e’s
Excess stomach acid, nausea
Gentiana lutea interactions
Antagonistic effect with proton pump inhibitors (esomeprazole)
theoretical: decreased drug absorption due to increased gut motility
Gentiana lutea constituents
Iridoid monoterpenes (bitter principles), monosaccharides, pyridine alkaloids
Gentiana lutea actions
Bitter, cholagogue, hepato-tonic, sialogogue, antimicrobial, Emmenagogue
Gentiana lutea pharmacology
Essential active substances are the bitters in the serve that bring a reflux stimulation of the taste receptors, leading to increased secretion of saliva in the digestive juices. It’s also restorative and tonic, with a possible cholagogic effect that may be sensory reflexive.
Gentiana lutea Family and parts used
Family: Gentianaceae
Parts used: Rhizome and root
How many Carminatives are there in the gastrointestinal system? Name them.
There are five. Cinnanmomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) Mentha piperita (peppermint) Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum indications
Loss of appetite; nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion)
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum CI
Pregnancy, allergic sensitivity, stomach or intestinal ulcers, acid reflux, prolonged use of the essential oil is toxic because of Cinnamaldehyde Content
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum s/e’s
G.I. irritant, nausea, vomiting
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum constituents
Volatile oil: cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid. Diterpenes, oligomeric proanthocyanidines, mucilages.
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum actions
Astringent, Carminative, antibacterial (H. pylori), antimicrobial, vasodilator, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic
Cinnanmomum zeylanicum Family and parts used
Family: Lauraceae
Parts used: Cinnamon oil extracted from the bark and cinnamon leaf oil
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) indications
Fennel is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy that relieves flatulence and colic while stimulating digestion and appetite. It has a calming affect and bronchitis, coughs and has a flavoring cough remedy. Infant colic, non-ulcer dyspepsia, maldigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence. Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
Foeniculum vulgare CI
Pregnancy, children under two, prolonged use
Foeniculum vulgare Interactions
None
Foeniculum vulgare s/e’s
Cross sensitivity with celery allergy may be possible. Allergic reactions are rare. Fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis. CNS toxicity in high doses.
Foeniculum vulgare constituents
Volatile oil, flavonoids, coumarins
Foeniculum vulgare actions
Carminative, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogen, galactagogue
Foeniculum vulgare family and parts used
Family: apiaceae
Parts used: fennel oil extracted from ripe fruit and ride ripe fruit and fennel seeds
Mentha piperita (peppermint) indications
Topical: mylagia, OA, RA, Headaches, Strains and sprains
Internal: Cholelithiasis, infant colic, non-ulcer dyspepsia, flatus, maldigestion, IBS, IBD, nausea, vomiting, smooth muscle spasm, possible viral upper respiratory tract infection
Mentha piperita CI
Pregnancy due to its emmamagogue effect. Gerd; occlusion of biliary ducts, gallbladder inflammation and severe liver disease. Do not apply to open wounds. Do not apply to the faces of infants or small children especially nasal area due to potential asthmatic reaction.
Mentha piperita s/e’s
May cause allergic reaction. Avoid with glucose six phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Avoid prolonged use as an inhalant.
Mentha piperita interactions
Concurrent use of peppermint oil and calcium channel blockers may result in reduced effectiveness of calcium channel blockers.
Mentha piperita constituents
Volatile oils: menthol, menthone, methyl acetate. Caffeic acid: rosmaric acid. Flavonoids.
Mentha piperita actions
Spasmolytic, carminitive, anti-emetic, counter irritant, antimicrobial, nervine
Mentha piperita family and parts used
family: Lamiaceae
parts used: Oil extracted from aerial parts of the flowering plant, the dried leaves and flowering branch tips
Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) indications
Topical: myalgia, neuralgia, arthritis
Internal: Dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite
Rosmarinus officinalis CI
Pregnancy, epilepsy due to camphor inducing seizures
Rosmarinus officinalis s/e’s
At toxic dosage, may lead to coma, spasm, vomiting and death
Rosmarinus officinalis interactions
Potentiates doxorubicin and vinblastine
Rosmarinus officinalis constituents
Caffeic acid derivatives: chief component Rosmarinic acid. Diterpenes (bitter), flavonoids, triterpenes. Volatile oil: camphor, limonene, borneol, cineole.
Rosmarinus officinalis actions
Antimicrobial, hypertensive, circulatory stimulant, antioxidant, carminative. Rosemary oil improves circulation when applied externally.
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) indications
Loss of appetite, travel motion sickness even prophylactically, does peptic complaints. Ginger demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects and rheumatoid arthritis due to dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and the Lipo oxygenase. It also has the ability to inhibit the actions of prostaglandins.
Zingiber officinalis CI
Some experts suggest that ginger should not be used in pregnancy during morning sickness or lactation. However there has been no clinical evidence that’s been found to substantiate any harmful effects to the mother or fetus. To be safe do not exceed 2 g per day during pregnancy. Because of its cholagogic effect, this herb should not be taken in the presence of gallstone conditions.
Ginger may inhibit thromboxane synthesis and should not be used in patients who are at risk for hemorrhage.
Zingiber officinalis Interactions
Anticoagulants: concurrent use may result in increased risk of bleeding. Studies suggest that over 4 g of dried or 15 g of raw ginger root daily must be ingested in order to have an affect on blood coagulation.
Zingiber officinalis s/e’s
Minor G.I. complaints such as gas, bloating and heartburn. Ginger can cause hypersensitivity reactions resulting in dermatitis.
Zingiber officinalis constituents
Volatile oils: zingiberene and arcurcumene, alpha-farnesene. Gingerol, shogaol. Starch.
Zingiber officinalis actions
Warming stimulating tonic, carminative, anti-emetic, rubefacient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory.
Zingiber officinalis Family and parts used
Family: Zingiberaceae
Parts used: Medicinal parts is the root
How many demulcents are there in the gastrointestinal system? Name them.
There are four. Althea officinalis (Marshmallow, Sweet weed, Althea) Cannabis sativa (marijuana) Linum usitatissimum (Linseed, Flax) Ulmus species (Umus rubra, Slippery elm)
Althea officinalis indications
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa; oral and pharyngeal irritation
Althea officinalis CI
Profuse catarrh or congestion of mucous membranes in respiratory conditions
Althea officinalis s/e’s
None
Althea officinalis interactions
Concurrent use may result in impaired drug absorption. Administration of marshmallow should be separated by at least two hours from that of other orally administered drugs
Althea officinalis constituents
Mucilages: mixture soluble polysaccharides (galacturonic rhamnans, arabinogalactancs, arabans and glucans. Pectins and starches.
Althea officinalis actions
Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory
Althea officinalis Family and parts used
family: Malvaceae
Parts used: Root, leaves, flowers and syrup
Cannibis sativa (Marijuana) Indications
Dronabinol (Marinol) is used as an appetite stimulant in the treatment of AIDS related anorexia and as an anti-emetic for chemotherapy induced vomiting. In the 19 century, Indian hemp was described as having a euphoric effect used for insomnia, neuralgia, painful rheumatism, painful G.I. disorders, tetanus, epilepsy, acute bronchitis and asthma
Cannibis sativa CI
use of Dronabinol is contraindicated in patients whose nausea and vomiting is due to reasons other than chemotherapy. Not to be used during pregnancy (category C). Breast-feeding. Personal or family history of schizophrenia. Heavy, prolonged use by smoking. Do not operate motor vehicle with an eight hours of use.
Cannibis sativa s/e’s
Dizziness, euphoria, laughing fits, paranoid reaction, somnolence, and abnormal thinking. Caution is advised of canvases use with CNS depressant drugs. Giatric patients are more sensitive to the CNS effects than younger individuals.
Contamination: non-pharmaceutical cannabis may be contaminated with the fungus aspergillus. This may be hazardous to patients with compromised immune systems or fungal infections.
Repiratory: Long term smoking of cannabis has been associated with chronic respiratory symptoms such a sore throat, rhinitis, bronchitis, and increase respiratory tract retention of tar.
Cannibis sativa interactions
Concurrent use of sildenafil may result in cardiovascular adverse affects including myocardial infarction. Avoid using with CNS depressants. Concurrent use with ethanol may result in increased intoxication.
Cannibis sativa constituents
Cannabinoids: chief active agent nine tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC). Volatile or oils, flavonoids
Cannibis sativa actions
Analgesic, sedative, anti-emetic, psychoactive. Anti-inflammatory, hypotensive
Cannibis sativa Family and parts used
Family: Moraceae/cannabinaceae
Parts used: Twig tips of the female flowers, with either flowers or fruit attached
Linum usitatissimum (linseed, flax) indications
Constipation, G.I. irritation, nutritive (EFAs, lignans). Hormone imbalance, breast cancer.
Linum usitatissimum CI
Ileus (intestinal obstruction) of any origin; stricture of the esophagus, acute inflammatory illnesses of the intestine, esophagus and stomach entrance.
Linum usitatissimum s/e’s
None. The oil should never be heated as it becomes mutagenic. The oil contained within the seed is perishable and must be protected during processing, and also during handling and storage. Keep out of direct light and in refrigerator to preserve it.
Linum usitatissimum interactions
Flaxseed contains mucilage and cellulose, so absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.
Linum usitatissimum constituents
mucilages: arabinoxylans, galactans, rhamnogalacturonans. Cyanogenic glycosides. Fatty oil: Linoleic acid, oleic acid. Proteins. Lignans.
Linum usitatissimum pharmacology
Flaxseed has laxative effects arising from increase volume and consequent initiation of intestinal peristalsis from stimulation of stretch receptors. Flaxseed oil is the richest known source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignins. Omega-3 fatty acids suppress the production of interleukin tumor necrosis factor and leukotriene B4 from monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Flaxseeds lignins have shown antineoplastic effects based on in vitro and animal research. Lignins are anti-mycotic, anti-oxidative and anti-estrogenic.
Linum usitatissimum actions
Demulcent, emollient, laxative, antitussive, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic
Linum usitatissimum family and parts used
Family: Linaceae
Parts used: Oil extracted from the seeds, dry ripe seeds
Ulmus species (Ulmus rubra- Slippery elm) Indications
Primary indications for slippery elm is the treatment of irritated and inflamed mucus membranes such as the lining of the throat and digestive tract. Used externally as a poultice, it is used to expedite healing of wounds, burns, swollen glands by soothing the inflammation.
Ulmus species CI
None
Ulmus species s/e’s
None
Ulmus species Interactions
Taking iron and slippery elm together may affect iron absorption due to the tannins. For now, patients who need iron supplementation should take it separately and a two hour span.
Ulmus species constituents
Polysaccharides, mucilage, tannins
Ulmus species pharmacology
Slippery elm contains large amounts of mucilage, which will coat the surface of the mucous membranes or surface of wounds and sores when it comes in contact with water
Ulmus species actions
Demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory
Ulmus species family and parts used
Family: Ulmaceae
Parts used: Dried inner rind separated from the outer bark
how many G.I. regulator herbs or list it? Name them.
Aloe vera Cassia augustifolia (Senna) Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple, American mandrake) Rhamnus frangula (Frangula) Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara sagrada) Ricinis communis (Castor bean plant, Castor oil plant) Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Aloe vera indications
Topical: Burns, wounds, frost bite, ulcerations, stretch marks, warts, varicose veins
Internal: Gastritis, IBD, peptic ulcer, interstitial or infectious cystitis
Aloe vera CI
3rd degree burns, deep and/or infected wounds, wounds healing by secondary intention.
Aloe vera s/e’s
Very safe herb, but may cause diarrhea and/or cramping
Aloe vera interactions
Additive hypoglycemic effect with glyburide
Theoretical: reduce absorption of drugs due to action of polysaccharides
Aloe vera constituents
Anthracene derivatives, 2 alkylchromones, favonoids
Aloe vera actions
Inflammation and immune modulator, vulnerary, demulcent
Aloe vera family and parts used
Family: Liliaceae
Parts used: Dried juice of the leaves
Cassia augustifolia (Senna) Indications
Constipation
Cassia augustifolia CI
Not to be administered in the presence of intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory intestinal disease or appendicitis
Cassia augustifolia s/e’s
Acute G.I. cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli (benign reversible pigmentation of the wall of the colon) diarrhea (leads to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hematuria, albuminuria, builds dependency), uterus reflex leads to contraction, miscarriage.
Cassia augustifolia Interactions
Avoid hypokalemia drugs: diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethosone), cardiac glycosides (digoxin, Convallaria, Digitalis, Leonarus), anti-arrhythmics (atenolol, propranolol, amiodarone), pseudoephedrine, Glycyrrhiza
Theoretical: reduce absorption of drugs due to increased transit time
Cassia augustifolia constituents
Anthracene derivatives, naphthacene derivatives
Cassia augustifolia pharmacology
Senna is an anthranoid-type of stimulating laxative. The laxative effect is by inhibition of water and electrolyte absorption from the large intestine, which increases the volume and pressure of the intestinal contents. This will stimulate colon motility resulting in propulsive contractions.
Cassia augustifolia family and parts used
Family: Fabaceae
Parts used: Leaves, fruit and flowers
Podophyllum peltatum indications
Approved for warts (poultice, lotion, ointment). Constipation, cancer
Podophyllum peltatum CI
Pregnancy. Gallstones, GI irritation
Podophyllum peltatum side effects
Irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Drug should be taken internally–severe abdominal pain, bloody-watery diarrhea, vomiting of liquid bile, dizziness, headache, spasms, collapse and death through respiratory failure.
Podophyllum peltatum constituents
Podophyllin, lignans
Podophyllum peltatum actions
Purgative (not used anymore due to cytotoxicity), antitumor
Podophyllum peltatum Family and parts used
Family: Berberidaceae
Parts used: Dried rhizome and the resin extracted from it
Rhamnus frangula (Frangula) Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara sagrada) Indications
Constipation
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana CI
Not to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Intestinal obstruction. Children younger than 12. Do not use for over 1-2 weeks.
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana s/e’s
Acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea (leads to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hematuria, albuminuria, builds dependency).
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana Interactions
Avoid hypokalemic drugs: Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethosone), cardiac glycosides (digoxin, Convallaria, Digitalis, Leonarus), anti-arrhythmics (atenolol, propanolol, amiodarone), pseudoephedrine, Glycyrrhiza.
Theoretical: reduce absorption of drugs due to increased transit time
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana constituents
Antracene derivatives, naphthalene derivatives: naphthoquinones. Peptide alkaloids (traces): frangulanine.
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana pharmacology
Anthracene derivatives induce active secretions of electrolytes and water in the intestinal lumen and inhibit the absorption of electrolytes and water from the colon by stimulating propulsive contractions. The increased water and subsequent volume of the intestinal content raise pressure and stimulate intestinal peristalsis.
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana actions
Laxative, cathartic, emetic, bitter
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnus purshiana family and parts used
Family: Rhamnaceae
Parts used: Dried bark of the trunk branches
Ricinis communis (castor bean plant, castor oil plant) Indications
Constipation. the oil is also used externally for inflammatory skin dosrders, furnuncles, carbuncles and abscesses
Ricinis communis CI
Topical: use over large areas of broken skin
Internal: Use beyond 10 days, bulimia, intestinal obstruction, spastic constipation, acute GI inflammation, unknown abdominal pain, under 12 years of age, pregnant, lactating
Ricinis communis s/e’s
An excess of Castro oil consumption: acute G.I. cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea (leads to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hematuria albuminuria, builds dependency).
With castor being poisoning, the Ricinus lechtins disturb the function of ribosomes and thereby prevent proteins synthesis. 12 castor beans are about the amount to kill an adult. Symptoms of ricin poisoning our colon severe gastroenteritis with bloody vomiting bloody diarrhea kidney inflammation loss of electrolytes convulsions and death due to hypovolemic shock. Treat with IV diazepam with generous fluids and electrolytes substitution and possible acidosis with sodium by carbonate infusions.
Ricinis communis interactions
Avoid hypokalemic drugs: Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethosone), cardiac glycosides (digoxin, Convallaria, Digitalis, Leonarus), anti-arrhythmics (atenolol, propanolol, amiodarone), psuedoephedrine, GLycyrrhiza.
Theoretical: reduce absorption of drugs due to increased transit time
Ricinis communis constituents
Fatty oil, proteic substances, lectins: recin D (RCA-60 - severely toxic, RCA-120 –less toxic), pyridine alkaloids, tocopherols (vitamin E). Triglycerides: chief fatty acids- ricinoleic acid.
Ricinis communis pharmacology
Laxative principle of Castor oil is the ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is anti-absorptive and secretogogic. Castor beans are severely poisonous due to the toxic lectin content.
Ricinis communis actions
Laxative, purgative (bowel movement in 3-5 hours after ingestion)
Ricinis communis family and parts used
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Parts used: Oil extracted from the seeds, the fat extracted from the oil
Rumex crispus (yellow dock) Indications
Mild constipation, sluggish digestion, liver constipation. The plant has traditionally used as a decoction for scurvy and other skin eruptions, and as a blood cleanser
Rumex crispus CI
GI irritation, history of kidney disease and oxalates
Rumex crispus s/e’s
Acute GI cramping, colic, harmless red urine/feces, pseudomelanosis coli, diarrhea, (leads to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hematuria, albuminuria, builds dependency).
Rumex crispus interactions
Avoid hypokalemic drugs: diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone), cardiac glycosides (digoxin, Convallaria, Digitalis, Leonarus), anti-arrhytmics (atenolol, propanol, amiodarone), pseudoephedrine, glycyrrhiza.
Theoretical: reduce absorption of drugs due to increased transit time
Rumex crispus constituents
oxalates: oxalic acid. Tannins, flavonoids: quercetin. Anthracene derivatives, naphthalene derivatives
Rumex crispus actions
Laxative, hepatoprotective
Rumex crispus family and parts used
Family: polygonaceae
Parts used: Fresh and dried roots
