CCNM - Botanical Medicine I Flashcards
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What people are often overlooked in the history of botanical medicine and why?
Indigenous people, because their traditions were passed down orally all the time - not written down.
What discovery, significant to botanical medicine, was made regarding the neanderthal man?
A skeleton was found with 8 medicinal plants
What does the shaman believe and what might they use to aid in healing, and why?
Shamans believe spirits affect health and they will use psychoactive plants as an aid in healing.
They believe this altered state of consciousness allows individuals to deal with their “demons” and face them head on. Furthermore, the physical vomiting is representative of vomiting out negative experiences and/or their demons.
What/Who were the botanical medicine contributors from ancient egypt? and what were the contributions?
Imhotep
- western worlds "first physician" - he wrote the "Edwin Smith Papyrus" an anatomy & conditions text
Ebers Papyrus
-a medical text with more than 850 medicinal plants and remedies
What traditional medicine is native to india? and what were it’s influences?
Ayurvedic medicine - influences from the book “Rig Veda”
root of Hinduism, yoga and ayurveda
What are the Doshas (3 humours) in ayurvedic medicine and what is believed about them?
Vata - wind
Pitta - fire
Kaph - water
Health is maintained by keeping the Doshas in balance.
Who were the contributors from TCM?
Shannong “Divine Farmer” & Yellow Emperor
Who founded chinese herbalism and what was later recorded in his name?
Shannong “divine farmer”
The “Shannong Materia Medica” containing 365 plant and animal remedies
Who founded TCM theory and what were the beliefs and principles behind it?
Yellow Emperor
Rejected the thought that spirits caused disease. Instead believed diet, emotions, environment and age impact health.
Principles of Yin/Yang and the five elements.
What is Kampo and what significance does it have today?
Kampo is traditional Japanese medicine and today it is integrated into the modern national health system with 148 Kampo formulas approved for use in Japan.
Who wer the three contributors from Greco-Roman medicine?
Hippocrates - the father of modern medicine
Dioscorides - a roman army phyisician
Galen of Pergamum
What major contributions did Hippocrates have?
He developed a code of medical ethics. He recognized that illness resulted from natural, rather than supernatural, causes and he developed the four humours approach.
According to Hippocrates what are the four humours and what is believed about them?
Phlegm (wet, cold)
Yellow bile (dry, hot)
Black bile (dry, cold)
Blood (wet, hot)
Dyscrasia: an imbalance of the humours resulting in a diseased state.
What were Dioscorides contributions?
On his travels with the Roman army he documented medicinal plants others used and wrote the De Materia Medica - a treatise on medicinal plants.
What were Galen of Pergamum’s contributions?
How long did his principles rule western medicine?
He extracted herbs to make crude drugs and he refined the humoural theory.
His principles dominated the western world of medicine for 1500 years.
Who was the major contributor from Arabic (Unani) medicine and what were his two major contributions?
Avicenna the “Prince of Physicians”
- Created the system of medicine called Unani Tibb
- Wrote “Canon Medicine”
- 760 plant descriptions
- authoritative in pharmacy until 17th century
- greatly influenced early European medicine
There were 7 contributors from European herbalism. Who/What were they?
Folk medicine Monastic Medicine Pharmacy Paracelsus Orto Botanico di Padova, Italy Jakob Boehme Nicholas Culpepper
What were folk medicines contributions?
They weren’t well documented.
What is Monastaic medicine?
Greco-Roman medicine that was preserved in monasteries during the middle ages.
When was pharmacy established as a profession?
In the 12th century.
Who is Paracelsus, what is his famous quote, and what did he do?
He is the founder of pharmacology.
“All things are poison, nothing is without poison, the dose alone causes a thing not to be poison.”
Used chemistry to create medicine from herbs and metals.
What is the Orto Botanico di Padova and where is it located?
It is the oldest academic botanical garden and it is located in Italy.
Who is Jakob Boehme and what did he believe?
He is the “Doctor of signatures” and he believed that God marked everything He’s created with a sign to indicate it’s purpose.
What did Nicholas Culpepper contribute?
He wrote “The Complete Herbal”, which is the most successful non-religious text.
Who were the two major contributors from American Herbalism?
Samuel Thompson and The Eclectics.
Who is Samuel Thompson and what did he do?
He is considered the “Father of American Herbalism”. He learned from the first nations and opposed conventional medicine.
Who were the Eclectics? What important book did they contribute? and who are the noteworthy four physicians?
They were a group of physicians that opposed "heroic" conventional medicine and integrated botanical medicine. The wrote "King's American Dispensary". And the noteworthy four are: John Uri Lloyd John Milton Scudder Harvey Wickes Felter & John King
What are the five different ways to classify herbs?
Taxonomy - Famly, Latin binomial
Actions - diuretic,, antiinflammatory etc.
Systems - cardiovascular, urinary etc.
Constituents - terpenoid, phenolics, essential oils etc.
Herbal tradition - TCM, Ayurvedic, Western
Herbs vs Drugs
Compound?
Herbs contain hundreds of compounds.
Drugs typically contain one active ingredient.
Herbs vs Drugs
Quality?
Herbs - the active ingredients vary from batch to batch.
Drugs - very pure and precise amounts.
Herbs vs Drugs
Potency?
Herbs are generally less potent but safer than drugs.
Drugs are stronger but generally have more side effects.
Herbs vs Drugs
Medicinal Actions?
Drugs and herbs share many of the same actions but…
Herbs possess medicinal qualities that have no equivalent in pharmaceuticals.
What are the three strategies for drug development?
- Explore traditional medicine to develop new drugs.
- Screen plants with known medical action for potential drug development.
- Use phytochemicals as a source of chemical building blocks.
Example - drugs from plants. Explain…
Aspirin
Made by adding an acetyl group to salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is found in willow bark.
Example - drugs from plants. Explain…
Ephedrine
Found in Ephedra
Used for respiratory conditions.
Example - drugs from plants. Explain…
Taxol (anticancer drugs)
Found in Pacific Yew (no traditional medicinal indications), but difficult to get/synthesize.
obtained from cell-cultures using plant fermentation technology.
Example - drugs from plants. Explain…
Tamiflu (antiviral drug)
Not naturally occurring.
Synthesized from shikimic acid (found in star anise & others but these plants don’t have the same effect)
Define:
Pharmacology
The study of the interaction of biologically active agents with living systems.
Define:
Pharmaognosy
Discipline dealing with medicines from natural sources (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their constituents.
Define:
Pharmacodynamics
How the drug effects the body by interacting with receptor, transport processes and enzymes.
Define:
Pharmacokinetics
How the body effects a drug.
i.e. absorption, distribution, bio-transformation, storage, elimintion.
Define:
Toxiology
How substances negatively effect living organisms.
Define:
Agonist
Something that binds to a receptor and activates it.
Define:
Antagonist
Something that binds to a receptor and inactivates it. Prevents agonist from binding. This could be reversible or irreversible.
Define:
Modulator
Something that binds to a receptor and partially turns it on.
This could also have a slowing down effect…
Define:
Therapeutic index
Refers to how safe a drug or plant is - how close the therapeutic dose is to the toxic dose.
Define:
Broad therapeutic index
Considered safe - large amounts required before serious side effects
Define:
Narrow therpeutic index
Considered dangerous & must be used with cations - therapeutic dose close to and may overlap toxic amount.
Define…
Carbohydrate
Organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with the formula Cm(H20)n
What are the phytochemicals for carbohydrates?
Glycosides Fiber -inulin -beta glucans -mucilage -gum -gel
Define…
Glycoside
An organic compound, usually biologically active, with sugars attached.
What are glycosides composed of?
A glycone - the sugar component
An aglycone - the organic component
Glycoside phytochemicals
Sugars can be attached to a variety of compounds
- hydroquinone glycoside (e.g. arbutin)
- cardiac glycoside (e.g. digoxin)
- saponins (e.g. ginsenosides)
- anthraquinone glycosides
By creating a glycoside the sugar allows the aglycone to become…? (5 options)
- More water soluble
- Reversible inactivated
- Easily stored
- Transported
- Excreted
Define…
Fiber
Undigestible carbohydrates that bulk up the stool (soluble and insoluble).
Give four actions of fiber.
- Bulking agent
- Demulcent
- Lowers cholesterol
- Lowers blood sugar
Where is fiber found?
In fruits and vegetables.
What are the five phytochemicals for fiber?
- Mucilage (forms slime)
- Cellulose
- Inulin
- Glucan
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Define…
Mucilage
Produces a viscous substance when added to water.
Define…
Gums
Mucilage excreted when the plant is injured.
In relation to fiber define…
Gels
Highly cross-linked forming semi-solid.
What are the three actions of mucilage, gums and gels?
- Bulking agent
- Demulcent
- Prebiotic
Mucilage, gums and gels indications…
inflamed mucous membranes
In what herbs can you find mucilage?
Psylium, ground flax, oatmeal & okra
In what herbs can you find gums?
Guar gum, mastic gum.
In what herbs can you find gels?
Carrageenan, agar & aloe vera
What phytochemical is found in mucilage, gums and gels?
Arabinogalactan: polymers of arabinose and galactose and is a constituent of many gums.
What are glucans?
They are polysaccharides consisting of D-glucose linked by glycosidic bonds.
Glucans can either have alpha-linkages or beta-linkages. Which of these is digestible and which is indegestible?
Which are soluble and insoluble fibers?
Alpha-linkage chains are digestible.
Beta-linkage chains are indigestible and are you soluble and insoluble fibers.
What action do glucans have?
They are immunomodulating.
Where can you find glucons?
In medicinal mushrooms.
What are the phytochemicals for alph-glucans?
alpha 1,4- and 1,6- are starch and glycogen.
What are the phytochemicals for beta-glucans?
Beta- 1,3- & 1,4- is oatmeal
Beta- 1,3- & 1,6- are immunomodulators
What influences the immunomodulating effects of glucans?
Linkage type, frequency, and location.
Addition of proteins and other molecules.
What are essential oils? (aka aromatic oils)
They are short, non-polar hydrocarbon molecules (10-15 carbons) that can be extracted by steam distillation.
What are the two actions that essential oils have?
They act as carminatives: helps in digestion
as well as antimicrobials.
There are two plant families high in essential oils. What are they?
Apiaceae - Umbellaferae - “Carrot family”
and
Lamiaceae - Labiatae - “Mint family”
Name the three phytochemicals of essential oils.
- Phenylpropanoids
- Monoterpeneds
- Sesquiterpenes
What is one major caution you must use when dealing with aromatic oils?
Pure essential/aromatic oils are potent but also very dangerous! 5mL can result in death!
What three things describe fixed oils?
- They are long non-polar hydrocarbon molecules.
- They are triglycerides [made up of esters of glycerol and fatty acids (15-24 carbons)].
- They tend to liquify at room temperature.
Furthermore, they may contain other compounds such as terpenoids or phenoloics
Fixed oils have three actions. What are they?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pro-inflammatory
- Fuel
Where can you find fixed oils?
In vegetable oils - they contain triglycerides consisting of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
- Olive oil - Castor oil - Coconut oil - Flax seed oil
What is wax? How many carbons are in their chains?
Wax is long non-polar hydrocarbon chains that tend to be malleable solids at room temperature Their chains consist of ~29-33 carbons.
What are the two components of a wax ester?
One fatty acid and one fatty alcohol.
What two actions do waxes serve?
They serve as a protective barrier and water repellant.
Where do you find wax?
Bees wax, from insects and Bayberry “wax myrtle”(Myrica cerifera).
What caution do you have to keep in mind about wax?
Wax is indigestible - oral consumption may cause steatorrhea.
What is a resin?
A solid or very viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons (terpenes)
What are the three classes of resins and what do they include?
Oleoresins include essential oils
Gum resins include gums (carbohydrates)
Oleo-gum-resins include essential oils and gums
What are the two actions of resins?
Resins act as Antiinflammatories and antimicrobials
Where can resins be found? (name 2)
Resins can be found in conifers (balsam firs, pine, cedars) and burseraceae family (frankinsense, myrrh).
How is turpentine obtained?
Obtained through steam distillation of pine trees.
What is a rosin?
A solid (triterpenes & diterpenes) that remain after steam distillation.
Fossilized resin is also known as what?
Amber.
What are balsam oils?
Oleoresins obtained from various balsam trees.
Define…
latex
milky liquid that consists of an emulsion of various substances in an aqueous base.
In what family can you find latex?
The poppy family, or papaveraceae.
Name three plants you in the poppy family that contin latex.
- Opium poppy - Papaver somniferum
- Greater Calendine - Cheledonium majus
- Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis
Latex may contain an emulsion of which five phytochemicals?
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Gums
- Alkaloids
- Resins
What are terpenoids/terpenes?
Hydrocarbon compounds synthesized from a fie carbon precursor; isoprene.
What is the difference between terpenes and terpenoids?
Terpenes are strictly hydrocarbons.
Terpenoids incorporate oxygen long with the hydrocarbons.
What is a monoterpene?
A hydrocarbon compound synthesized from two isoprene units (10 carbons)
Monoterpenes have five actions. What are they?
- Antimicrobial
- Analgesic
- Expectorant
- Carminative
- Antiinflammatory
What are four phytochemicals of monoterpenes?
- Menthol
- Carvacrol
- Camphor
- Eucalyptol
What are iridoids and secoiridoids?
Monoterpene lactones
What are two actions of iridoids/secoiridoids?
- Bitter
2. Antiinflammatory
What is a phytochemical of iridoids?
Harpogoside - Devil’s Claw - Harpagophytum procumbens.
What are phytochemicals of secoiridoids?
Oleuropein - Olive - Oleo europaea
What are five actions of Sesquiterpenes?
- Carminatives
- Bitters
- Antiinflammatory
- Antimicrobials
- Anticancer
In what herb family do you find Sesquiterpenes?
The asteraceae family
Name two examples of the asteraceae family that you could find Sesquiterpenes in.
- Sweet wormwood (artemisia annua)
2. Chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Many herbs in the asteraceae family contain Sesquiterpene lactones. Because of this, what caution must you take while using these herbs?
Sesquiterpene lactones can cause an allergic reaction because they can act as haptens (small molecules that react with proteins to elicit an immune response).
How many isoprene units comprise a diterpene?
How many carbons?
4 isoprene units.
20 carbons.
What are the actions of diterpenes?
They have mixed actions. They may interact with the nervous system.
What are phytochemicals of diterpenes?
Viteosin - chaste berry (cited angus-castus)
Tetrahydrocannabinol - marijuana (canabis sativa)
How many isoprene units comprise a triterpene?
How many carbons?
6 isoprene units.
30 carbons.
What are 4 actions of triterpenes?
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps lower stress
- Improves sexual function
- Anticancer
What is a triterpene phytochemical?
phytosterol (e.g. beta-sitosterol)
What is a saponin?
Amphipathic compounds with sugars attached to triterpenoids.
Give two examples saponins.
Steroidal saponins - have a steroidal backbone.
Cardiac glycosides - saponins increase cardiac function.
What are three actions of saponins?
- Antiinflammatory
- Helps body cope with stress
- Increases cardiac function
Name one herb for each of the following:
Saponin
Cardiac glycoside
Steroidal saponin
Saponin - licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) = glycyrrhizin
Cardiac glycoside - foxglove (digitalis purpurea) = digitoxin
Steroidal saponin - Korean ginsing (panax ginsing) = ginsenoside
What are two cautions about using saponins?
- High amounts may be irritating to the mucous membranes
2. Can cause lysis of cells if injected into blood
How many isoprene unit make up a tetraterpene (carotenoids)?
8 isoprene units
40 carbons
What are three actions of carotenoids?
- Anticancer
- Antioxidant
- Provitamin A
What are three indications to use tetraterpenes?
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Macular degeneration
Tetraterpene
Name the phytochemical that is strictly a hydrocarbon and give three examples of it.
Carotenes
- beta-carotene
- alpha-carotene
- lycopene
Tetraterpene
Name the phytochemical that contains oxygen and give three examples.
Xanthophylls
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Astxanthin
What is one caution about supplementation with carotenoids?
Supplementing in high doses may have adverse effects.
What are phenolics?
Compounds that contain a phenol group.
What are four actions of phenols?
- Antioxidant
- Antiinflammatory
- Anticancer
- Antimicrobial
What four indications to use phenolics?
- Prevent degenerative disease
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Arthritis
Where are phenolics found?
They are ubiquitous in nature and plants are especially high in phenolics
I.e. vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs
What is a phenylpropene?
A phenolic compound. An aromatic ring with 3 carbon chain attached – is typically derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.
What make phenols special?
They can readily accept and donate electrons – they can stabilize free radicals.
What are two actions of phenylpropenes?
- Carminative
2. Abtimicrobial
Name two herbs where you can find phenylpropenes.
- Anise - pimpinella anisum
2. Clove - syzgium aromaticum
What is one caution of using phenylpropenes?
They are a hepatotoxic. Essential oils can cause death when consumed in 5-10mL while certain one can cause liver cancer when consume long term.
What is a ligand?
A polyphenolic compound made from two phenylpropenoid groups.
Give two actions of lignans.
- Phytoestrogen
2. Antioxidant
Where can you find lignans?
In flax (Linux usitatissimum)
What are flavonoids?
Polphenolic compounds.
Plant pigments
What is the carbon skeleton of flavonoids?
C6-C3-C6
What action do flavonoids have?
Antioxidants
Name he 4 subclasses of flavonoids.
- Flavones (e.g. Quercitin)
- Isoflavones (e.g. Genistein)
- Flavan-3-ole (e.g. Catechins)
- Anthocyanidins (e.g. Cyanidin)
Flavones are one subclass of flavonoids. What is there structural uniqueness?
They are flavenoids with a ketone at the 3-position (e.g. Quercitin)
What are four actions of flavones?
- Antioxidant
- Antiinflammatory
- Anticancer
- Antihistamine
What are three indications to use flavones?
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Allergies
Name four plants that flavones are common in.
- Onions
- Citrus
- Leafy vegetables
- Tea
What do flavones commonly exist as?
Glycosides. Ex. Rutin is a glycoside of quercitin.
Isoflavones are a subclass of flavonoids. What is there structural distinction?
They are the same as flavones but the central benzene ring is attached at the 3 position on the main structure rather than the 2 position.
What are three actions if isoflavones?
- Phytoestrogenic
- Antioxidant
- Anticancer
What family are isoflavones found in?
The fabaceae family (legumes).
-soy (glycine max)
Name two phytochemicals of isoflavones.
Genistein & daidzein
Flavan-3-ols are a subclass of flavonoids. What is their structural distinction?
They lack a ketone group and double bond in the central ring but retain the alcohol at the 3 position & the double bond.
What are three actions if Flavan-3-ols?
- Antioxidant
- Anticancer
- Antiinflammatory
Give two plants where flavan-3-ols are found?
- Tea (camellia sinensis)
2. Chocolate (theobroma cacao)
What are the phytochemicals of flavan-3-ols?
Catechin & epicatechin Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) - ester of a catechin and Gallic acid
Comment on EGCG (epigallocatatechin) - how it relates to green tea, chocolate and black tea.
EGCG is found in green tea
Not found in chocolate
And is destroyed during the fermentation process to make black tea.
Anthocyanidin is a subclass of flavonoids. What is their structural distinction?
They lack the ketone at the 4 position.
What are anthocyanins?
They are glycosides of anthocyanidins.
What are oligomeric proanhocyanidins (OPC)?
They are polymers of anthocyanidins.
Give three actions of anthocyanidins.
- Antioxidant
- Anticancer
- Antiadherance
Anthocyanidins are found in many plants but are especially high in what two?
Flowers and berries.
Give four examples of fruits high in anthocyanidins.
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Cranberries
- Elderberries
What are tannins?
They are phenolic compounds that bind to and precipitate proteins and other nitrogen containing compounds, including amino acids and alkaloids.
What are three actions of tannins?
- Astringent
- Anti microbial
- Antioxidant
Where can tannins be found?
Oak (quercus spp.) & witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana).
Name two phytochemicals of tannins.
Hydrolyzable tannins (Gallic acid & ellagic acid attached to sugars) Condensed tannins (non-hydrolyzable) e.g. Proanthocyanidins.
There are three cautions to using tannins. Name them.
- Iron chelation - inhibit non-heme iron absorption.
- Nutrient absorption - tannins can inhibit the absorption of nutrients.
- Toxicity - high amounts can irritate the bowels, liver & kidneys.
What are flavonolignans?
What are the two components?
They are polyphenolic compounds.
Composed of a flavonoid attached to a phenylpropanoid.
What are two actions of flavonolignans?
Hepatoprotective (protects the liver)
Antioxidant
In what herb can flavonolignans be found?
Milk thistle (silybum marianum).
What are stilbenoids and what is their carbon skeletal structure?
They are polyphenolic compounds with the carbon structure C6-C2-C6.
Name two actions of stilbenoids.
Antioxidant and anti-aging
What is the most well known stilbenoid? Give three examples of where it is found.
Resveratol is the most well known. It is found in grapes (wine & grape juice), blueberries and peanuts.
What are coumarins derived from?
They are derived from phenols.
What are coumarins?
They are bicyclic compounds that contain a lactone ring derived from phenylpropanoids.
Give two actions of coumarins.
Antispasmodic & anticoagulant
Where can coumarins be found?
In red clover (trifoliun pratense)
Coumarins are fragrant molecules…what do they smell like?
They smell like freshly mown grass.
What are two cautions of using coumarins?
Dicoumarins have anticoagulant properties. And high amounts are mildly hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic.
What are furanocoumarins?
They are heterocyclic compounds derived from coumarin with the addition of a furan ring.
What are furanocoumarins derived from?
They are derived from phenols.
What action do furanocoumarins have?
They are photosensitizers.
What two plant families can furanocoumarins be found in?
- Rutaceae family - rue, grapefruit
2. Apiaceae family - (carrot): wild parsnip, giant hogweed
What are two photochemicals are furanocoumarins?
Psoralen & bergamottin
There are three cautions to be taken regarding furanocoumarins. What are they?
- They are photosensitizers - cause severe burns (phytophotodermatitis)
- The grapefruit juice effect - inhibits phase I detoxification (p450 inhibitor)
- Hepatotoxic - aflatoxin causes liver cancer.
What are pthalides derived from?
Pthalides are derived from phenols.
What are pthalides composed of?
They are similar to coumarins, but they have a lactone attached to a 5 member ring.
State two actions of pthalides
- Relax smooth muscle
2. Lower blood pressure
In what family are pthalides found?
Give three specific plants.
They’re found in the apiaceae family.
- celery (apium graveolus)
- garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- don quai (Angelica sinensis)
What is a quinone?
It is a bi-ketonic aromatic compound.
What is a hydroquinone?
It is the reduced form of quinone and is phenolic.
Give two actions of quinones/hydroquinones.
Anti microbial & urinary antiseptic.
Where can you find quinones/hydroquinones?
They can be found in bearberry (arctostaphylos uva-ursi).
What is the phytochemical of quinones/hydroquinones?
Arbutin - glycoside of hydroquinone.
What is one caution of using quinone/hydroquinone?
Long term use is not recommended.
What is a napthoquinones?
It is a quinone molecule fused to a benzene ring.
Napthoquinones have 4 actions. Name them.
- Antimicrobial
- Red pigment
- Antioxidant
- Proxident
Where can napthoquinones be found?
They can be found in black walnut (julgans nigra).
Two phytochemicals of napthoquinones are…
Vitamin K & coenzyme Q10.
What is anthraquinone?
They are tricyclic compounds (or polymers) consisting of a quinone molecule flanked by two benzene rings.
They’re found as glycosides.
Two actions of anthraquinones are…
Stimulating laxative & antimicrobial.
Where can anthraquinones be found?
They can be found in senna (senna spp.).
What is a caution to keep on mind regarding anthraquinone?
They can affect electrolyte balance of blood and can I retract with some heart and blood pressure medications.
What are alkaloids?
They contain a cyclic nitrogen.
What two effects do alkaloids have?
They have neurological and cardiovascular effects.
Name 8 phytochemicals of alkaloids.
- Quinolone alkaloids (e.g. Quinine)
- Isoquinoline alkaloids (e.g. Berberine)
- Quinoline
Most alkaloids should be used with caution and in one circumstance are contraindicated. When are alkaloids contraindicated?
In pregnancy these are contraindicated.
What is a purine alkaloid?
They are heterocyclic aromatics compounds containing 4 nitrogens.
What are two actions of purine alkaloids?
They act as stimulants and diuretics.
Name three places purine alkaloids are found.
- Coffee (coffea spp.)
- Tea (camellia sinensis)
- Chocolate
What are the phytochemicals of purine alkaloids?
Caffeine and theobromine.
What is one caution with purine alkaloids?
Use with caution during pregnancy.
What are isoquinoline alkaloids made up of?
They are two six-membered rings (heterocyclic) aromatic organic compound with a nitrogen at the C2 position.
What are two actions of isoquinoline alkaloids?
They are antimicrobial & bitter.
Name two herbs where isoquinoline alkaloids are found.
Goodenseal (hydrastis canadensis) & barberry (Berbers vulgaris)
What is the phytochemical of isoquinoline alkaloids?
Beberine
What caution is there regarding isoquinoline alkaloids?
They are contraindicated during pregnancy.
What are quinoline alkaloids?
They are two six-membered rings (heterocyclic) aromatic organic compounds with a nitrogen at the C1 position.
What three actions do quinoline alkaloids have?
They are antimicrobial, antimalarial & bitter.
Where can quinoline alkaloids be found?
They can be found in cinchone tree (cinchona officinalis).
What is the phytochemical of quinoline alkaloids?
Quinine
When are quinoline alkaloids contraindicated?
They are contraindicated during pregnancy.
What are quinolizidine alkaloids?
Heterocyclic aromatic compounds with a nitrogen at the C0 position (between the two rings).
What are two actions of quinolizidine alkaloids?
Emmenogogue & antiarrhythmic
Where are quinolizidine alkaloids found?
In blue cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides).
What are two phytochemicals of quinolizidine alkaloids?
N-mehylcystine & sparteine.
When would use of quinolizidine alkaloids be contraindicated?
Contraindicated during pregnancy.
What are pyrrolizidine alkaloids?
They are two fused five-member rings with the nitrogen occupying the central position.
What action do pyrrolizidine alkaloids have?
They are hepatotoxic.
Where can pyrrolizidine alkaloids be found?
They can be found in the Boraginaceae family - comfrey (symphytum officinalis) and in the asters ear family b
When are pyrrolizidine alkaloids hepatotoxic and when are they not toxic?
They are hepatotoxic when they are unsaturated.
They are nontoxic when they are saturated.
What is a caution regarding pyrrolizidine alkaloids?
Health Canada considers many herbs that contain these (ex. comfrey) to be unsafe for internal use.
What are tropane alkaloids?
They are bicyclic alkaloids with the tropane boat structure.
On what body system do tropane alkaloids have a significant effect?
They have a significant effects on the nervous system.
What are two actions if tropane alkaloids?
Analgesic & anticholinergic.
In what family are tropane alkaloids found?
Give two examples.
They are found in the solanaceae family.
- deadly nightshade (artopa belladonna)
- jimson weed (datura stramonium)
What are two cautions regarding the use of tropane alkaloids?
They have a narrow therapeutic index and can cause death. ***use with extreme caution!
What is significant about pyridine alkaloid structure?
The nitrogen is part if a 6-membered aromatic ring.
What structural significance do pyrrolidine alkaloids have?
The nitrogen is part of a 5-membered ring.
What action do pyridine and pyrrolidine alkaloids have?
They stimulate the sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous systems.
Where are pyridine and pyrrolidine alkaloids found?
They are found in tobacco (nicotiana tabacum).
What is the phytochemical of pyridine and pyrrolidine alkaloids?
Nicotine.
When is the use of pyridine and pyrrolidine alkaloids contraindicated?
During pregnancy.
What are organosulfer compounds?
They are organic compounds that contain sulfur.
Give four actions of organosulfur compounds.
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Anti cancer
- Detoxicifier
In what two families are organosulfur compounds found?
They are found in the brassicaceae family (cruciferous vegetables) and in the amaryllidaceae family (onions, garlic, scallions)
What are these phytochemicals of organosulfur compounds?
- Sulforaphane
- Allicin
- Amino acids (e.g. Cysteine, methionine)
What can organosulfur compounds stimulate?
They can stimulate detox pathways - induction of phase-II enzymes.
