Central Nervous System

Question 1

Where is white willow found?

Answer 1

Europe, moist habitats (riverbanks)

Question 2

What has white willow bark been used for in the past?

Answer 2

chronic pain, fevers, headache, gout

Question 3

Who provided a detailed account of the use of white willow bark for treating gastrointestinal pain and chronic inflammation?

Answer 3

Leonard Fuchs

Question 4

What phenolics does white willow contain and what are their properties?

Answer 4

salicin and salicylic acid which have pyretic (fever reducing) and analgesic (pain relieving) properties, and salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent

Question 5

What are side effects of white willow phenolics?

Answer 5

gastric discomfort and nausea

Question 6

What company investigated salicylic acid?

Answer 6

Bayer

Question 7

What was the product called that Bayer semi-synthesized?

Answer 7

acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), patented as Aspirin

Question 8

What are effects of ASA?

Answer 8

antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory; also can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and is an effective treatment for angina

Question 9

Identifying traits of capsicum pepper

Answer 9

perennial herb, Solanaceae (tomato) family, native to South and Central America

Question 10

What are the two varieties of pepper?

Answer 10

tabasco type, and habanero type

Question 11

What causes the hotness of the capsicum pepper?

Answer 11

the proto-alkaloid capsaicin (concentrated where the seeds are)

Question 12

Where is capsaicin absent?

Answer 12

seeds, leaves, stems, and roots

Question 13

The burning sensation is caused by capsaicin binding to what receptors?

Answer 13

Vanilloid ion-channel receptors

Question 14

What does the capsaicin binding result in?

Answer 14

A false signal sent to the brain that mimics the sensation of heat

Question 15

Why are capsicum peppers popular?

Answer 15

The perception of pain stimulates the release of endorphins which results in a pleasurable sensation

Question 16

What are the medicinal properties of capsaicin?

Answer 16

can be used as a topical analgesic to relieve pain for minor muscle aches, arthritis pain, and sprains; relief from skin rashes and psoriasis; and shingles
also has anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties; kills prostate cancer cells and inhibits leukemia cell growth

Question 17

Identifying traits of valerian

Answer 17

herbaceous perennial native to Europe

Question 18

How did Ancient Greeks use valerian?

Answer 18

to treat digestive and urinary tract disorders

Question 19

What is the sedative effect of valerian root attributed to?

Answer 19

valepotriates (valerenic acid and valtrate) and a number of essential oils (terpenoids)

Question 20

What has valerian been used for historically?

Answer 20

first nervous afflictions (hysteric complaints) and an effective sedative for decreasing stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders; nervous tension; promotes sleep

Question 21

Identifying traits of St. John’s wort

Answer 21

European, perennial herb

Question 22

How was St. John’s wort used in Middle Ages?

Answer 22

Was said to have magical powers, and apparently repelled evil spirits. Folk healers have used it to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Question 23

What are the secondary products of St. John’s wort and how do they work?

Answer 23

hypericin and hyperforin; inhibit reuptake of 5 major neurotransmitters and hyperforin has antibiotic and anti-viral properties

Question 24

What drug does St. John’s wort outsell in Germany?

Answer 24

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Question 25

Identifying traits of ginkgo

Answer 25

likely indigenous to China but is a cultigen, tree, distinct sexes

Question 26

How far back have ginkgo fossils been dated?

Answer 26

Jurassic period

Question 27

What was ginkgo used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

Answer 27

seeds were used to treat asthma, coughs, and bladder problems; leaves were used to improve blood circulation, treating skin disorders, and as a plaster to heal wounds

Question 28

What do ginkgo extracts do?

Answer 28

promotes vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) which improves blood flow and therefore treats short-term memory loss, arterial diseases (vericose veins), depression, cognitive problems and inner ear disorders

Question 29

What are ginkgo benefits to elderly patients?

Answer 29

improve memory, concentration, and overall alertness, reduced pain when walking, and relief from vertigo

Question 30

What are the active principles of ginkgo?

Answer 30

a group of related diterpenoids called the ginkgolides A-C; they are free radical scavengers that promote nerve cell viability, increase blood flow (preventing progress of dementia, which is caused by insufficient oxygen levels in the blood)

Question 31

Identifying traits of caucasian snowdrop

Answer 31

perennial, herbaceous, Daffodil family, native to Europe and west Asia

Question 32

How has the snowdrop been used medicinally?

Answer 32

treat muscle tissue disease, abnormal muscle weakness, and polio

Question 33

What’s the alkaloid in snowdrops and what does it do?

Answer 33

galantamine, inhibits acetylcholinesterase

Question 34

What is galantamine used for?

Answer 34

Treats Alzheimer’s disease, increases acetylcholine levels in the brain; enhances the memory of brain damage patients