CNS herbs

Question 1

Which CNS herbs are toxic and should be avoided completely?

Answer 1

Aconite, Datura, Gelsimium, and maybe Piscidia

Question 2

Which CNS herbs have anticholinergic effects?

Answer 2

Belladonna (contains atropine)

Hyoscamus (muscarinic receptors only)

Question 3

Which CNS herbs are cholinesterase inhibitors?

Answer 3

Bacopa (use for ADHD, memory; safe)

Gelsemium (toxic, don’t use)

Question 4

Which herb is not safe for people with celiac disease and may inhibit absorption of statins?

Answer 4

Avena sativa (its an oat, in the grass family)

Question 5

Which herb is a safe sedative for children?

Answer 5

Escholtzia California (California poppy)
However it has potential to be addictive.
It can also inhibit the action of antidepressants

Question 6

Which herb is used for opioid and nicotine withdrawal?

Answer 6

Avena sativa

Question 7

Which herbs are used for menopause, menses, etc?

Answer 7

Humulus lupus inhibits menopuase

Pulsatilla regulates menstruation

Question 8

Which herb can speed the healing of gastric ulcers, and support heart health, but also can decrease absorption of other drugs?

Answer 8

Matricaria recutita

Its a sedative, and can potentiate other sedatives

Question 9

Which herb is used for nerve pain, and what are the side effects?

Answer 9

Hypericum (St. John’s wort)
Can cause serotonin syndrome when used with SSRIs.
Has an action like SSRIs, MAOIs, or benzos. Can be used to wean off MAOIs.
*** Induces CYP 450 3A4

Question 10

Which herb is a nervine and hypotensive?

Answer 10

Passiflora

Potentiates SSRIs, MAOIs, sedatives

Question 11

Which herb is a selective COX 2 inhibitor which is used as a sedative and for nerve pain?

Answer 11

Piper (kava kava)
Don’t use in depression

Piper and Hypericum are both used for nerve pain, but Hypericum will support depression which Piper will worsen it

Question 12

Which herb increases stamina, longevity, and improves altitude sickness?

Answer 12

Rhodiola

It is safe except for bipolar disorder- it can cause mania

Question 13

Which herb supports nervousness and twitching but can cause tremors?

Answer 13

Scutellaria laterafolia

there is also another Scutellilaria
(Take it now and you will feel calm LATER)

Question 14

Which herb inhibits prostaglandins, but not COX, and what are the drug interactions?

Answer 14

Tanacetum. Used for migraine prevention.

Potentiates anti-coagulants and opioids.

Question 15

Which herb prevents breakdown of GABA?

Answer 15

Valerian

Hard on the liver, don’t use in liver disease or with other herbs or drugs which are hepatotoxic

Question 16

Which herb is anti-cancer and prevents dental caries?

Answer 16

Camella sinensis
Don’t use in most organ disease, or with anticoagulants
Causes constipation and diarrhea

Question 17

What are the symptoms of anticholinergic overdose?

Answer 17

Occurs with herbs that have atropine or scopolamine in them:
Belladonna
Hyoscamus (muscarinic only)

Hyperthermia, red face, dry mucus membranes, mydriasis, blurry vision, delirium, seizures, coma, death

“Hot as a hare, red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter”

Question 18

What are the symptoms of cholinesterase-inhibitor overdose? IE organophosphate poisoning

Answer 18

SLUDG
salivation, lacrimation, urination, diaphoresis, gastrointestinal upset

Tx: atropine (anti-cholinergic)