CNS other

Question 1

Aconitum napellus

Answer 1

tropane alkaloids

This drug is stimulating at first then leads to paralysis of motor and sensory nerve endings.

CI: pregnancy and lactation

Side effects: extremely toxic, tingling of mouth, fingers, toes that spreads. sudden drop in body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, urination

Question 2

Atropa belladonna

Answer 2

tropane alkaloids

Interactions: potentiates anticholinergics, buproprion, atropine, dextromehtophan, TCAs

Contraindications: long term or high dose, BPH, urinary retention, prostate cancer, tachycardia, arrhythmia, closed angle glaucoma, GI stenosis, megacolon, pregnancy, lactation, children

side effects: hot as a hare, red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter”

Question 3

Avena sativa

Answer 3

starch, albumin, fiber

interactions: take away from HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

Question 4

Bacopa monnieri

Answer 4

triterpenoid saponins

side effects: possible palpitations, nausea, dry mouth, thirst

Question 5

Camella sinensis

Answer 5

purine alkaloids, caffein acid derivatives

interactions: decreases warfarin efficacy

CI: pregnancy and lactation due to caffeine, weak cardiovascular or renal system, hyperthyroid, anxiety

Side effects: GI irritation, constipation due to tannin

Question 6

Centella asiatica

Answer 6

triterpene acids

CI: pregnancy

Side effects: skin irritation if topical, photosensitivity, DM, hyperlipidemia, possible infertility

Question 7

Daura stramonium

Answer 7

tropane alkaloids

No recommended because non-standardized products have varying alkaloid content

Interactions: potentiates anticholinergics, TCAs

CI: glaucoma, pregnancy, anticholinergics, TCAs

side effects: hot as a hare, red as a beet, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter

Question 8

Eschscholzia californica

Answer 8

alkaloids, flavone glycosides

Interactions: MAOIs and SSRI

CI: pregnancy, lactation

Addictive

Question 9

Gelsemium sempverirens

Answer 9

indole alkaloids

Interactions: potentiates aspirin

CI: Hypotension, myasthenia gravis, pregnancy, respiratory or cardiac disease

side effects: double vision, dry mouth, dysphagia, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, loss of speech, pupil enlargement, trembling limbs, paralysis, cyanosis, compa

NOT USED MUCH ANYMORE, MAINLY AS HOMEOPATHIC

Question 10

Humulus lupulus

Answer 10

bitter acids (humulone)

Interactions: barbituates

CI: depression, pregnancy

Side effects: nausea, headache (hangover)

Question 11

Hyoscyamus niger

Answer 11

tropane alkaloids

Interactions: anticholinergics, TCA

CI: arrhythmia, prostatic cancer, closed angle glaucoma, GI stenosis, megacolon

Side effects: dryness, nausea, rapid pulse, vertigo, mydriasis, hallucinations, coma, salivation, death by asphyxiation

Question 12

Hypericum perforatum

Answer 12

hypericin, hyperforin, volatile oil

Interactions: benzodiazepines, TCA, SSRI
use to wean off MAOIs, potentiates anti retrovirals, antagonizes theophylline, cyclosporine, digoxin and warfarin

Induces CYP450

CI: suicidal ideation, high dose pregnancy

side effects: photosensitivity, alopecia, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue, depression, elevated liver enzymes

Question 13

Matricaria recutitia

Answer 13

volatile oil, coumarins, flavonoids, azulenes

interactions: may potentiate sedatives: anti histamines, barbiturates, benzos, opiates, trazodone, zolpidem

CI: allergy

side effect: allergy, only one case of anaphylaxis reported

Question 14

Melissa officinalis

Answer 14

volatile oil

none

Question 15

Passiflora incarnata

Answer 15

flavonoids, alkaloids (harman, harmaline),

Interactions: potentiate SSRI, MAOIs, sedatives

ci: pregnancy, uterine stimulant

Question 16

Piper methysticum

Answer 16

kava lactones
inhibits cox2

interactions: potentiates antipschotis, benzodiazepines

CI: lactation, pregnancy, depression

side effects: hepatotoxicity, addictive, exfoliative dermatitis, ulcers, vomiting, unconsciousness

Question 17

Piscidia erythrina

Answer 17

isoflavonoids

Interactions; potentiates sedatives

CI: pregnancy at high doses

side effects: high doses: nausea, vomiting, salivation, diaphoreses, hyporeflexia, bradycardia, mydriasis, depressed, convulsion, respiratory depression, heart failure, death

Question 18

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Answer 18

saponin

interactions: non
ci: pregnancy

side effect: skin irritation, GI irritation severe

Question 19

Rhodiola rosea

Answer 19

flavonoids, lignins, monoterpene glycosides

interactions: additive effect with stimulants
ci: mania

side effect: bipolar

Question 20

scutellaria lateriflora

Answer 20

flavonoids, tannins, iridio glycosides, volatile oils

side effects: from adulteration: toxicity, hepatotoxicity

Question 21

Tanacetum parthenium

Answer 21

fever few

3 beta hydroxy parthenolide: anti inflammatory, suppress prostaglandin production, does not inhibit COX

interactions: may antagonize morphine and blood thinners
ci: pregnancy in high doses, asteracea

side effects; blood thinning

Question 22

Valeriana officinalis

Answer 22

iridoids, volatile oils, sesquiterpenes (valerenic acid), starch, tannin, gum resin

interactions: other hepatotoxic agents, alcohol, opiates, benzo, barbiturates, take away from iron
ci: liver disease

side effects: drowsiness, headache, vertigo, restlessness, insomnia GERD, CNS paralysis