Constiuents Flashcards
What is mucilage? Give examples.
A group of polysaccharides that form a gel-like consistency when combined with water.
Demulcent, emollient, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, bulking laxative, soothing expectorant, anti-spasmodic.
(marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain, aloe gel, chia, flax, psyllium)
What is a tannin? Give action and examples.
Toning and tightening effect due to the ability to precipitate proteins and reduce secretions. Usually found in parts of the plant that shed- leaves, fruit, bark
Astringent, hemostatic, vulnerary, anti-diarrheic, dry up secretions
(green/ black tea, red raspberry leaf, white willow, horse chestnut, witch hazel, uva ursi)
What is a salicylate? Give actions and examples.
Ease pain and reduce inflammation. A group of simple phenolics with salicin, methyl salicylate and salicylic acid.
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-pyretic, febrifuge (fever reducer), anti-septic
(Meadowsweet, white willow, cramp bark)
What is a bitter? Give actions and examples.
Bitter, digestive stimulant. (Choleretic, cholagogue)
(Wormwood, gentian, Oregon grape, dandelion, bitter greens)
What is a hepatic? Give actions and examples.
Acts on the liver. Supports breakdown of fat and production of bile. (Choleretic, cholagogue)
(milk thistle, goldenseal, turmeric, dandelion root)
What is a flavonoid? Give actions and examples.
Biological response modifier. Made up of a carbon skeleton with 2 substituted benzene rings. Found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, vascular tonic, connect tissue tonic, liver-protective, anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-cancer
(marigold (calendula), green/black tea, hawthorn berries, bilberry, blueberry, turmeric, chamomile)
What are volatile oils? Give actions and examples.
Aromatic herbs. A complex mixture of over 100 compounds.
Carminative, rubefacient, nervine stimulants, nervine relaxant, anti-microbial, immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory
Garlic, peppermint, lemon balm, ginger, lavender
What is a saponin? Give actions and examples.
“Soap-like” Based on steriod or triterpene fat-soluble base joined with a water-soluble sugar molecule.
Immunomodulator, diuretic, stimulating expectorant, anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant, emmenogogue, cardiac stimulant, hormone modulating, hepatoprotective, adaptogen.
Wild yam, licorice, ginseng
What is an alkaloid? Give actions and examples.
Mixed group of constituents containing nitrogen-bearing molecule. Most commonly found in flowering plants.
Anti-spasmodic, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, nervine stimulant, vasodilatory, psychotropic/hallucinogenic
(Deadly nightshade, goldenseal, lobelia, borage, comfrey, coffee, green tea, chocolate)
What is an anthraquinones? Give actions and examples.
Largest subgroup of quinones.
Stimulating laxative
(cascara, senna, aloe latex, turkey rhubarb)
What is a coumarin? Give actions and examples.
Occur in glycosidic form. Simple coumarins have a vanilla-like odor.
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic and edema-modifiers.
(horse chestnut, red clover)
What is a lignan? Give actions and examples.
Polyphenolic indigestible plant fiber, often metabolized by intestinal microbiota.
Phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, reduce cholesterol, nephro & hepatoprotective
(Milk thistle, schisandra, flax seeds)
What constituent group do all of these herbs belong to?
Marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain, aloe gel, chia, flax, psyllium
Mucilage
What constituent group do all of these herbs belong to?
green/ black tea, red raspberry leaf, white willow, horse chestnut, witch hazel, uva ursi
Tannin
What constituent group do all of these herbs belong to?
Meadowsweet, white willow, cramp bark
Salicylate
