Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medications Flashcards
What is the nature of echinacea?
Leaves and roots of echinacea species (Echinacea purpurea) contain flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and caffeoyl conjugates.
What are the main pharmacologic effects of echinacea?
- Cytokine activation and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Some evidence for efficacy of above-ground parts of E.purpurea plants in the early treatment of colds.
What are the possible side effects of echinacea?
- Unpleasant taste
- GI effects
- Dizziness/headache
What drugs are derived from ephedra (Ma huang)?
- Ephedrine
2. Pseudoephedrine
Why has FDA banned the marketing of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids?
Due to cardiovascular risk.
What is the mechanism of action of ephedra?
Indirect acting sympathomimetic that release NE. (like ephedrine/pseudoephedrine).
What is the conditions in which ephedra is used?
- Nasal decongestion
- Asthma/bronchitis
- Cold/flu
- As mild CNS stimulants
- Also for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement.
What extra applications has ephedra in Chinese medicine?
- Diuresis
2. Relief of bone and joint pain
What are the major side effects of ephedra?
Those of ephedrine:
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Flushing
- Anorexia
- Urinary retention
What are the contraindications for the use of ephedrine?
- Anxiety states
- Bulimia
- Arrhythmias
- Diabetes
- CHF
- HTN
- Glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pregnancy
How can renal elimination of ephedra be faciliated?
By urinary acidification (ephedra is a weak base).
What is the nature of garlic?
Contains organic thiosulfinates that can form allicin (responsible for the characteristic odor) via enzymes activated by disruption of the garlic bulb.
What are the main pharmacologic effects of garlic?
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibition
- ACE inhibition
- Platelet aggregation block
- Incr. NO
- Fibrinolytic
- Antimicrobial
- Decr. carcinogen activation
What are the possible side effects of garlic?
- Nausea
- Hypotension
- Allergic reactions
- Problems with patients on anticoagulants
What is the nature of ginkgo?
Prepared from the leaves of Gingko biloba, ginkgo contains flavone glycosides and terpenoids.
What are the main pharmacologic effects of ginkgo?
- Antioxidant and radical-scavenging effects.
- Incr. NO
- Reduced blood viscosity
- Changes in CNS neurotransmitters
What is the common intended use of ginkgo?
- Treatment of intermittent claudication
- Cerebral insufficiency
- Dementia
What are the possible side effects of ginkgo?
- GI effects
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
What are the conditions in which ginkgo is contraindicated?
- Patients receiving anticoagulants
2. Patients with a history of seizures - may be epileptogenic.
What is the nature of ginseng?
From the plant of the genus Panax, which contain multiple triterpenoid saponin glycosides (ginsenosides).