Endocrine system

Question 1

1. Licorice

Answer 1

Glycyrrhiza glabra
Leguminosae
Root, stolon

Actions:
Antiinflammatory, mucoprotective, demulcent, antiulcer, adrenal tonic, expectorant, antitussive, mild laxative, anticariogenic

Indications:
Gastric & duodenal ulceration, GI refulx
pcos, infertility, ms cramps, dysmenorrhoea
Adrenal insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, UTI
Cough, bronchitis, upper resp tract catarrh
Addison’s disease

Contraindications:
Cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, hypokalemia, severe kidney insufficiency, pregnancy, oedema, congestive heart failure
High doses need high potassium, low sodium diets & closely monitored for BP increase & wt gain.
Hypokalemia greatest threat (even low doses)
Caution in elderly & those w HT, cardiac, renal or hepatic disease
slight risk may counteract OCP

Question 2

2. Ginseng

Answer 2

Panax ginseng
Araliaceae
Root

Actions:
Thymoleptic, adaptogenic, tonic, stimulant, cancer preventative, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, immune enhancer, male tonic

Indications:
Neurasthenia, neuralgia, insomnia
Hypotonia, depressive states associated w sexual inadequacy
Fatigue, debility, convalenscence
Impotence & male fertility probs, increasing immune function

Contraindications:
Hypertension, acute illness, haemorrhage, coronary thrombosis.
Acute asthma, acute infections
Avoid in those highly energetic, nervous, tense, hysteric, manic or schizophrenic
w stimulants eg caffine, warfarin or antipyschotic drugs
Pregnancy
May potentiate action of MAOIs

Question 3

3. Rehmannia

Answer 3

Rehmannia glutinosa
Gesneriaceae
Root

Actions:
Antipyretic, adrenal tonic, antiinflammatory, antihaemorrhagic

Indications:
Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, urticaria
Chronic nephritis, fevers, haemorrhage, skin rashes, diabetes
Benefit is supporting adrenal function, esp in HT present, prevents suppressive effects of corticosteriod drugs

Contraindications:
None known

Question 4

4. Rhodiola

Answer 4

Rhodiola rosae
Crassulaceae
Root

Actions:
Adaptogenic, tonic, hepatoprotective, hepatorestorative

Indications:
Improvement of physical work capacity, stress conditions, improvement in cognitive function, learning & memory
Fatigue & exhaustion

Contraindications:
Caution in depression w hysteric & phobic symptoms (bipolar).
Avoid stimulants (caffine)

Question 5

5. schisandra

Answer 5

schisandra chinensis
schisandraceae
Fruit

Actions:
Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, adaptogenic, nervine tonic, antitussive, oxyrocic, mild antodepressant

Indications:
Acute & chronic liver failure, hepatitis, poor liver function
Improving physical performance, endurance, resistanct to the effects of stress, improving mental performance
Chronic cough, asthma
Night sweating, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhoea, enuresis

Contraindications:
TCM - contraindicated in early stages of cough or rash & in excess heat patterns
Pregnancy except to assist childbirth

Question 6

6. Bladderwrack, kelp

Answer 6

Fucus versiculosus
Fucaceae
Thallus (plant body)

Actions:
Weight reducing, thyroid stimulant, demulcent

Indications:
Obesity associated w iodine deficiency
Thyroid conditions resulting from iodine deficiency
Rheumatic conditions, including arthritis

Contraindications:
Hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, lactation, cardiac problems associated w hyperthyroidism
May interact w thyroid replacement therapies (thyroxine)
Pregnancy & lactation

Question 7

7. Bugleweed

Answer 7

Lycopus virginicus
Labiatae
Aerial parts

Actions:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (THs) antagonist
Antithyroid, mild sedative
Reduces heart rate

Indications:
Hyperthyroidism
Grave’s disease & associated symptoms such as tachycardia, rapid pulse, exophthalmia

Contraindications:
Thyroid hypofunction, enlargement of thyroid without functional disorder
Do not take w thyroid hormones, may also interfere w thyroid diagnostic procedures using radioactive isotopes
Pregnancy & lactation (antigonadotropic activity)

Question 8

8. Gymnema

Answer 8

Gymnema sylvestre
Asclepiadaceae
Leaf

Actions:
Antidiabetic,hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolemic, weight reducing

Indications:
Diabetes (both types), reducing sence of taste for sweet foods, reducing appetite & caloric intake

Contraindications:
None known

Question 9

9. sage

Answer 9

salvia officinalis
Labiatae
Aerial parts

Actions:
spasmolytic, antioxidant, astringent, antomicrobial, antihyperhidrotic

Indications:
Inflammation & infections of mouth & throat
Dyspepsia, excessive sweating, febrile conditions
Menopausal hot flushes, night sweating
Reducing or stopping lactation, nervous debility, exhaustion

Contraindications:
Pregnancy & lactation
Do not exceed dose
Caution long term