Essential oils and phenolics Flashcards
What are essential oils?
Fragrant volatile liquids produced by methods such as distillation and solvent extraction
Essential oils can be classified as terpenes or phenyl propanes.
What are the major constituents of essential oils?
Low molecular weight hydrocarbons & oxygenated hydrocarbons, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and esters
Essential oils typically contain more than 50 components.
Which essential oil component is more active and toxic?
Ketones
Alcohols are more potent as antimicrobial agents.
What is the pharmacodynamics of essential oils?
Exhibit a wide variety of pharmacological activities due to chemical diversity
Most evidence comes from in-vitro tests, case reports, and clinical trials.
What is a carminative?
Remedies used to relieve symptoms of bloating & flatulence
Derived from the Latin word ‘to cleanse’.
Which essential oil is considered the most active for gastrointestinal disorders?
Peppermint
Other active oils include Cardamom, Dill, Caraway, Anise, and Rosemary.
What significant effect did a liquid herbal formula containing fennel and peppermint have in clinical trials?
Found to be superior to the spasmolytic drug metoclopramide
Marked clinical improvements were noted after 2 weeks.
What is the expectorant effect of essential oils based on?
Stimulation of glandular cells and ciliary activity of the epithelium
They can be applied directly by inhalation.
Which essential oil is traditionally prescribed as an expectorant?
Myrtle oil
Commonly used for acute & chronic bronchitis.
What diuretic effect does the essential oil of juniper berries exhibit?
Significant diuretic effects on repeated doses
Essential oil terpenes have shown promise in dissolving small kidney stones.
What sedative activity is supported by early studies?
Lavender essential oil
Clinical trials have demonstrated significant improvements.
What is a potential risk associated with the use of essential oils?
They are highly concentrated and should be used with caution
Certain oils can be toxic or carcinogenic.
What defines phenolic acids?
Phenol + at least one carboxylic acid
Common examples include gallic acid and salicylic acid.
What are the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of salicylic acid derived from?
Willow bark and methyl salicylate
Used for fever and arthritis.
What is the antioxidant activity of flavonoids attributed to?
Their ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit oxidation of LDL
Contributes to anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity.
What is the role of Silymarin in hepatoprotection?
Has hepatoprotective and anti-hepatotoxic effects
Isolated from milk-thistle (Silybum marianum).
Which flavonoid-derived drug is used for inflammation and cancer?
Flavopiridol
It is the first cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in human clinical trials.
What cardiovascular benefit is associated with flavonoid intake?
Significantly reduces mortality and incidence of stroke in elderly men
Sources include tea, onions, and apples.
Fill in the blank: Phenols are characterized by a _______ group attached to a benzene ring.
[hydroxyl]
