FB - Pharmacology and Toxicology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Question 1

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

Answer 1

Health care practices outside of mainstream Western medicine.

Question 2

When is a non-mainstream practice considered “complementary”?

Answer 2

When used alongside conventional medicine.

Question 3

When is it considered “alternative”?

Answer 3

When used in place of conventional medicine.

Question 4

What are three main problems associated with CAM use?

Answer 4

Contamination, adulteration, misidentification.

Question 5

Name one herbal supplement associated with hepatotoxicity.

Answer 5

Mahogany seeds.

Question 6

What are the active components in garlic capsules?

Answer 6

Allicin and other sulfur compounds.

Question 7

How do garlic capsules benefit the cardiovascular system?

Answer 7

Lowers blood pressure mildly, inhibits platelet aggregation.

Question 8

Name a potential drug-herb interaction with garlic.

Answer 8

Increased risk of bleeding with blood thinners.

Question 9

What is St. John’s Wort used for?

Answer 9

Mild to moderate depression.

Question 10

What enzyme does St. John’s Wort induce?

Answer 10

CYP450 enzyme.

Question 11

Name a side effect of St. John’s Wort.

Answer 11

Allergic dermatitis

Question 12

How does Ginkgo Biloba benefit cognitive function?

Answer 12

Enhances blood flow to the brain.

Question 13

What is a potential ADR of Ginkgo Biloba?

Answer 13

Nausea and constipation.

Question 14

Name a drug that should not be taken with Ginkgo Biloba.

Answer 14

Aspirin, due to increased bleeding risk.

Question 15

What are ginsenosides?

Answer 15

The main active components of Ginseng.

Question 16

Name a clinical effect of Ginseng.

Answer 16

Blood thinning, lower blood sugar.

Question 17

What is a caution for Ginseng use?

Answer 17

Not recommended for diabetic patients or those on warfarin.

Question 18

How does Ginseng exhibit anti-cancer activity?

Answer 18

By reducing tumor angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis.

Question 19

What are the beneficial effects of garlic on blood pressure and blood vessels?

Answer 19

Lowers blood pressure, increases arterial elasticity.

Question 20

Name an adverse reaction to high doses of Ginseng.

Answer 20

Hypertension, insomnia, nervousness.

Question 21

How does St. John’s Wort affect mood?

Answer 21

Inhibits MAO and re-uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.

Question 22

Why should St. John’s Wort be taken in the morning?

Answer 22

To minimize the effect on sleep.

Question 23

What are the pharmacological effects of Ginkgolides?

Answer 23

Dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, inhibit platelet aggregation.

Question 24

What uses does Ginkgo have for CNS disorders?

Answer 24

Memory disorders, headache, tinnitus, vertigo.

Question 25

Name a beneficial effect of Garlic on the cardiovascular system.

Answer 25

Blocks cholesterol synthesis, dilates blood vessels.

Question 26

What is a significant caution with St. John’s Wort?

Answer 26

It can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Question 27

How does CAM usage vary between adults and children?

Answer 27

Over 30% of adults and about 12% of children use CAM.

Question 28

Why is understanding drug-herb interactions important?

Answer 28

To avoid adverse effects and enhance treatment efficacy.

Question 29

What are the anti-inflammatory effects of Ginseng attributed to?

Answer 29

Reduced TNF-? and interleukin-1?.

Question 30

Why must CAM be used cautiously in psychiatric patients?

Answer 30

Potential interactions with CNS-acting drugs.

Question 31

What is a common misconception about herbal supplements?

Answer 31

That they are safe because they are “natural.”

Question 32

How does the immune system benefit from Ginseng?

Answer 32

Modulation of immune function, increased activation of immune cells.

Question 33

What are the vasoregulatory effects of Ginseng?

Answer 33

Increased endothelial nitric oxide, reduced prostacyclin.

Question 34

Why is patient history important in CAM use?

Answer 34

To assess risk for ADRs and interactions.

Question 35

What should be considered before taking St. John’s Wort?

Answer 35

Potency variation and interaction effects with other drugs.

Question 36

How does CAM use relate to patient safety?

Answer 36

Through careful consideration of ADRs and interactions.

Question 37

What are the challenges in managing CAM-related ADRs?

Answer 37

Detection, causality establishment, and integration into patient care plans.