FB - Pharmacology and Toxicology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Flashcards

1
Q

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

A

Health care practices outside of mainstream Western medicine.

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2
Q

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

A

When used alongside conventional medicine.

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3
Q

When is it considered “alternative”?

A

When used in place of conventional medicine.

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4
Q

What are three main problems associated with CAM use?

A

Contamination, adulteration, misidentification.

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5
Q

Name one herbal supplement associated with hepatotoxicity.

A

Mahogany seeds.

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6
Q

What are the active components in garlic capsules?

A

Allicin and other sulfur compounds.

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7
Q

How do garlic capsules benefit the cardiovascular system?

A

Lowers blood pressure mildly, inhibits platelet aggregation.

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8
Q

Name a potential drug-herb interaction with garlic.

A

Increased risk of bleeding with blood thinners.

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9
Q

What is St. John’s Wort used for?

A

Mild to moderate depression.

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10
Q

What enzyme does St. John’s Wort induce?

A

CYP450 enzyme.

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11
Q

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

A

Allergic dermatitis

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12
Q

How does Ginkgo Biloba benefit cognitive function?

A

Enhances blood flow to the brain.

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13
Q

What is a potential ADR of Ginkgo Biloba?

A

Nausea and constipation.

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14
Q

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

A

Aspirin, due to increased bleeding risk.

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15
Q

What are ginsenosides?

A

The main active components of Ginseng.

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16
Q

Name a clinical effect of Ginseng.

A

Blood thinning, lower blood sugar.

17
Q

What is a caution for Ginseng use?

A

Not recommended for diabetic patients or those on warfarin.

18
Q

How does Ginseng exhibit anti-cancer activity?

A

By reducing tumor angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis.

19
Q

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

A

Lowers blood pressure, increases arterial elasticity.

20
Q

Name an adverse reaction to high doses of Ginseng.

A

Hypertension, insomnia, nervousness.

21
Q

How does St. John’s Wort affect mood?

A

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

22
Q

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

A

To minimize the effect on sleep.

23
Q

What are the pharmacological effects of Ginkgolides?

A

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

24
Q

What uses does Ginkgo have for CNS disorders?

A

Memory disorders, headache, tinnitus, vertigo.

25
Q

Name a beneficial effect of Garlic on the cardiovascular system.

A

Blocks cholesterol synthesis, dilates blood vessels.

26
Q

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

A

It can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

27
Q

How does CAM usage vary between adults and children?

A

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

28
Q

Why is understanding drug-herb interactions important?

A

To avoid adverse effects and enhance treatment efficacy.

29
Q

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

A

Reduced TNF-? and interleukin-1?.

30
Q

Why must CAM be used cautiously in psychiatric patients?

A

Potential interactions with CNS-acting drugs.

31
Q

What is a common misconception about herbal supplements?

A

That they are safe because they are “natural.”

32
Q

How does the immune system benefit from Ginseng?

A

Modulation of immune function, increased activation of immune cells.

33
Q

What are the vasoregulatory effects of Ginseng?

A

Increased endothelial nitric oxide, reduced prostacyclin.

34
Q

Why is patient history important in CAM use?

A

To assess risk for ADRs and interactions.

35
Q

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

A

Potency variation and interaction effects with other drugs.

36
Q

How does CAM use relate to patient safety?

A

Through careful consideration of ADRs and interactions.

37
Q

What are the challenges in managing CAM-related ADRs?

A

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