FB - Pharmacology and Toxicology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Flashcards
What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
Health care practices outside of mainstream Western medicine.
When is a non-mainstream practice considered “complementary”?
When used alongside conventional medicine.
When is it considered “alternative”?
When used in place of conventional medicine.
What are three main problems associated with CAM use?
Contamination, adulteration, misidentification.
Name one herbal supplement associated with hepatotoxicity.
Mahogany seeds.
What are the active components in garlic capsules?
Allicin and other sulfur compounds.
How do garlic capsules benefit the cardiovascular system?
Lowers blood pressure mildly, inhibits platelet aggregation.
Name a potential drug-herb interaction with garlic.
Increased risk of bleeding with blood thinners.
What is St. John’s Wort used for?
Mild to moderate depression.
What enzyme does St. John’s Wort induce?
CYP450 enzyme.
Name a side effect of St. John’s Wort.
Allergic dermatitis
How does Ginkgo Biloba benefit cognitive function?
Enhances blood flow to the brain.
What is a potential ADR of Ginkgo Biloba?
Nausea and constipation.
Name a drug that should not be taken with Ginkgo Biloba.
Aspirin, due to increased bleeding risk.
What are ginsenosides?
The main active components of Ginseng.
Name a clinical effect of Ginseng.
Blood thinning, lower blood sugar.
What is a caution for Ginseng use?
Not recommended for diabetic patients or those on warfarin.
How does Ginseng exhibit anti-cancer activity?
By reducing tumor angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis.
What are the beneficial effects of garlic on blood pressure and blood vessels?
Lowers blood pressure, increases arterial elasticity.
Name an adverse reaction to high doses of Ginseng.
Hypertension, insomnia, nervousness.
How does St. John’s Wort affect mood?
Inhibits MAO and re-uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine.
Why should St. John’s Wort be taken in the morning?
To minimize the effect on sleep.
What are the pharmacological effects of Ginkgolides?
Dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, inhibit platelet aggregation.
What uses does Ginkgo have for CNS disorders?
Memory disorders, headache, tinnitus, vertigo.
Name a beneficial effect of Garlic on the cardiovascular system.
Blocks cholesterol synthesis, dilates blood vessels.
What is a significant caution with St. John’s Wort?
It can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
How does CAM usage vary between adults and children?
Over 30% of adults and about 12% of children use CAM.
Why is understanding drug-herb interactions important?
To avoid adverse effects and enhance treatment efficacy.
What are the anti-inflammatory effects of Ginseng attributed to?
Reduced TNF-? and interleukin-1?.
Why must CAM be used cautiously in psychiatric patients?
Potential interactions with CNS-acting drugs.
What is a common misconception about herbal supplements?
That they are safe because they are “natural.”
How does the immune system benefit from Ginseng?
Modulation of immune function, increased activation of immune cells.
What are the vasoregulatory effects of Ginseng?
Increased endothelial nitric oxide, reduced prostacyclin.
Why is patient history important in CAM use?
To assess risk for ADRs and interactions.
What should be considered before taking St. John’s Wort?
Potency variation and interaction effects with other drugs.
How does CAM use relate to patient safety?
Through careful consideration of ADRs and interactions.
What are the challenges in managing CAM-related ADRs?
Detection, causality establishment, and integration into patient care plans.
