Final Study Guide: Herbal products

Question 1

What is DSHEA?

Answer 1

Regulates herbal dietary supplements: defined as taken by mouth and contains a ‘dietary’ ingredient to supplement diet.

*may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, and nutrients

Question 2

Once herbal products are marketed who is responsible for insuring they are safe?

Answer 2

The FDA

Question 3

Can Herbals be promoted to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease?

Answer 3

NO

Question 4

What is St. Johns Wort?

Answer 4

Promoted to treat depression

Question 5

What is Echinacea?

Answer 5

Promoted to treat colds (controversial)

Question 6

What is Aloe Vera?

Answer 6

• Promoted for skin care and help with wound healing

- Dietary supplement to treat constipation

Question 7

What is Cranberry?

Answer 7

Used to preven UTI’s

Question 8

What is Garlic?

Answer 8

• Slowly lowers Cholesterol (minor effect)

- Some thinning of blood

Question 9

What is Ginko?

Answer 9

• Promoted to improve memory

- Can increase bleeding risk

Question 10

What is Ginseng?

Answer 10

Boost immune system

May lower blood sugar

Question 11

What is Ephedra?

Answer 11

• Sympathomimetic: contains ephedrine
• Used for anorexia and as a stimulant

*FDA requires removal from most OTC products, although still will occasionally be seen in herbal preparations.