First 2 weeks

Question 1

Bitters designation based on what?

Answer 1

physiologic function and taste rather than on chemical structure

Question 2

Physiologic response to bitters?

Answer 2

Taste receptors: TAS2R (T2Rs)
Increases saliva, stimulates gastrin and HCl secretion, increase in pancreatic enzymes, release of bile, stimulates peristalsis
stimulate GI incretin hormones and helps to regulate appetite

Question 3

Where are bitter receptors located?

Answer 3

tongue, colon, lungs, blood vessels, kidney, CNS, small intestine

Question 4

Bitters dosage?

Answer 4

5-10 drops in an ounce of water, sipped slowly over 15 minutes before the meal

Question 5

Bitters indications?

Answer 5

~anorexia/geriatric patients to stimulate appetite
~hypochlorhydria, dyspepsia, gas and bloating, parasites, food allergies, malabsorption syndromes, rheumatic or autoimmune conditions, acne rosacea by increasing digestive secretions
~GI conditions
~type II diabetes and dysglycemia due to supportive influence on blood sugars

Question 6

Condition counter-indicated to use bittters

Answer 6

acute hyperacidic gastritis

Question 7

Gentiana lutea

Answer 7

gentian

Question 8

What are the medicinal actions of Gentiana lutea?

Answer 8

a bitter=gastric stimulant
cholagogue
anti-microbial

Question 9

What are the constituents of gentiana lutea?

Answer 9

iridoid (anti-inflammatory)

Question 10

What is the medicinal use of gentiana lutea?

Answer 10

most indicated in conditions of poor, sluggish digestion (bloating, fullness after eating, pain) impaired appetite, anemia (increases Fe absorption), and malabsorption
it is used in the treatment of SIBO too
Is also a strong producer of saliva and treats dry mouth

Question 11

Contraindications for gentiana lutea?

Answer 11

pregnancy, excess hydrochloric acid production, weak constitutions with nervous system irritability (ulcer patient)

Question 12

Lactuca virosa

Answer 12

wild lettuce

Question 13

Constituents of Lactuca virosa?

Answer 13

lactucin

Question 14

Medicinal action of lactuca virosa?

Answer 14

bitter, nervine

Question 15

Medicinal uses of lactuca virosa?

Answer 15

non-constipating calmative, fairly sedative

Question 16

Mentha piperita

Answer 16

peppermint

Question 17

Mentha spicata

Answer 17

spearmint

Question 18

Constituents of mentha piperita?

Answer 18

volatile oil, rosmarinic acid

Question 19

Mechanism of action of mentha piperita?

Answer 19

chemically triggers cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, causes muscle relaxation by a blockage of calcium influx into the myocyte
does not cause actual drop in temperature

Question 20

Medicinal action of mentha piperita?

Answer 20

spasmolytic
carminative
cholagogue
cholaretic

Question 21

Medicinal uses of mentha piperita?

Answer 21

dyspepsia
colic
IBS (enteric coated peppermint oil shown to benefit people with IBS)
liver and gallbladder complaints
headache (topically)
mentha spicata has been studied to recude androgens in PCOS as a tea

Question 22

Contraindications of mentha piperita?

Answer 22

oil should not be used on the faces of small children or infants, and not on feet due to seizures reported
oil too strong for <6yo

Question 23

Zingiber officinalis

Answer 23

ginger

Question 24

Constituents of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 24

pungent principles (gingerols) 
fresh rhizome has more than dried which has more shogaols

Question 25

Mechanism of action of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 25

~inhibition of prostaglandin (COX-2), leukotriene (5LOX) and thromboxane synthesis, inhibits IL1alpha and beta, TNF alpha ~inhibition of platelet aggregation through inhibition of thromboxane and reduced platelet lipid peroxide formation ~inhibits substance P ~can act on TRVP channels, transient receptor potential superfamily of ion channels acting in the neurologic system

Question 26

Medical actions of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 26

carminative, anti-emetic, stimulant, anti inflammatory, diaphoretic

Question 27

Medicinal use of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 27

~GI conditions: improves gi motility while exerting antispasmodic effect ~gynecological conditions: relieves intensity and duration of pain in primary dysmenorrhea, also shown to reduce menorrhagia ~Inflammatory conditions: rheumatoid and oseoarthritis, migraine headaches, low dose 5-LOX inhibition, high dose COX-2 inhibition ~metabolic: human patients receiving 1g TID had reduced HbA1c and fasting blood sugar ~cardiovascular conditions

Question 28

Drug interactions of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 28

decreases vomiting caused by cyclophosphamide | may enhance the action of anticoagulant

Question 29

Contraindications of zingiber officinalis?

Answer 29

sensitive stomachs don't always tolerate | high blood pressure