hepatics

Question 1

Cynara scolymus- Artichoke

Answer 1

actions:
reduces cholesterol production by the liver, increases cholesterol excretion in the bile, bitter, choleretic, cholagogue, decreases blood fats and fatty degeneration of the liver, diuretic, depurative

indications: sluggish liver, gallstones, hyperlipidemia, dyspepsia, kidney disease

hepatoprotective, chelating properties for reduction of blood lead levels

Question 2

Silybum marianum- Milk Thistle

Answer 2

primary hepatoprotective herb
Actions: hepatoprotective, hepatotonic, antihepatotoxic (particularly against aminita phalloides mushroom poisoning), bitter, galactagogue

Indications: liver diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism with fatty liver

Question 3

Chionanthus virginicus- Fringe tree

Answer 3

actions: strong choleretic, cholegogue, antiseptic, cathartic, diuretic, bitter
indications: acute jaundice, hepatomegaly, GB inflammation, constipation, acute congestion of the liver, wounds and inflammation (topically)
eclectics: hepatic engorgement, jaundice, acute congestion of the liver

Question 4

Taraxicum officinale- Dandelion

Answer 4

also can be considered alternative

actions:
leaf- nutritive, diuretic, choleretic
root- choleretic, cholegogue, bitter digestive tonic, aperient laxative, antirheumatic, anti inflammatory

indications:
leaf- water retention, edema
root- inadequate bile production, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, congestive jaundice

• studied in acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity- anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties
• hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects on cholesterol fed rabbits

Question 5

Cichorium intybus- Chickory

Answer 5

actions: mild bitter tonic, hepatoprotective
indications: coffee substitute, protects the liver from excess coffee drinking

Question 6

Mahonia spp.

Answer 6

actions: alterative, digestive bitter, anti catarrhal, antimicrobial, cholagogue, mild laxative
indications: skin conditions, poor GB function, infection

specificity of seat- liver

Question 7

Arctium lappa- Burdock

Answer 7

actions:
root- alterative, mild digestive bitter, antitumor, antimutagenic, nutritive, antirheumatic, phytoestrogenic, liver tonic

indications:
root- dry and scaly skin conditions, anorexia nervosa, cystitis, woulds and ulcers (poultice)

Question 8

curcuma longa

Answer 8

actions:
alterative, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, cholagogue, choleretic, emmenagogue, lowers cholesterol, carminative, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, vulnerary

indications:
inflammations of all kinds, jaundice, liver disorders, chronic skin conditions, CV disease

specificity of seat- liver and circulatory system

Question 9

Chelidonium majus

Answer 9

actions: cholegogue, choleretic, antispasmodic to bile ducts
indications: spastic discomfort of the bile ducts and GI tract