Herbal Actions Flashcards
Antioxidant
System :
All systems could be affected
Indications : - prevent degenerative diseases 1) cardiovascular disease 2)Alzheimer's disease Parkinsons disease
Herbs : all
Comment:
- accept or donate free radical
Pro-oxidants : concern exists for taking high doses because it creates free radical O’s
(high dose supplements) could be
Blueberries
Vaccinium spp
Antioxidant
Tea
Camellia sinensis
Antioxidant
Green Tea: Thermogenic
Pumpkins and Squash
Curcubita spp.
Antioxidant
Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
- decreases inflammation
System :
all
Indication :
- Cardiovascular disease
- Alzeimer’s disease
- Cancer
- conditions that end in ‘itis’
Herbs:
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Willow (Salix spp.)
• Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
• Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Turmeric
Curcuma longa Antiinflmmatory Antirheumatic Analgesic Hepatoprotective
Ginger
Zingiber officinale Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Carminative ( + Zingiberaceae family) Antiemetic Bitter - pungent Stomachic
Willow
Salix spp. Anti-inflammatory Antirheumatic Analgesic Antipyretic
Indian Frankincense
Boswellia serrata
Anti-inflammatory
Antirheumatic
Devil’s Claw
Harpagophytum procumbens
Anti-inflammatory
Antirheumatic
Eicosanoid Pathway
phospoholipids bind to arachidonic acid to form inflammatory substances
Astringent
contracts and thickens to decrease permeability and increase resistance to physical stress
Related :
antihemorrhagic
styptic
System :
Skin
Gastrointestinal
Indications: wound healing : laceration, bruises - ulcers -weeping eczema -inflamed skin (dermatitis ) -varicose veins -diarrhea
Herbs :
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Oak (Quercus spp.)
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Astringent
Styptic
Antiulcerogenic
Oak
Quercus spp.
Astringent
Styptic
Antiulcerogenic
Styptic
An astringent compound that stops bleeding when applied topically
Related :
- antihemorrhagic
- Astringent
System : Skin
Indications:
lacerations
ulcers
Herbs :
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis viriginana)
Oak (Quercus spp)
Vulnerary
- Speeds up the healing of wounds when applied topically
Related : anti-inflammatory
System :
Skin and Muscoskeletal
- Gastrointestina
Indications :
- soft tissue injuries (wounds lacerations, burns, bruises, eczema, ulcers)
- hard tissue injuries (sprains, strains, fractures)
Herb:
Internal or external
- Marigold ( Calendula officinalis)
Greater plantain (Plantago major)
External only :
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Comfrey (Symphytum officinalus)
Marigold
Vulnerary
Calendula officinalis
Antiulcerogenic
Greater plantain
Plantago major
Vulnerary
Antiulcerogenic
Arnica
Arnica montana
Vulnerary
External only
Antiulcerogenic
Comfrey
Symphytum officinalis
Vulnerary
External only
Antiulcerogenic
Chamomile
Matericaria recutita
Vulnerary
Internal or external
Antioxidant
Carminative
Nervine
Antiulcerogenic
(Anti-ulcer)
- prevents and/or faciliates the healing of ulcers
Related :
- astrigent
- vulnerary
System :
- Skin and Musculoskeletal
- Gastrointestinal
Indications :
- Ulcers
- wound healing
Herbs :
Dragon’s blood (Croton lecheri)
(vulnerary and astrigent herbs)
Internal or external - Marigold ( Calendula officinalis) Greater plantain (Plantago major)
External only :
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Comfrey (Symphytum officinalus)
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Oak (Quercus spp.)
Dragon’s Blood
(Croton lecheri)
Antiulcerogenic
Antipruritic
Relieves the itch sensation
Related :
anodyne
System:
Skin and Musculoskeletal
Indications:
- insect bites
- eczema
- poison ivy
- stinging nettle
Herbs:
- oatmeal (Aveena sativa)
- essential oils (which act as counter-irritants)
Alterative
Supports the removal of waste products to “clean the blood” and promote normal functioning body. “clear toxins”
Related :
depurative
System :
- Skin
- Detoxification
Indications :
- chronic skin conditions (acne, eczema , rashes, psoriasis)
Herbs :
Burdock root (Arctium lappa) - Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)
non-specific function : improving liver and bowel function , antimicrobial and or lymphatic action
Ulcer
A wound that is continuously irritated and doesn’t have the ability to heal
Burdock root
Arctium lappa
Alterative
Yellow dock
Rumex crispus
Alterative
Lymphatic
promotes proper function and drainage of the lymphatic system
Related :
Depurative
System :
- Skin
- Musculoskeletal
Indications :
- viral infections
- swollen lymph nodes
- chronic skin conditions (eczma, psoriasis, rashes)
Herbs:
Galium (Galium aparine)
Pokeroot (Phytolacca americana)
Lymphatics are often alteratives, but not all alteratives are lymphatics.
Galium
Galium aparine
Lymphatic
Pokeroot
Phytolacca americana
v. toxic : can be good in small amounts
Emolient
(moisturizer) softens and smooths the skin
System : Skin
Indications:
eczema
Herbs :
oatmeal (Aveena sativa)
olive oil
Aqueoous based creams absorb into the skin and are good for mild dry skin
Severely dry skin may benefit from salves and doesn’t moisturize but creates a protective barrier. (oliveoil)
Escharotic
destroys tissues , producing a ‘eschar’ scap that sloughs off.
Related: antimitotic
System : Skin
Indications :
- warts
- cancer
- skin lesions
Herbs:
bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
-may apple (podophyllum peltatum)
Oatmeal
Aveena satvia
Antipuretic
Emolient
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
relatively safe
Escharotic
May apple
Podophyllum peltatum
Escharotic
Antirheumatic
Relives rheumatism (inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue)
Related to :
antiinflammatory
anagelsic
System :
musculoskeletal & other
Indications:
arthritis
fibromyalgia
myalgia (pain in muscle/group)
Herbs:
- tumeric (Curcuma longa)
- devils claw (Harpagophtyum procumbens)
- Frankincence (Boswellia serrata)
- Willow (Salix spp.)
Analgesic
Alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Related :
- anodyne
- antipyrectic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-rheumatic
System : Musculoskeletal and other
Indications : pain
Herbs : opium poppy (Papaver smoniferum)
Willow (Salix spp.)
Tumeric (Curcuma longa)
Most antiinflammatories possess analgesic effects.
Opium Poppy
Papaver somniferum
Analgesic
Cough suppressant
Antitussive
Anodyne
Alleivates pain when applied topically
topical analgesic
Related:
antipruitic
System : Musculoskeletal and other
Indications :
arthritis
myaligia
neuropathy
Herbs:
Essential oils from plants :
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Peppermint
Mentha pipertia Anodyne Counter-iriitant Carminative (& lamiaceae family) Antiemetic
Wintergreen
(Gaultheria procumbens)
Anodyne
Counter-irritant
Camphor laurel
Cinnamomum camphora
Anodyne
Counter-irritant
TRPM8 Receptors
Cold receptors
activated by chemical cooling agents (menthol, camphor) or when ambient temp is below 26C
Gate-theory of pain : painful signal can be suppressed when another stronger, non-painful stimuli is produced (ie - cold, A535)
Rubefacient
Dialates capillaries causing increased blood flow to the area - makes skin red.
Related :
counter irritant
System : Musculoskeletal and other
Indications :
myalgia
arthritis
Herbs :
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Cayenne
(Capsicum frutescens) Rubefacient Counter-irritant Analgesic Diaphoretic Thermogenic
Counter-irritant
type of anodyne (topical analgesic) that causes sensation or irritation to the skin to lessen perception of pain.
Related :
topical analgesic
antipruritic
System :
Musculoskeletal
Skin
Indications:
Arthritis
muscle pain
neuropathy
insect bites
Herbs : Essential oils from plants :
peppermint (Mentha piperita) Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
TRPV1 Receptors
Noxious Heat REceptors.
> 43C , acid , pungent herbs
- cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
- clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- cinnamon (Cinnamomomum verum)
- ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Substance P and burning sensation. (a neuropeptide involved in pain transmission from peripheral receptors to CNS
Temporarily degenerates the nerve
Clove
Syzygium aromaticum
Analgesic
Cinnamon
Cinnamomomum verum
Analgesic
Gate-theory of pain
painful signal can be suppressed when another stronger, non-painful stimuli is produced (ie - cold, A535)
pain is not a direct result of activation of pain receptors but by interaction between neurons.
Patrick Wall and Ron Melzack 1962
Castor Oil
Topical Analgesic
Ricinus communis
Ricinoleic acid is irritating to tissues and acts as pro and anti-inflammatory. increases the peristalsis of smooth muscles
Immunostimulant
stimulates the immune system
Related :
immunomodulator - balances immune system
System :
Immune
Indications:
- preventing infections
-treating infections
immunosuppresion ( chemo, radiation)
Herbs :
Huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus)
- purple corn flower (Echinacea angustifolium)
Some immunostimulant herbs are not recommended during acute bacterial infection and only viral infection
Huang qi
Astragalus membranaceus
Immunostimulant
Purple corn flower
Echinacea angustifolium
Immunostimulant
Antipyretic
Reduces body temperature to alleviate fever
‘decrease fire’
Related :
febrifuge (syn)
antiperiodic
System :
infection
Indications :
- infections causing fever including : virus (flu , SARS,) , parasites (malaria) , bacteria (rheumatic fever)
Herbs :
Willow ( Salix spp.)
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Antipyretic
Insecticide
Antimicrobial (what is special about this?)
Antimicrobial means a lot of things it could mean :
- Antibacterial
Antiparasitic (Antimalarial, anthelmintic, antiamoebic)
Antifungal
Antiviral
Antimicrobial
Destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Related : Antibacterial Antiparasitic (Antimalarial, anthelmintic, antiamoebic) Antifungal Antiviral
System : Any
Indications :
infections
Herbs :
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrh)
Even though they are related to the subclasses, not all antimicrobials are effective against the subclasses
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis Antimicrobial Antibacterial MDR inhibitor Antiprotozoal
Myrrh
Commiphora myrrh
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Antiprotozoal
Pau D’Arco
Tabebuia avellanedae
Antimicrobial
Old Man’s beard
Usnea barbata
Antimicrobial
Antiseptics
Kills or inhibits growth of microorganisms - safe for humans. applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes, also works internally.
Related :
urinary antiseptic
disinfectant - (not safe for humans - bleach, iodine)
System :
GI
urinary
skin
Indications :
bacterial infection
essential oils (tea tree, oregano, clove, thyme, eucalyptus etc. ) are considered antiseptic. they disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms making them more vulnerable.
Herbs : Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Bearberry (Asctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Antiseptic
Antifungal
Antispasmodic
expectorant
antitussive
antimicrobial
antiinflammatory
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Antiseptic
Diuretic
Urinary antiseptic
Antibacterial
Kills bacteria
Related : antibiotic
All Systems
Indications : bacterial infection
Herbs:
Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis)
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrh)
Antimicrobial - synergy of plants
Berberine : a phytochemical with antimicrobial properties.
Herbs :
Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis)
Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris)
Oregon grape ( Mahonia aquifolium)
Actions : antibacterial (more effective vs. gram positive bacterial , antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral
MoA : inhibit bacterial proteins from being assimilated into the cell membrane.
MDR inhibitor
Block multidrug resistant pumps (MDRs) in microorganism that are normally used to transport toxic sybstances before they reach lethal concentrations
RElated : Antimicrobial
System : Infection
Indications :
Antibiotic resistant infection
cancer
Herbs :
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Oregon grape ( Mahonia aquifolum)
Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium
MDR inhibitor
Antimicrobial
Barbery
Berberis vulgaris
MDR inhibitor
Antimicrobial
Synergy of Berberine and 5’MHC
Berberine diffuses into the microorganism, but because it is being pumped out by various multi-drug resistant pumps (MDR) it can not reach a lethal concentration.
5’-MHC inhibits the MDR therby allowing berberine to accumulate in the microorganism so that it is no longer resistant to the berberine.
So 5’- MHC does not directly negatively effect the microorganism, but supports berberines function.
Berberine alone requires a very high concentration, but with the presence of 5 MHC it reduced the concentration needs for berberine to be active.
Milk thistle
(silybum marianum)
Related to MDR inhibitor
Antifungal
kills fungi and yeast
System :
skin, GI, genitourinary
Indications :
Candida (thrush, vaginal candidiasis)
Tinea ( Athletes foot, jock itch)
Herbs:
garlic (Allium sativum)
essential oils from thyme, tea tree, oregano
Garlic
Allium sativum
Antifungal
Case : 31 yr old woman with chronic yeast infections and bipolar
Unresponsive Yeast infections, bipolar and heartburn.
Treatment : high potency garlic (antifungal) , probiotics, deglycerated licorice.
Vaginal suppositories of garlic, probiotics and antimicrobial tincture.
When they treated the yeast infections, the bipolar was better too : not completely understood , but the microorganism may have been releasing toxins which influenced the brain
Antivirals
Kill viruses
Related :
anti-adherance
immunostimulant
System :
pot. all
Indications :
viral hepititis
Respiratory tract infections ( Colds , influenza)
herpes
Herbs :
licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra)
american ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius) Cold Fz
Elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis)
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Antiviral
Demulcent
Expectorant
American ginseng
Panax quiquefolius
(cold Fx)
Antiviral
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensus
Antiviral
Anti-adherance
Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
Antiviral
Anti-adherence
prevents the attachment of microorganisms to the muscosa of the host, which is required to establish the infection.
Related :
antibacterial
antiviral
System :
Urinary
respiratory
GI
Indications :
UTI ( E. coli)
Respiratory tract infection ( Colds, influenza)
stomach ulcers ( H. Pylori)
Herbs :
cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon)
elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis)
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Anti-Adherence
Anti-adhereance ( urinary)
antiadherent
diuretic
astringent (urinary)
antilithic
Antiadherence - Action
Agents : do not directly kill the microorganism but they interfere with the ability to bind to the host
Adherence of bacteria to the mucosa is important for the microorganism to affect the mucous membranes ( sore throats, UTI, etc.) They use HA ( Hemmaglutn A to bind)
Antiadherence add constituents/proteins to stop the binding and absorption to the mucous membranes.
Microorganisms : E. coli, H. pylori, NOT Candida
Constituents/Adhesions :
plug up the holes so bacteria can’t bind to mucous.
ex)
Condensed tannins : (cranberry, blueberry)
Hydrolizable tannins - garlic acid, and ellagic acid (from oak, witch hazel, or sage)
Antiparasitic
Destroys protozoa
- Helminths (little worms)
Ectoparasites ( live on your skin : fleas, lice)
Related :
antimalarial
antiamoebic
antileishmaniasis
System : infection
Indications :
Malaria
Herbs : lots
Anthemintic
destroys or expels helminths ( worms)
Related :
vermifuge - stuns worms
vermicide - kills worms
System : infection
Indications ; pinworms, hookworms, tapeworms
Herbs :
wormwood : Artemisia absinthium
tansy ( tanacetum vulgare)
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Anthelmintic
Bitter Tonic
Bitter - aromatic
Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Anthelmintic
Antiprotozoal
Destroys or expels protozoas
Related :
antimalarial
antiamoebic
antileishmaniasis
System : infection
Indications :
malaria, trichomoniasis (vaginitis) etc.
Herbs :
Black walnut ( Juglans nigra)
Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis)
Myrrh ( Commiphora myrrh)
Black walnut
Juglans nigra
Antiprotozoal
Antimalarial
Destroys parasitic protozoan (plasmodium spp.) that causes malaria.
Related : antiperiodic - decreases fevers associated with infections.
System : infection
Indications : malaria
Herbs: sweet wormwood ( Artemisia annua) cinchona bark ( Cinchona officinalis)
Sweet Wormwood
Artemisia annua
Antimalarial
Anticancer
Compound : Artemisinin
MoA - free radical generation : oxide group reacts with free heme generating reactive oxygen species
Alkyation of proteins and DNA - by the radical formed on the artemisinin molecule
Cinchona bark
Cinchona offinalis
Antimalarial
Insecticides
Destroys insects
Related Actions :
antimalarial, antiamoebic , antileishmaniasis
System : infection
Indications :
insects , ectoparasites ( lice, fleas)
Herbs : feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium
Peroxides
Antimicrobials
MoA - unstable nature allows them to produce a hydrozyl radial ( very destructive free radical)
Fenton rxn : uses Fe2+
Cause damage in
DNA - mutations
Amino acid - inactivate proteins and enzymes
Detoxification : our body wants to detox this we use catalade and glutathione peroxidase to do it.
Antimicrobial - some herbs contain peroxides and it makes them reactive compiunds against microorganisms.
Compound : Artemisinin
MoA - free radical generation : oxide group reacts with free heme generating reactive oxygen species
Alkyation of proteins and DNA - by the radical formed on the artemisinin molecule
turns free heme into hemozoin ( safe and stable)
Compound : Quinine
v. toxic used to kill malaria.
blocks enzyme heme polymerase from making hemozoin ( safe form)
must be combined with other drugs if using.
