Herbal, Botanical, and Nutritional Supplements

Question 1

main use of echinacea

Answer 1

decrease duration and intensity of cold symptoms

Question 2

main use of garlic

Answer 2

reduce cholesterol and HTN

Question 3

main use of ginkgo

Answer 3

dementia/ cerebral insufficiency
intermittent claudication

Question 4

main use of ginseng

Answer 4

improvement of serum glucose and mental performance

Question 5

main use of milk thistle

Answer 5

limitation of hepatic injury
antidote to mushroom poisoning

Question 6

main use of St. John’s Wort

Answer 6

treatment of mild to moderate depression

Question 7

main use of saw palmetto

Answer 7

improvement in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Question 8

main use of black cohosh

Answer 8

relief of PMS and menopausal symptoms

Question 9

main use of valerian root

Answer 9

anxiety and insomnia

Question 10

main use of Co-Q10

Answer 10

CHF, HTN, statin-induced myopathy
Parkinson’s disease

Question 11

main use of glucosamine

Answer 11

reduction of pain associated with osteoarthritis

Question 12

main use of melatonin

Answer 12

sleep aid

Question 13

ADR of echinacea

Answer 13

unpleasant taste, GI effects, dizziness, headache, high alcohol content possible

Question 14

who should avoid use of echinacea?

Answer 14

immunocompromised and pregnant pts

Question 15

ADRs of garlic

Answer 15

nausea, hypotension, allergic rxns, breath and body odor

Question 16

who should avoid use of garlic medically?

Answer 16

pts on antiplatelet drugs

Question 17

ADRs of ginkgo

Answer 17

GI effects, anxiety, insomnia, headache

Question 18

who should avoid use of ginkgo?

Answer 18

pts on antiplatelet drugs or hx of seizures

Question 19

ADRs of ginseng

Answer 19

estrogenic effects, insomnia, nervousness, HTN

Question 20

who should avoid use of ginseng?

Answer 20

pts receiving anticoagulants, antihypertensives, hypoglycemics, or psychiatric meds

Question 21

ADR of milk thistle

Answer 21

loose stools

Question 22

ADRs of st. john’s wort

Answer 22

photosensitization, GI effects, decreases effectiveness of BC, cyclosporine, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors, and warfarin

Question 23

who should avoid St. John’s Wort?

Answer 23

pts on SSRIs, or MAO-Is (can lead to serotonin syndrome)

Question 24

ADRs of saw palmetto

Answer 24

abdominal pain, GI distress, decreased libido, headache, HTN, rare cases: pancreatitis, liver damage, increased risk of bleeding

Question 25

ADR of black cohosh

Answer 25

rash, headache, possible hepatic toxicity

Question 26

ADR of valerian root

Answer 26

vivid dreams, dry mouth, GI upset, hangover effect

Question 27

ADRs of Co-Q10

Answer 27

GI upset, rash, thrombocytopenia, irritability, dizziness, headache, can decrease effect of warfarin

Question 28

ADRs of melatonin

Answer 28

sedation, next-day drowsiness, headache, can suppress mid-cycle surge of LH, can decrease prolactin levels, and sperm quality

Question 29

Who should avoid melatonin?

Answer 29

pregnant women or women trying to conceive

Question 30

ADR of fish oil

Answer 30

elevated LDL, GI effects, fishy burps, increased risk of bleeding

Question 31

who should avoid fish oil?

Answer 31

pts on anticoagulants