Herbal Medications Flashcards
1
Q
echinacea
A
- extracted from plants
- MOA: increase cytokine production, inhibit cyclooxygenases, increase number of immunological blood cells
- use: decrease duration/intensity of cold
- adverse effects:allergic reaction, thrombocytopenia with etoposide (lung cancer tx), potential CYP 3A4 inhibitor
- contraindications: taking immunosuppressant meds
2
Q
ginkgo biloba
A
- oldest living tree species
- active component: flavone glycosides, terpenoids
- MOA: increase receptor density
- use: improve memory, treat/prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia
- adverse effects: nausea, headache, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, bleeding, antiplatelet action, uncooked seeds–> toxic–> seizures
3
Q
garlic
A
- allicin organosulfur compound that is active in raw garlic
- MOA: inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, enhance fibrinolytic activity, antioxidant effects, inhibit ACE, increase NO, increase H2S
- use: atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, hypertension, cancer prevention, infections
- adverse effects: increased bleeding, nausea, hypotension, allergy, induce P-glycoportein drug transporter in intestine–> reduce bioavailability of antivral saquinavir
4
Q
ginseng
A
- steroidal saponins from plant
- use: improve mental and physical performance and stamina, lower blood glucose, treat erectile dysfunction
- adverse effects: CNS stimulation, hypertension, irritability, sleeplessness, manic behavior (taking antipsychotics)
- contraindications: autoimmune disorders, antiplatelet/anticoagulants, hypoglycemia
5
Q
milk thistle
A
- silymarin
- MOA: decrease collegen accumulation in liver
- use: liver disease, cirrhosis, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, antidote to mushroom poisoning (Europe)
- adverse effects: very few reported
6
Q
St. John’s wort
A
- hypericin and hyperforin from species of plant
- MOA: inhibit reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinenphrine
- use: antidepressant
- adverse effects: photosensitization, hypomania, mania, withdrawal (slowly taper dose)
- induce CYP enzymes–> decrease serum conc. of other drugs
7
Q
Saw palmetto
A
- from small palm tree
- MOA: inhibit 5 alpha reductase induced conversion of testosterone into DHT; blocks DHT from binding to androgen receptors
- use: benign prostatic hyperplasia
- adverse effects: rare, GI disturbances
8
Q
glucosamine
chondroitin
A
- glucosamine: substrate for synthesis of cartilage
- chondroitin: prevent cartilage breakdown and stimulate repair
- use: osteoarthritis
- adverse effects: well tolerated, increased anticoagulant effects of warfarin, increased blood glucose
9
Q
melatonin
A
- produced by pineal gland
- MOA: regulates sleep-wake cycles; MT1 and MT2 receptors in CNS and peripheral tissues
- darkness induces release, light inhibits production
- use: take right before bed–> improves morning alertness and quality of sleep
- adverse effects: drowsiness, fatigue, affect BP, decrease PT time
- should NOT be used in men or women attempting to conceive (lower sperm quality and LH levels)
10
Q
butterbur
A
- plant native to Europe
- use: migraines
11
Q
feverfew
A
- member of daisy family
- MOA: parthenolide thought to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis
- use: migraines
- adverse effects: mouth ulceration, induce uterine contractions, interact with anticoagulants
12
Q
coenzyme Q10
A
- mitochondrial cofactor in ETC
- cell membrane antioxidant
- decreases with age, in HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophies
- use: reduce statin-induced myopathy, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, migraine
- adverse effects: well tolerated, GI upset
- similar to vitamin K–> antagonize warfarin
13
Q
fish oil
A
- omega-3 FA
- uses: hypertriglyceridemia, cardiovascular disease, lower BP (potentially)
