Herbal Medicine Flashcards
What is the definition of conventional medicine?
The use of pure chemicals in the treatment of diseases, regardless of their origin, whether of plant, animal, micro-organism, synthetic or semi-synthetic, organic or inorganic nature.
List examples of alternative or complementary medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Reflexology
- Cupping
- Aromatherapy
- Herbal therapy
What does herbal medicine or phytomedicine use for treatment?
Plants or their crude products for the treatment of diseases, which may also include animal, fungi, or bacteria.
What is the difference between alternative medicine and complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine.
What is phytopharmacology?
Natural drugs which have multiple effects must be tested in humans.
What does phytopharmacy refer to?
Preparation of natural drugs, either in natural forms (tea) or in pharmaceutical preparations.
Define phytotherapy.
The branch of herbal medicine that describes the potentials and limitations of herbal drugs in the treatment of human diseases. It should be practiced by physicians trained in herbalism.
What is the focus of phytochemistry?
The study of the chemical constituents in the plants.
What are the active constituents of Lapacho?
- Naphthaquinones
- Lapachol
- β-lapachone
What are the uses of Lapacho?
- Immuno-stimulant
- Antitumor for carcinoma and leukemia
- Adjunctive treatment for fungal, bacterial, and protozoal infections
What are the contraindications for Lapacho?
- Caution in pregnancy due to possible abortive and teratogenic actions
- Contraindicated in patients on anti-coagulant therapy due to warfarin-like action of naphthaquinones at high doses.
What active constituents are found in Podophyllum?
- Podophyllotoxins
- Podophyllic acid
- α and β peltatin
What is the cytotoxic action of Podophyllum used for?
Applied locally in the treatment of soft venereal and other warts.
What is Paclitaxel and where does it come from?
Paclitaxel (taxol) is a diterpenoid compound from the bark of the Pacific Yew Tree.
What unique biological action does Paclitaxel exhibit?
It inhibits mitosis and prevents the growth of cancer cells, differing from the vinca alkaloids.
What types of cancer is Paclitaxel approved to treat?
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
What is Karela known as?
Bitter melon.
What are the active constituents of Karela?
- Charantin (steroidal glycosides)
- Cucurbitacins (bitter principles)
- A polypeptide
What are the uses of Karela?
- Insulinomimetic action
- Insulin secretagogue
- Enhancement of glucose uptake in muscle tissue
- Glycogen accumulation in muscle and hepatic tissues.
What are the contraindications for Karela?
- Not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women as it may cause abortion
- Decrease fertility in men and women
- Not used in hypoglycemic patients.
What are the active constituents of Termis?
- Alkaloids (lupinine)
- Proteins (globulins)
- Sterols
How does Termis likely stimulate insulin release?
Probably through stimulation of insulin release by β-cells.
