Herbal Medicine

Question 0

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Answer 0

Strictly not “herbal” as these are not botanical compounds

Claimed use: osteoarthritis, inflammation

Question 1

Milk thistle (silybum marianum)

Answer 1

Active component is silymarin
Claimed uses: protective effects on liver and management of liver diseases (cirrhosis, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, hepatitis), lowering cholesterol level, reducing insulin resistance in DM2.

Question 2

Black Cohosh

Answer 2

Claimed uses: treatment of menopausal sx (hot flashes, mood disturbances)

Question 3

Ginko

Answer 3

Claimed uses: memory and concentration improvement, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Question 4

Ginseng

Answer 4

Description: contains a lot of ginsenosides (a class of steroid glycosides and triterpene saponins) believed to be pharmacologically active.
Claimed uses: overall health, stamina booster, immunostimulation, erectile/sexual dysfunction, hep c, diabetes, angina, pain, etc.

Question 5

Ginger

Answer 5

Anti-emetic, treatment of nausea and vomiting, motion sickness

Question 6

Echinacea

Answer 6

Claimed uses: treat or prevent colds or flu, other viral infections, immunostimulation, wound healing

Question 7

St. John’s Wort

Answer 7

Claimed uses: depression, anxiety

Herbal-drug interaction with cyclosporine (i.e. Cyclosporine rejection)

Question 8

Saw Palmetto

Answer 8

Claimed uses: Benign Prostate Hypertrophy