Herbal Medicine: Marilyn Barrett, PhD; Text: Ch22, CR: pp. 31-34, Dr. Barrett’s Presentation Flashcards
Know the definition of pharmacognosy
is the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources. the study of drugs of natural origin botany chemistry pharmacology
Give some examples of common drugs that are derived from plants.
garlic: sulfur compounds & cardiovascular benefits: atherosclerosis, hypertension
ginger: phenolics & gastric benefits: nausea/vomiting, anti-inflammatory
asian ginseng
bilberry
cranberry
grape
turmeric
Give some examples of plants that are used as a source for drugs in use today.
belladonna opium poppy foxglove mint cinchona senna madagascar periwinkle
Know the difference between primary and secondary compounds in plants and give examples of each.
primary compounds are essential to the growth of the cell. They are produced continuously during the growth phase and are involved in primary metabolic processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.
carbs: sugars, gums, starches, cellulose, pectin
lipids: fatty acids, oil
proteins: amino acids, peptides, enzymes
secondary compounds are the compounds derived by pathways from primary routes & are not essential to sustain the life of cells. These compounds do not have a continuous production. These are the end products of primary metabolites such as below
phenolics : phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, quinones
terpenoids : terpenes, essential oils, resins, saponins, steroids, carotenoids
alkaloids : tropane, pyrrolizidine, piperidine, nicotinic, derivatives of phenylalanine & tyrosine-type, derivatives of tryptophan
What is the purpose of standardization of an herbal preparation?
consistent therapeutic effect biological activity chemical constituents manufacturing practices growing / harvesting procedures plant selection: species / variety
Know the common ways of how plant remedies are prepared.
chemical profile will vary with preparation raw plant tea / decoction tincture extract solvent: water, alcohol, oils, etc methods: soaking, boiling, percolating ratios: 5:1, 7:1, 50:1 salve essential oil purified extracts / pure compounds
Be familiar with Dr. Barrett’s recommendations on how to best select an herbal product.
reputable company toll free number clinical data quality seal cost
Know the quality seals that are put on herbal products.
consumerlab.com
US Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program
NPA (Natural Products Asso)
NSF American National Standard for Dietary Supplements
Others…
What are the Common Uses and Adverse Effects/Contraindications of the following herbs? Black Cohosh, Cranberry, Echinacea, Garlic, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian.
Ginseng: physical performance, cognitive functioning,
Category B
Indication of active constituent(s)
known constituents contribute to activity
whole preparation important for efficacy (plant to extract ration important)
standardization to selected constituents through blending
EX: ginkgo & SJW
Category C
no consensus on active constituents:
link with activity not definite
standardization best limited to consistent agricultural & manufacturing practices
ex: Valerian & Echinacea
valerian used : to relieve nervousness & as a sleep aid
Cranberry: supports urinary tract
Garlic: cardiovascular benefits: atherosclerosis, hypertension
St. John’s Wort: used: orally treat hysteria & nervous affections w/ depression ; topically to treat words, bruises, sprains
drug interactions: decreases in plasma concentrations:
anticoagulants
immunosuppressants
cardiac glycoside
antidepressants
low dose estrogen oral contraceptives
vulnerary, diuretic, neuralgic conditions antidepressant activity
Know the difference between professional and lay herbalists, according to the text.
Ginseng: physical performance, cognitive functioning,
Category B
Indication of active constituent(s)
known constituents contribute to activity
whole preparation important for efficacy (plant to extract ration important)
standardization to selected constituents through blending
EX: ginkgo & SJW
Category C
no consensus on active constituents:
link with activity not definite
standardization best limited to consistent agricultural & manufacturing practices
ex: Valerian & Echinacea
valerian used : to relieve nervousness & as a sleep aid
Cranberry: supports urinary tract
Garlic: cardiovascular benefits: atherosclerosis, hypertension
St. John’s Wort: used: orally treat hysteria & nervous affections w/ depression ; topically to treat words, bruises, sprains
drug interactions: decreases in plasma concentrations:
anticoagulants
immunosuppressants
cardiac glycoside
antidepressants
low dose estrogen oral contraceptives
vulnerary, diuretic, neuralgic conditions antidepressant activity
