Herbal Medicine - Phytochemistry Flashcards
What is phytochemistry?
Phytochemistry is the study of plant-derived chemicals, including primary and secondary metabolites, crucial for plant function and medicinal applications.
What are primary metabolites?
Primary metabolites are compounds essential for plant growth and function, such as starch, chlorophyll, cellulose, and lignin.
Give examples of primary metabolites and their roles.
Starch (energy storage), chlorophyll (carbohydrate production), cellulose (withstand cellular pressure), lignin (structural support).
How are primary metabolites important in nutritional medicine?
Starch provides energy, while cellulose and lignin provide digestive fiber.
What are secondary metabolites?
Secondary metabolites assist plants’ survival, such as defending against pathogens, protecting from decomposition, and attracting pollinators. They are pharmacologically active in humans.
Give examples of secondary metabolites and their roles in plants and humans.
Alkaloids in caffeine (natural pesticide in plants, CNS stimulant in humans) and tannins in green tea (protect from decomposition in plants, astringent effects in humans).
What do herbal medicines contain, and what are their effects?
Herbal medicines contain phytochemicals, resulting in multiple therapeutic effects or ‘actions’.
Give examples of the actions of chamomile.
Chamomile has calming effects (relaxes CNS, reduces neural activity), antispasmodic (relieves gas/bloating), anti-inflammatory (for skin and digestive membranes), and anti-ulcer properties.
What are alkaloids, and give an example.
Alkaloids have strong stimulant effects on the nervous system. Example: Berberis vulgaris (berberine).
What are anthraquinones, and give an example.
Anthraquinones cause powerful evacuation. Example: Senna.
What are flavonoids, and give an example.
Flavonoids are antioxidants and antiviral. Example: Hawthorn berry.
What are saponins, and give an example.
Saponins have adaptogenic and steroid-like effects. Example: Liquorice.
What are tannins, and give an example.
Tannins are astringent (bind to proteins and dry out wounds). Example: Yarrow.
What are terpenes, and give an example.
Terpenes are antispasmodic (in the GIT and lungs) and antimicrobial. Example: Lavender.
How does pharmaceutical research approach phytochemistry?
Pharmaceutical research often focuses on isolated compounds in vitro or animal studies, which may miss the synergistic/holistic effects of whole herbs.
