herbal medicines

Question 1

what are the health benefits of st johns wort and what is the active ingredient

Answer 1

antidepressant for mild to moderate depression.
active ingredient hyperforin inhibits serotonin and NA reuptake

Question 2

what are some drug interactions of st johns wort

Answer 2

induces cyp450 enzyme, decreasing plasma levels of other drugs (patients taking cyclosporin for preventing tisse rejection had more rejections when taking sjw)
increased p glycoprotein levels. decrease in drugs like digoxin due to increased efflux
serotonin syndrome if taken with other medications that increase serotonin

Question 3

what are the health benefits of gingko biloba leaf extract and what are the active ingredients

Answer 3

memory, concentration, dizziness, tinnitus, headache, stroke, may have antiplatelet and antihypertensive properties (do active ingredients reach therapeutic dose?)
bilobalide (neuroprotective antihypertensive) and ginkgolides abc (platelet activating factor antagonists)

Question 4

what are health benefits of garlic and its active ingredients

Answer 4

antihypertensive, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, cancer preventing, lipid lowering
allicin and sulphides which release H2S which are anti inflammatory and vasodilators.

Question 5

what are health benefits of saw palmetto fruit and its active ingredients

Answer 5

improves urinary flow in mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate gland growths)
phytosterols and free fatty acids may be active ingredients. showed reduction in 5-dihydrotestosterone

Question 6

what are some problems with herbal medicines

Answer 6

1. poor manufacturing quality generally for unlicenced herbal products.
2. misconception that they are healthier due to them being natural.
3. drug-herb interactions, more dangerous than ddi because self medication rates greater
4. potentially toxic compounds in plants, limited toxicological data (purified supplements safer)

Question 7

what are some negative effects of black cohosh

Answer 7

no evidence that it reduces menopausal symptoms. hepatotoxic

Question 8

what can poor manufacturing quality of herbal medicines lead to

Answer 8

1. differing levels of active ingredients
2. misidentification of herbs (inexperienced people pick wrong plant)
3. high bacteria or fungal content
4. presence of pesticides
5. contamination with toxic substances

Question 9

what can cause contamination and variability in herbal medicines

Answer 9

1. different levels of ingredient between plants
2. poor growth of herb due to poor weather conditions
3. different levels of ingredient between different parts of plant
4. bad storage conditions can lead to fungal and bacterial contamination
   (good manufacturing can prevent, licenced more safe