Herbal Remedies

Question 1

St. John’s wort

Answer 1

TRADE: none (referred to as Nature’s Bounty)
CLASS: herbal supplement
FDA approval: NOT approved
MAIN points:
1) used for moderate depression, menopause, & somatization disorder
2) should only be taken in doses and by itself as use with an antidepressant could lead to serotonin syndrome
3) may interfere with effects common in elderly medications

Question 2

Valerian

Answer 2

TRADE: none
CLASS: dietary supplement
FDA approval: NOT approved for medical use but generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food
MAIN points:
1) primarily used for insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual/menopausal symptoms, & headaches –> primarily promoted as a sleep aid, calming agent
2) high affinity for GABA receptors
3) safe, does not appear to induce dependence or addiction

Question 3

kava

Answer 3

TRADE: none
CLASS: herb, but produces sedative and anxiolytic effects (helps with anxiety, insomnia, & withdrawal symptoms)
FDA approval: NOT approved
MAIN points:
1) depressant that can help aid anxiety symptoms, the active ingredient is responsible for induced relaxation that acts on the CNS
2) may impact liver health/cause hepatotoxicity, driving ability, etc.
3) moderate use has not been shown to be addicting but individuals could develop a psychological dependence to manage relaxation and anxiety

Question 4

ashwagandha

Answer 4

TRADE: none
CLASS: dietary supplement but has antiinflammatory effects
FDA approval: not approved
MAIN points:
1) effectiveness for stress, persistent anxiety, & insomnia (quality of sleep)
2) beneficial when taken for a small period of time
3) demonstrated GABA mimetic effect (calming effect by slowing brain down)

Question 5

Especially if used in conjunction with caffeine, the use of Ma-Huang can cause…

Answer 5

stroke/cardiac arrest