Herbals Flashcards
Limbrel (flavocoxid)
For OA
Contains Chinese skull cap and catechin
Thought to be as effective as naproxen as it inhibits COX 2 and 5LOX pathways and causes down regulation of pro inflammatory NFxBpathways
Do not given in allergy to dark chocolate, green tea, red wine or Brazil nuts, pregnancy or BF, or history of elects
Turmeric (curcumin)
Polyphenol
Anti inflammatory by inhibiting cytokine
Anticancer effects
Antidepressants effects
May inhibit beta amyloid production
Used for leg cramps and OA
D-D- many- anticoagulants and anti platelets, avoid in ASA, plavix, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, lovenox, heparin, warfarin
Cocoa flavanols
Anti oxidant
Can improve CV health, better BP control, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, endothelial function and insulin resistance
D-D- adenosine, clozapine, dipyridamole, ergots, estrogens, lithium
Green tea or Chinese tea or Japanese tea
Rich in polyphenol flavonoids
Safe for most adults more than 2 cups per day can increase risk of renal stones
May decreases growth of CA, tx mild asthma, anti microbial effects, warts
No interactions but has small vitamin K in it
Probiotics
Fermented foods, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee; yogurt
IBS, IBD, gut health, anti inflammatory
Medium chain triglycerides
Saturated fatty acid
Used as brain alternative energy source for cognition improvement
Used for pediatric seizures. Preventing muscle breakdown in critically ill patients, Alzheimer’s
Axona (caprylic acid)
For Alzheimer’s
Safe method to induce hyperketonemia, and provide alternative energy source for glucose in the dementia patients
Passion flower
Anxiety, insomnia, seizures, hysteria
Thought to work by increasing GABA
Tea, extract or tincture
Contradicted in pregnancy and BF
Sedative effects can occur
D-D- Avoid in anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzos, TCAs, anti platelets and anticoagulants, MOAI
Cayenne pepper
Aka capsicin, capsacum, paprika, red chilli, Tabasco pepper
Topical analgesic, promote swearing and increase saliva, agent to increase surface blood flow when applied to skin, pepper spray defense
Excessive use can cause gastritis, and hemorrhage, avoid contact with MM, hives and skin irritation can occur
Avoid in PUD; diverticulitis, IBS, injured skin
Soursop
Used for stomach, fever, sedative; anti cancer agent, antimicrobial
Neurotoxic effects can occur
Colloid silver
Metallic element, dilute amounts in liquid
Thought to be safe for eye drops in newborns
No known use for ingestion and can cause serious side effects
Açaí berries
Marketing for weight loss and anti aging
Anti oxidant properties, anti cancer
Goji berry
Many conditions but no sound scientific evidence
For DM, HTN, poor circulation, fever, malaria, cancer, ED, tinnitus, nosebleeds
D-D- antihypertensives, anti diabetic agents, Coumadin
Kava kava
Insomnia, fatigue; asthma, UTI, topical numbing, anxiety, menopausal symptoms
Can increase risk for liver damage, hepatitis, death, dystonia
D-D- anti PD drugs
Valerian
Sleep, anxiety, HA; depression, irregular heartbeat, trembling
Safe for short uses can cause mild side effects like morning fatigue, HA, dizziness, GI upset
Cinnamon
Used for GI issues, loss of appetite, diabetes
Avoid large doses if on blood thinners, large amounts not good
Chamomile
Anxiety. Insomnia, GI issues, flatus, diarrhea, skin condition, oral ulcers form CA
SE- rash, throat swelling, SOB, anaphylaxis
Horse chestnut
Venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, may be as effective as wearing compression stockings
SE- do not eat raw or unprocessed, this can be poisonous, safe short term
Stevia
Conflicting data may be hypotensive and hypoglycemia agent
No major contraindications or SE
Echinacea
Used for cold, flu, other infections
No sound benefits
No SE when taken orally, some rash, asthma, anaphylaxis notesd, GI issues
Ginseng
Overall health and boost immune system
Can increase sense of well being and stamina, ED, hepatitis C, menopausal symptoms. HTN, DM
SE- short term safe. Most common is HA, GI distress, hypoglycemia can occur if taking other diabetic agents
Ginkgo biloba
Asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, tinnitus, Alzheimer’s, intermittent claudication, MS, sexual dysfunctions, tinnitus
SE- HA, GI issues, diarrhea, dizziness; skin rash, increased risk of bleeding avoid if in anticoagulants
Avoid raw or unprocessed as can lead to neurotoxicity
St. John’s wort
Depression, anxiety, insomnia
Many D-D- antidepressants, birth control, cyclosporine, digoxin, indinavir, irinotecan, pheytoin, phenobarbital, warfarin, other anticoagulants, serotonin syndrome
SE- photosensitive, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, GI issues, fatigue, HA, sexual dysfunction
Ginger
Ulcers, nausea, diarrhea; motion sickness, RA, OA, muscle pain, anti inflammatory
Safe in pregnancy
SE- few, gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea
Soy flavonoids
Similar to estrogen, used for menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, memory problems, HTN, high cholesterol, breast and prostate CA,
SE- safe for most short term, nausea, bloating, constipation, allergic reactions
Flaxseed
Laxative, hot flashes, arthritis, high cholesterol, CA prevention
SE- few, take lots of water can worsen constipation
Licorice
Stomach ulcers, bronchitis, pharyngitis, viral infection, hepatitis
SE- in large amounts can cause high BP, sodium and water retention, hypokalemia, taking with diuretics and steroids can drop K very low, avoid in HTN, CV diseaaae
Avoid in pregnancy can cause pre term labor
Black cohosh
Arthritis, muscle pain, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, menopausal symptoms, induce labor
SE- do not use in liver disease, stomach discomfort, HA, rash
Not clearing if safe in breast CA or pregnancy
Milk thistle
Liver protective effects. Cirrhosis, hepatitis, gall bladder, lower cholesterol, insulin resistance, cervical and prostate CA
SE- well tolerated can cause GI issues for allergies, avoid in DM on anti glycemic agents can lower BG
Saw palmetto
Used for urinary symptoms, enlarged prostate, chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorder, decreased sex drive, alopecia, hormone imbalance, prostate CA
SE- well tolerated, can show slight decline in PSA but must be monitored, minor stomach discomfort
Evening primrose oil
Eczema, inflammatory conditions like RA, mastodynia associated with menses, menopausal symptoms, PMS, CA, DM
SE- well tolerated short term. GI upset, HA, long term safety not established
May increase risk for bleeding on warfarin
Myocalm
Specialized forms of calcium and magnesium that may play a role in muscle contraction and relaxation
Use in caution in pregnancy or BF
May cause drowsiness
Feverfew
Fevers, HA, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bite, infertility, menstrual issues, labor, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, vomiting
SE- none major, can cause canker sores, swelling of lips or face, loss of taste, nausea, bloating, if abrupt stop can cause HA, joint pain, nervousness, stiff muscles
Avoid in pregnancy
Aloe Vera
Medical use well established
Stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual problem, tx of calluses and corns, varicose veins, infection, skin CA, arthritis
SE- none significant, allergic reaction, can cause low BG, do not use as laxative in crohns, UC, spruce or IBS
Garlic
High cholesterol, heart disease, HTN, GI CA
Short term can slightly decrease cholesterol or slow AS development
SE- mostly safe, bad breath, body odor, heart burn, upset stomach, allergies
Can thin blood similar to ASA
Rhodiola
Anxiety, fatigue, anemia, impotence, infection, HA, depression, increased endurance
SE- dizziness, dry mouth, HA
Melatonin
Natural hormone sleep aid
SE- safe when short term, uncommon, drowsiness, HA, dizziness, nausea
Methyl sulfonyl methane
OA, hemorrhoids, rosacea
Safe for 90 days or less
No major D-D
SE- nausea, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, HA. Insomnia, itching, worsening of allergy symptoms
Avoid in pregnancy and BF
Red yeast rice
Thought to Lowe cholesterol
Similar SE as statins
Avoid in pregnancy.
D-D- other statin, nefazodone, antifungals, HIV drugs
S-adenosyl L methionine
Depression, OA, liver disease
Long term safety not established or pregnancy
D-D- may decrease levodopa, increase serotonin, SSRI, St. John’s wort, promotes growth of pneuomocystis avoid in immunodeficiency
SE- uncommon, nausea
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin
OA
No sound proof not recommended
Enzyme co Q 10
Antioxidant effects
Some CV benefit, can improve CHF, HTN, improve reproductive quality like sperm count
SE- insomnia, elevated LFTs, rashes. Nausea, upper abdomen pain, dizziness, photosensitivity, irritability, HA, heartburn, fatigue
Avoid in pregnancy or BF
D-DA statins may lower blood levels, warfarin
Weight loss
Harmful SE
Not able to keep weight off long term
Ephedra banned due to CV SE
Bitter orange
Heartburn, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, weight loss, ring worm, athletes foot
SE- increase HR/BP, fainting, MI, stroke
Avoid in CV disease, HTN, MOAI, excess caffeine
Avoid in pregnancy or BF
Yerba mate
Relieve mental and physical fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, CHF, palpitations, hypotension
Safe for most, for short periods
Does contain caffeine which can cause insomnia, nervousness, stomach upset, n/v, tachycardia, tachypnea, HTN, HA, tinnitus, palpitations
Likely unsafe when taken large amounts or long periods, increases risk of CA
Do not use in pregnancy or BF
Amino 5 hydroxytryptophan
Sleep, moods, appetite, pain sensation
Do not give in children
SE- mild, nausea, heartburn, gas, feelings of fullness, serotonin syndrome
Avoid if in antidepressants, liver disease, pregnancy or BF
D-D- TCAs, SSRIs, MOAIs, carbidopa, Tramadol, Demerol, triptans
Raspberry ketones
Weight loss and obesity
Not reliable
SE- not enough evidence, stimulant type reaction like jitteriness, HTN, tachycardia, palpitations
Avoid in pregnancy or BF
Garcina cambogia
Weight loss, exercise performance, joint pain, diarrhea, parasites.
Insufficient date
Safe for 12 weeks?
Nausea, GI distress, HA
Avoid in pregnancy or BF
