Herbals and Dietary Supplements Flashcards
When is Echinacea Purpurea used?
Common cold Infections Arthritis Ulcers Prevent bruising.
Noted to have immune properties.
What are the immune modulations of Echinacea Purpurea?
Increased Interleukins Increased tumor necrosis factor Enhanced natural killer cell activity Enhanced antibody dependent cellular toxicity Cytokine activation
What are the anti-inflammatory effects of Echinacea Purpurea?
Inhibition of cyclooxyrgenase
Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase
Inhibits hyaluronidase
Echinacea Purpurea Drug Interactions
Hepatotoxic drugs: Anabolic Steroids and methotrexate
Echinacea Purpurea Side Effects
Flu symptoms
Hepatotoxicity
Avoid in autoimmune disorders and AIDS/Cancer
Some forms have large amounts of alcohol
Caution in patients taking immunosuppressants
Echinacea Purpurea Anesthesia Concerns
Hepatotoxicity
Interference with immune suppressive therapy in organ transplants
Discontinue at least 2-3 weeks prior
Pharmacologic effects of Garlic (Allium Sativum):
Cardiovascular Effects
Endocrine Effects
Cancer Effects
Antiplatelet, antioxidant and anti-thrombolytic
Cardiovascular: helpful in CAD r/t fibrinolytic actions; possible decrease in vascular plaque accumulation. May reduce HTN.
Endocrine: Hypoglycemic effects
Cancer effects: reduction of pro-carcinogens specific for colon, breast, lung and stomach cancer.
Adverse effects of Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Increased bleeding time
Hypotension
Interactions: Warfarin, ASA, IBU, due to anti platelet effects.
Garlic (Allium Sativum) Perioperative Concerns
Inhibition of platelet aggregation with is irreversible
Discontinue at least 7 days prior to surgery
What is Ginger (Zingiber officinale) used for?
To decrease nausea
What are the pharmacologic effects of Ginger (Zingiber official)
Inhibits prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis
What are preoperative concerns of Ginger (Zingiber official)?
Augments the action of warfarin Inhibits platelet aggregation = increased bleeding time. Discontinue 7-10 days before surgery
Pharmacologic effects of Gingo Biloba (maidenhair tree; fossil tree)
It is an antioxidant that decreases red blood cell aggregation and blood viscosity, increasing blood flow.
What are the Cardiovascular effects of Gingo Biloba?
Significant reduction in peripheral vascular disease
No difference in blood pressure control
What are the Metabolic effects of Gingo Biloba?
Reduced markers of oxidative stress in patients undergoing CABG surgery
What are the CNS effects of Gingo Biloba?
Not proven effective in dementia
Animal studies showed increased receptor densities in serotonin and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors and a decrease in beta receptors
Adverse Effects of Gingo Biloba
Headache, muscle weakness, restless, mucosal irritation
Bleeding complications with Warfarin
Preoperative Concerns of Gingo Biloba
Adverse interactions with ASA, anticoagulants, thrombolytics, NSAIDs, insulin and hypoglycemic agents
Inhibition of platelet activating factor which could result in prolonged bleeding. Also can affect blood sugar levels and metabolism of anesthetic agents. Also increases postoperative sedation.
Discontinue 36 hours prior to surgery
What is Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) used for?
To enhance energy, lower blood glucose and as an antioxidant
What are the pharmacological effects of Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)?
Thought to be an “adaptogen” used to restore homeostasis in the face of stressors
Adverse Effects of Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
Hypertension, tachycardia, headache, anxiety
Also: vaginal bleeding, nostalgia, and insomnia
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): Drug Interactions
ASA, NSAIDs, blood thinners, MAOI’s, diuretics
Psych pt’s taking lithium, neuroleptics and phenelzine
Caution when use with psychiatric, estrogenic or diabetes drugs, hypoglycemic medications
May increase effectiveness of warfarin
Caution in immunocompromised and autoimmune patients due to increase in natural killer cells
Ginseng Preoperative Concerns
May exacerbate hypertension and tachycardia during surgery when combined with adrenergic agonists
Hypoglycemia; inhibits platelet aggregation and coagulation cascade
Discontinue at least 7-10 days prior to surgery
Pharmacologic effects of St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
- Has antidepressant effects: works in same way as MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors.
- Inhibits reuptake of serotonin, NE and Dopa
- Equivalent to SSRI in mild/moderate depression
Adverse Effects of St Johns Wort
GI distress, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, confusion and anxiety
Photosensitization, Hypomania, mania, and AUTONOMIC AROUSAL
“St John is AUTOmatically AROUSed.”
Drug Interactions of St Johns Wort
Induces CYP enzymes interfering with drug metabolism = Increased drug levels short-term, decreased drug levels long-term
- Carbamazepine, lidocaine, midazolam, nifedipine, simvastatin, theophylline
- Digoxin
- Birth control drugs
- Cyclosporine
- HIV protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, warfarin, theophylline and anticonvulsants
Inhibits re-uptake of amine transmitters: antidepressants and stimulants should be avoided due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Perioperative Effects of St Johns Wort
Inhibits serotonin, NE and Dopa reuptake by neurons; increases drug metabolism by induction of CYP 450
EFFECT ABILITY TO INDUCE ANESTHESIA with LIDOCAINE or promote relaxation with MIDAZOLAM
PROLONGED EFFECT OF ANESTHETIC AGENT
Discontinue at least 5 days prior to surgery
Why is Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) taken?
Decrease anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory