Herbs Flashcards
______ increase ciliary activity, reduce mucus viscosity; liquefy pulmonary secretions
Ex: Eucalyptus, thyme
Expectorant herbs
______ form protective coating
Ex: Mullein, Marshmallow, Plantain
Mucilaginous herbs
What condition(s) are the tannin-containing herbs helpful in addressing?
Acute diarrhea
What herbs were formerly FDA-approved over-the-counter laxatives, but have since been disapproved due to modern efficacy and safety research?
Cascara and Aloe
What constituent of licorice can raise BP and is removed in some preparations?
Glycyrrhizin
What does a carminative do in the digestive system?
Relieves bloating and fullness
What does a cholagogue do in the digestive system?
Promotes bile production and emptying of the gallbladder
What does a bitter do in the digestive system?
Stimulates gastric secretions
What are the pharmaceutical medications with which St. John’s wort is most likely to interact in a significant way?
SSRIs
Protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors Anticoagulants
Immunosuppressants
What is the relationship between alliin, alliinase, and allicin in the pharmacokinetics of garlic?
Allianase acts on alliin to produce allicin
What does it mean for an herbal to “potentiate” a pharmaceutical medication? What precautions need to be taken in cases like this?
The herb increases the power or effect of the medication
Contraindications should be noted; taken with care
Discuss the history and evolution of the German Commission E and the development of its monographs on botanical therapeutics
The commission E was appointed by a government agency to review phytotherapeutic agents for efficacy and safety
What is a “declared content” on a botanical label and why is it important with potentially toxic herbals?
Name of each ingredient and what it contains
Describe current supplement labeling regulations regarding health claims and structure/function properties of herbs.
In the U.S., the label can describe an effect on the structure or function of the body if supported by a reasonable amount of scientific evidence Therapeutic claims cannot be made on the label or in the package insert
What is an enteric coated capsule? In what ways can they be helpful and at what point should they be used in relation to a meal?
1. Allow for controlled or delayed release of active ingredients
2. Improves ease of swallowing
3. Extends shelf life
4. Masks any unpleasant tastes of active ingredients
5. Taken at least one hour before a meal
6. Coating protects the medicinal core
7. All of the above
- All of the above
What is standardization about and what are its main purposes?
Standardization guarantees the content of one or more active constituents and marker compounds
common preparation using alcohol or alcohol+water to produce extracts of a wide variety of herbs and herb combinations
Tincture
especially useful for giving botanical medicines to children
Syrups
alcohol-free preparation that would be expected to contain only lipid-soluble components
Medicinal Oils
a solution of a volatile substance in alcohol of alcohol+water
Medicinal Spirits
made from fresh plant parts and contain water-soluble components
Plant Juices
water POURED boiling over herb and covered, STEEPED 10 minutes, then strain
(taken off the heat)
made with soft plant materials such as flowers, leaves and soft stems.
Decoction
Maceration
Infusion
Infusion
COVERED with water, boiled, SIMMER 10 minutes, strained
(left on the heat)
used for harder plant materials like roots, seeds and bark.
Decoction
Maceration
Infusion
Decoction
covered with room temperature water, stands 6 hours, strained
Decoction
Maceration
Infusion
Maceration
What are the key arguments AGAINST increasing regulation of botanical medicines in the United States?
difficult to reach the proof for medical efficacy
the following describe _______.
many herbal products contain undisclosed prescription or over-the-counter drugs and heavy metals
standardizing herbal preparations promotes batch-to-batch consistency
more responsibility on the manufacturers of dietary supplements (evidence of good manufacturing practices)
ensuring what?s on the label is what?s inside
lack of routine reporting of adverse events
interactions between herbs and drugs
the key arguments FOR increasing regulation of botanical medicines in the United States
All of the following except one are good arguments in favor of stricter regulation of botanical medicines?. Which one is not a good argument?
Interactions between herbs and drugs
Excessive prices for commercial herbal products
Adulteration of some preparations with drugs - Lack of routine reporting of adverse events
Lack of standardization among herbal preparations
Excessive prices for commercial herbal products
Which one of the following is not a difference between the US and European countries such as Germany regarding the status of herbal medicines?
The U.S. has always led the way worldwide in the development and testing of botanical medicine products
Herbal medicines are subjected to more regulation in European countries such as Germany.
Herbal products are regulated as dietary supplements in the US.
Herbal medicines have higher stature in medical education and clinical practice in European countries such as Germany.
The U.S. has always led the way worldwide in the development and testing of botanical medicine products
Digoxin is isolated from…
Foxglove leaf (Digitalis purpurea)
Opium poppy
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Chinchona bark
Foxglove leaf (Digitalis purpurea)
Codeine is isolated from…
Foxglove leaf (Digitalis purpurea)
Opium poppy
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Chinchona bark
Opium poppy
Aspirin is isolated from…
Foxglove leaf (Digitalis purpurea)
Opium poppy
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Chinchona bark
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Quinine (an anti parasite) is isolated from…
Foxglove leaf (Digitalis purpurea)
Opium poppy
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Chinchona bark
Chinchona bark
A typical botanical extract can be expected to concentrate active substances from the dried herb by how much in terms of an herb-to-extract ratio?
9: 1
5: 1
1: 9
1: 5
5: 1
What is the volatile oil content of typical herbs that contain such oils?
1-2%
True or False: Standardization of botanical preparations is simply a process of adjusting chemistry to produce the desired content.
FALSE
Which of the following, if any, is not one of the factors that can affect the content of active constituents of medicinal herbs.
Cultivation
Climate
Soil quality
Plant genetics
All of the above are factors
All of the above
Choose the correct statement about the use of solvents for preparing botanical extracts.
Aqueous extracts are high in polar compounds while alcohol extracts are high in lipophilic constituents
Aqueous and alcohol extracts are both high in polar compounds
Aqueous and alcohol extracts are both high in lipophilic constituents
Aqueous extracts are high in lipophilic constituents while alcohol extracts are high in polar compounds
All are correct
Aqueous extracts are high in polar compounds while alcohol extracts are high in lipophilic constituents
T or F: Using marker compounds to adjust the quality of botanical extracts can always be expected to guarantee consistent therapeutic potency of the product
FALSE
Which of the following, if any, is not true regarding fingerprint chromatograms?
Can characterize the presence and relative amounts of several herb components
Can be used to compare batches of the same product for quality control
Can confirm product identity by comparing products to standard reference samples
Utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography
All are true
All are false.
All are true
Which of the following, if any, is not an advantage of coated tablets over uncoated tablets?
Masks any unpleasant tastes of active ingredients
Allows for controlled or delayed release of active ingredients
Reduces the cost of the product
Extends shelf life Improves ease of swallowing
All are true
All are false
Reduces the cost of the product
When should enteric-coated tablets or capsules be taken?
At least 1 hour before a meal
T or F Pastilles and troches alternate terms for lozenges.
TRUE
Botanical product labels in the US are allowed to describe the purpose of the product according to which one of the following rules?
Can describe an effect on the structure or function of the body if supported by a reasonable amount of scientific evidence.
Indicate all of the correct statements below regarding the German Commission E.
The Commission E was appointed by a government agency to review phytotherapeutic agents for efficacy and safety
Commission E monographs only review single herbs and preparations made from them
The Commission E continues to gather and review monographs today - - The Commission E monographs are only available in German language editions
All are correct
None are correct
The Commission E was appointed by a government agency to review phytotherapeutic agents for efficacy and safety
The European Union relies on which agency to update critical information about phytomedicines?
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy
T or F: The authors of our text present data showing that the placebo effect does not account for much of the therapeutic effect of treating disorders such as widespread pain, insomnia, gastric symptoms, and depression.
FALSE
When a study reports only the change in outcome within each group, this is called a __________ comparison, and is a common error that may fail to detect a __________.
before and after comparison,
placebo effect.
According to the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale described in the file Important Terms in Botanical Medicine Research, what evidence grade would be given if any one of these criteria were met:
Evidence of benefit only from 1 small randomized controlled trial (RCT) of inadequate size and quality of design
Conflicting evidence of benefit from multiple RCTs with no clear benefit from the better designed trials,
Evidence of benefit only from observational studies and non-randomized trials with no basic science supporting evidence
Support only from basic science evidence or theory.
C (Unclear or conflicting scientific evidence)
Allium sativa Is latin name for _____ :
garlic
Indian guar
red yeast
onion
garlic
Cyamopsis tetragonolobus is the latin name for____
garlic
Indian guar
red yeast
onion
Indian guar
Monascus purpureus is the latin name for____
garlic
Indian guar
red yeast
onion
red yeast
What specific part of Allium saliva is used in botanical medicine?
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
bulb
Allium cepa is the latin name for____
garlic
Indian guar
red yeast
onion
onion
What specific part of Avena sativa is used in botanical medicine?
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
seed coat (bran)
What specific part of Ginkgo biloba is used in botanical medicine?
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
leaf
What specific part of Allium cepa is used in botanical medicine?
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
bulb
Which two botanicals have been shown to increase walking distance in subjects with peripheral arterial disease?
Ginkgo biloba
garlic
Indian guar
red yeast
onion
Allium sativa (garlic)
Ginkgo biloba
which garlic preparation is used in used in most clinical trials
garlic powder
which garlic preparation is used in used in steam distillation product subject to enzymatic and thermal breakdown of active constituents
garlic oil
which garlic preparation is used in fermentation product subject to degradation of active constituents
aged garlic
Which of the following, if any, is NOT a therapeutic effect of garlic demonstrated in at least some clinical studies?
Inhibits progression of atherosclerosis
Lowers blood triglycerides
Lowers total blood cholesterol
Lowers blood pressure
All of the above are effects
None of the above are effects
All of the above
T or F: According to human research, garlic can reduce platelet aggregation after a few days of treatment.
FALSE
What is the daily intake of alliin associated with successful lipid-lowering in most clinical studies using garlic powder?
6 -10 mg
2-5 mg
10-12mg
About 6 -10 mg
Which two adverse effects should be monitored in patients taking garlic?
Muscle pain
Excessive bleeding tendency
Hypotension
Hypertension
Tenderness
Weakness
Excessive bleeding tendency
Hypotension
What is the most likely mechanism for the effects of guar gum on blood cholesterol?
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis
Inhibition of cholesterol uptake from the gut
Inhibition of cholesterol uptake from the gut
What is the most likely mechanism for the effects of red yeast rice on blood cholesterol?
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis
Inhibition of cholesterol uptake from the gut
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis
What is the most likely mechanism for the effects of garlic on blood cholesterol?
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis
Inhibition of cholesterol uptake from the gut
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis
Which family of active constituents associated with red yeast rice?
Monacolins
alpha-bisabolol
apigenin
Monacolins
Which adverse effects should be monitored in patients taking red yeast rice?
Elevated liver enzymes
Muscle pain
Excessive bleeding tendency
Hypotension
Hypertension
Tenderness
Weakness
Elevated liver enzymes, Muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness
According to the National Institutes of Health article, garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of what type of drug?
an HIV drug
Which of the following is the most accurate list of possible side effects of ginkgo biloba?
headache, itchy eyes, gastrointestinal issues, asthma, fatigue, and drowsiness
anxiety, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, headache, heart damage, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms
headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions
breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions
headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions
Large amounts of a dangerous toxin are found in which ginkgo preparation?
roasted seeds
Hamamelis virginiana Is latin for _____
witch hazel
comfrey
German chamomile
witch hazel
Matricaria recutita Is latin for _____
pineapple
evening primrose
German chamomile
German chamomile
Oenotherae biennis Is latin for _____
witch hazel
evening primrose
German chamomile
evening primrose
Ananas comosus Is latin for _____
comfrey
pineapple
witch hazel
pineapple (bromelain)
Melaleuca alternifolia Is latin for _____
evening primrose
tea tree oil
pineapple
tea tree oil
Symphytum officinale Is latin for _____
German chamomile
comfrey
witch hazel
comfrey
Which specific part is used from Arnica?
seed oil
leaves and root
flower
leaves, twigs, and bark
flower
Which specific part is used from chamomile (Matricaria recutita)?
seed oil
leaves and root
flower
leaves, twigs, and bark
flower
Which specific part is used from
Evening primrose (Oenotherae biennis )?
seed oil
leaves and root
flower
leaves, twigs, and bark
seed oil
Which specific part is used from Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)?
seed oil
leaves and root
flower
leaves, twigs, and bark
leaves, twigs, and bark
Which specific part is used from Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)?
seed oil
leaves and root
flower
leaves, twigs, and bark
leaves and root
Name the active constituent: Evening primrose oil (Oenotherae biennis )
gamma-linolenic acid
(+)-terpinen-4-ol
apigenin
gamma-linolenic acid
Name the active constituent: Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
tannins
alpha-bisabolol
apigenin
tannins
Name the active constituent: chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - exerts anxiety-reducing effects
apigenin
helenalin
tannins
apigenin
Name the active constituent: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
(+)-terpinen-4-ol
apigenin
gamma-linolenic acid
(+)-terpinen-4-ol
Name the active constituent: chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties
apigenin
tannins
alpha-bisabolol
alpha-bisabolol
Name the active constituent: Arnica
helenalin
tannins
amma-linolenic acid
helenalin
promising or good evidence as a therapeutic intervention of post-operative or post-traumatic swelling, especially of the nose and paranasal sinuses
Bromelain (Ananas comosus)
__ has promising or good evidence as a therapeutic intervention of Psoriasis and genital herpes
Aloe vera (A. barbadensis Mill)
_____ has promising or good evidence as a therapeutic intervention for cutaneous fungal infections
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
_____ has promising or good evidence as a therapeutic intervention hemorrhoidal disease. (Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus)
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
______ has promising or good evidence as a therapeutic intervention for atopic eczema
Evening primrose oil (Oenotherae biennis )
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) products should have declared content of what potentially-toxic constituent?
unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Which botanical medicine may potentiate (increase power) the effects of anticoagulant and platelet-inhibiting medications?
Bromelain (Ananas comosus)
___ from Germany has shown positive results in the treatment of several types of skin disorders, including decubitus ulcers.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Which preparation of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis Mill) is suitable for topical treatment of skin conditions?
gel
Which botanical agent may increase the potency of certain antibiotics?
bromelain (Ananas comosus)
An anti-inflammatory product called Phlogenzym (marketed in North America as Wobenzym PS) contains several ingredients, one of which is ___________.
bromelain (Ananas comosus)
Which botanical is used both topically as an extract in tinctures, ointments, and oils as well as orally in homeopathic dilutions?
arnica
______ is the latin binomial name for Devil’s claw
Petasites hybridus
Harpagophytum procumbens
Tanacetum perthenium
Harpagophytum procumbens
______ is the latin binomial name for Feverfew
Petasites hybridus
Harpagophytum procumbens
Tanacetum perthenium
Tanacetum perthenium
______ is the latin binomial name for Butterbur
Petasites hybridus
Harpagophytum procumbens
Tanacetum perthenium
Petasites hybridus
What is the specific part used for pain in botanical medicine?
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
bulb
leaf
tuber
root
bark
tuber
What is the specific part used for pain in botanical medicine for Willow?
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
bark
What is the specific part used for pain in botanical medicine for Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)?
essential oil from leaf
What is the specific part used for pain in botanical medicine? Feverfew (Tanacetum perthenium)
bulb
leaf
seed coat (bran)
root
bark
leaf
What is the specific part used for pain in botanical medicine?
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
rhizome
parthenolide is the proposed active constituent or licensed standardized extract of what botanical?
Feverfew (Tanacetum perthenium)
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Feverfew (Tanacetum perthenium)
capsaicinoids are the proposed active constituent or licensed standardized extract for which botanical ?
Feverfew (Tanacetum perthenium)
Cayenne
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Cayenne
salacin is the proposed active constituent or licensed standardized extract for which botanical?
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Willow bark (salicis cort)
iridoid glycosides are the proposed active constituent or licensed standardized extract for which botanical?
standardized extract for which botanical?
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Petadolex is the proposed active constituent or licensed standardized extract for which botanical?
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
In clinical trials using Harpagophytum (Devil’s claw) extracts with standardized active principle content, what is the minimum amount of harpagoside prescribed per day?
50 mg
T or F: Given the pharmacokinetics of harpagoside (active ingredient in Devil’s class) , both of the following statements are true: 1) a single morning dose could be expected to reduce symptoms within half an hour, and 2) relief should persist for the entire day.
FALSE
Persons allergic to members of the daisy family should be cautious consuming which TWO herbs?
Feverfew ((Tanacetum perthenium) and
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Persons sensitive to aspirin should not use which herb?
Willow bark (salicis cort)
Which TWO botanicals have been shown effective against some types of pain when used topically?
Capsaicin (active constituent in Cayenne) and Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Which botanical has been shown clinically effective specifically against tension headache?
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)