Le34.Herbal & Dietary Substances Flashcards
Why was Ma Huang removed from the mkt?
Ma Huang, which contained pharmacological doses of ephedra, was proven to be associated with higher levels of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, strokes and hypertensive episodes.
What has evidence based studies found about the efficacy of Gingko biloba?
Gingko biloba has been found to promote cerebral vasodilation and improved cerebral blood flow, thereby reducing short term memory loss (alzheimers) and relieving headache, tinnitus and depression.
What has evidence based studies found about the efficacy of Saw palmetto extracts?
Saw palmetto has been shown to decrease the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperlasia
What has evidence based studies found about the efficacy of Kava kava?
Controlled studies of Kava kava have shown no efficacy in treating patients with general anxiety disorders
Aloe Vera:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- External gel: topical anesthetic and antibacterial. Taken internally as laxative
- Occasional burning to abraded skin and severe GI cramping and diarrhea due to irritating large intestine
- Systemic ingestion may inhibit absorption of oral meds bc speeding up of digestive tract leads to excretion b4 absorption
Astragulus (huang chi, milk vetch):
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Improve immune function & heart health. May also possess memory enhancing effects
- May inhibit platelet aggregation & reduce blood glucose
- Additive hypoglycemic effects & supra-additive bleeding effects
Bilberry fruit:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Astringent (vasoconstrictive) effects are used to tx inflammation of the mouth and throat. Prepared as a tea to tx diarrhea. Unverified reports that bilberry fruits tx diabetic rhetinopathy
- Mild antiplatelet & hypoglycemic affects
- Supra additive w/ antiplatelet drugs & may increase effect of anti-diabetic drugs
Dong quai:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Female health tonic (China). Remedy for fibrocystic breast disease, pre-menstraul syndrome, painful periods and menopausal symptoms
- Excessive amounts may cause hypotension, antiplatelet effects & photosensitivity
- Increased hypotensive effects w/ anti-hypertensive drugs & increased bleeding risk w/ antiplatelets
Echinacea (purple cornflower):
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Immune system stimulator. Used to tx flu, coughs, colds, bronchitis, UTIs & other bacterial, viral and fungal infections
- May aggravate autoimmune disorders
- May counteract effects of immunosupressive drugs such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine & anticancer drugs
Garlic (allium, stinking rose):
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Digestive aid to tx hypertension & hyperlipidemia. Limited evidence BUT may lower LDL & triglycerides and increase HDL
- Possible allergic skin & respiratory rxns. Inhibition of platelet aggregation
- Increases antiplatelet & anticoagulant drug effects
Gingko biloba:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- PROVEN useful for tx of dementia, alzheimer’s, peripheral arterial occlusion & vertigo. Appears to enhance memory & concentration
- Possible bleeding & mild GI upset & headache
- Increases antiplatelet & anticoagulant drug effects
Kava-kava:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Active compounds (lactones) act at the mu-receptors & have muscle relaxing, antianxiety & anticonvulsant effects. Used to tx nervousness, insomnia, tension, stress & agitation. In oral cavity Kava has local anesthetic effect
- Numbness of mucous membranes in mouth. Rare association w/ liver toxicity. High doses –> psychomotor impairment, ataxia & drowsiness (similar to Benzos).
- Additive affects w/ other CNS depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids
Saw Palmetto:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Anti-inflammatory & testosterone-moderating effects tx benign prostatic hypertrophy. Also used to tx irritable bladder
- Occasional GI affects. Big Issue: self tx w/ saw palmetto may lead to delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer
- Possible interactions w/ other hormone drugs
St. John’s Wort:
- Uses/Effects
- Adverse Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Well Studied. Tx mild to moderate depression or anxiety. Also beneficial in some women w/ painful cramps and topically to tx wounds, burns & other skin injuries
- Chronic & high dose use –> photosensitivity. Drowsiness, GI discomfort & headache also possible
- Induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 isoforms in GI tract and liver! Thus decreased blood levels of oral contraceptives, statins, cyclosporins & warfarin result. Increased risk of photosensitivity if taken w/ quinolones or tetracyclines. Additive effects w/ other CNS depressants
