Lecture 5 - Natural products, cancer and fungal infections Flashcards
What is arnica and what is it used for?
Arnica is a natural product which is derived from the herb Arnica Montana and it is used as a cream or gel for bruising, arthritis, oedema due to fracture and inflammation due to insect bites.
What are the active phytochemicals of arnica?
There are over 150 active phytochemicals identified in Arnica flos. The main constituents are sesquiterpene lactones and its esters. The sesquiterpene lactones affect the anti inflammatory processes by inhibiting NF- kappaB and NF-AT at micro molar concentrations.
What active phytochemicals of Arnica Flos get through the human epidermal membrane?
The two maiin permeants found using mass spectrometry are 11a, 13-dihydrohelenalin methacrylate and tiglinate esters. The recorded concentration is very low even after 12 hours.
What kind of validation do they use on in vivo patch testing?
They would use nicotinic acid or 0.1% betamethasone to show if the active ingredient causes vasodilation or vasoconstriction when compared to them.
What is glucosamine and what is it used for?
It is an amino- monosaccharide which is widely marketed in the form of a salt (sulphate or chloride) to treat osteoarthritis. It is normally given at an oral dose of 1500mg per day.
What should your professional judgement be when considering natural products?
Should consider the benefit to risk. Patient safety comes first. Should look at drug interactions and maybe consider evidence based therapy.
What is basal cell carcinoma and its treatment?
It is the least malignant and most common form of skin cancer. It is also know as rodent ulcer. It is caused due to exposure to sunlight on face/ears. They appear as shiny dome- shaped nodules with small visible veins.
It is treated in more than 99% of the cases by surgical excision. For larger nodules, can consider radiotherapy Cryotherapy also can be used for superficial forms. Drug therapy consist of fluorouracil(cancer drug to slow growth of cancer cells) and imiquimod (used for wart on genitals)
What is squamous cell carcinoma and its treatment?
This type of cancer arises from the keratinocytes of stratified squamous epithelium They appears as scaly red papules that can ulcerate and bleed. They are most often found on face and hands. This type of cancer can grow rapidly and metastasise. Can often be found in immunosupressed patients.
If caught early, the treatment would be surgical excision or by radiation therapy then the chances of cure are good.
What is malignant melanoma and its treatment?
It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and it is caused due to long exposure to UV radiation. It is very common on the head, face,hands and back for men. For women it is common on the lower leg. Malignant melanoma is very metastatic and resistant to chemotherapy. It occurs in melanocytes and can begin wherever there is pigment.
The key to survival is early detection. When found, they have a surgical excision and start on chemotherapy.
Pharmacist play a part in preventing cancer and it is advised to avoid sun exposure between 11am to 3 pm and use high SPF sunscreen (apply at regular interval).
What is ABCD(E) of melanoma?
ABCD(E) is used to recognise melanoma.
A - asymmetry (one half does not match the other)
B - Border irregularity ( the edges are ragged, blurred)
C - Colour ( the colour is no uniform)
D - Diameter ( The size of the mole is greater than 6 mm)
E - Elevation
The major criteria for recognising are changes in size, shape and colour.
The minor criteria are diameter >6mm, inflammation, blood oozing and mild itch.
What is Tinea capitis ?
Tinea Capitis is a form of fungal infection which occurs on the scalp due to microsporum or trichophyton species. It is mainly acquired from close contact in schools or hairdressers. It can be inflammatory.
What is Tinea pedis?
Tinea pedis is fungal infection in the feet commonly known as athlete’s foot. It is caused by trichophyton. It presents itself as a red, scaly eruption that itches. It can spread to other parts.
What is tinea corporis?
It is a ringworm infection on the trunk or limbs by the trichophyton species. It can spread from human or animals. It appears as red scaly oval or round patches.
What is Tinea Cruris?
It is a fungal infection that occurs near the genitals, thighs or anus. It appears as red scaly patches that may blister..
What is Onchomycosis?
It is the fungal infection of the nails. It is very difficult to treat because of the nail barrier.
