Medicinal plants pt 1 Flashcards
What is important about willows?
The watery bark sap is full of salicylic acid
How did people use willows?
They would chew the bark and get the fever relief
Why is Cinchona important?
This was the traditional way to cure malaria
T/F quinine has been replaced by newer anti-malarial dugs like chloroquine
True
Why is aloe vera important?
Helps with skin, stimulate cell growth, inhibit infection
How does aloe help with the skin? How does it help as a laxative?
Chrysophanic acid for skin
anthroquinone gluycoside for laxative
Why is Senna important?
Can be used as a laxative
Why is ephedra important?
decongestant treatment for asthma and bronchitis
central nervous system stimulant
What is the difference between pseudoephedrine and ephedrine?
What are the two effects of both?
the 3d structure changes it.
ephedrine has a stronger effect
pseudo is used medicinally and more controlled.
What is the Nagoya Protocol?
an agreement for countries to be able to capitalize on the things found on their land
What is significant about Catharanthus Roseus?
Tropical and it has alkaloids with anticancer activity
Vincristine interferes with spindle formation during mitosis, what is the pros and cons?
Pro: It will stop cells from duplicating
con: it can go against the healthy cells as well
Why is pacific yew important?
has taxol which is used to treat lung, head, neck cancers and kaposis sarcoma
How would you find the closest relative to a plant?
Using the phylogenetic tree
Why is mayapple important?
Contains podophyllin and gelatin alkaloids which is used as basis of leukemia drug
Why is ipecac important?
induces vomiting
Why is rauvolfia important?
has alkaloid and reserpine to treat hypertension and schizophrenia
Why is belladonna important?
Dilate pupils, and used as a heart medication, and for motion sickness
How did women use belladonna?
Women would use this to make pupils big to seem more beautiful
Do we know if silphium exist?
No we have not seen it we only know it from ancient authors
What is the con with herbal remedies?
It can be toxic if given too much
What are some common herbal supplements?
St.Johns Wort- depression,
Gingko Biloba- asthma, bronchitis
Saw palmetto- prostate enlargement
Why are psychoactive plants different from medicinal plants?
The line is very thin and barely different and dosage dependednt. It is considered psychoactive if it: stimulates, hallucinogens, or depressants
What are the main psychoactive component of plants?
Alkaloids
Is THC an alkaloid?
No
T/F opioids tend to enhance neurotransmitter release
F: it inhibits
How did the British play a role in opium sales?
They produced it in India and then sell it to china
How did heroin come about?
In 1874 they messed with the molecules to try and find a less addictive plain reliever than morphine
The syringe to inject something was made in
1850s
Where is opium produced recently?
golden crescent, golden triangle, Columbia, Mexico
What plant do we get opium from?
Opium Poppy
What are old world drug plants
Opium poppy and marijuana
What are new world drug plants?
Coca
How is coca leaves used traditionally?
As a stimulant and a ritualistic use
How does cocaine work?
Keeps the neurotransmitters firing
What the difference between coca leaves and cocaine?
It is isolated and concentrated in cocaine.
Why is the Kola nut important?
It was a part of coca- cola and had caffeine
What are the main Plant families?
Solanaceae, grass family, chocolate family, coffee family
What plant is tobacco from?
Nicotiana Tabacum
What are some medicinal uses of tobacco?
Leaves used to treat skin, respitiry ailments, and insecticide
