Musculoskeletal system

Question 1

1. Celery

Answer 1

Apium graveolens
Umbelliferae
Fruit (seed)

Actions:
Diuretic, antiinflammatory, antorheumatic

Indications:
Relief of osteoarthritis & rheumatism
Prevention of gout
Rheumatism, arthritis, gout

Contraindications:
None known
Caution in kidney disorders (esp inflammation)

Question 2

2. Boswellia

Answer 2

Boswellia serrata
Burseraceae
Resin

Actions:
Antiinflammatory, antiarthritic

Indications:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease

Contraindications:
None known
Caution in allergic tendencies

Question 3

3. Corydalis

Answer 3

Corydalis ambigua
Papervaceae
Rhizome

Actions:
Bitter, sedative, analgesic, hypnotic, antiarrhythmic, cardioprotective

Indications:
Visceral pain, pain from injury - trauma
Insomnia
Cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ishemia

Contraindications:
Pregnancy

Question 4

4. Devil’s claw

Answer 4

Harpagophytum procumbens
Pedaliceae
Root

Actions:
Antiinflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, bitter tonic

Indications:
Rheumatoid & arthritic conditions
Osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis

Contraindications:
Gatric & duodenal ulceration & galltones

Question 5

5. Willow

Answer 5

salix alba
salicaceae
Bark

Actions:
Antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, analgesic, antipyretic, antihydrotic, antiseptic, astringent

Indications:
Rheumatic ailments, headaches, fever

Contraindications:
Pts w hypersensitivity to aspirin, asthma, active peptic ulceration, diabetes, haemophilia, kidney or liver disease
Interactions like those encountered w salicylates
Avoid other salicylate drugs - aspirin
Also anticoagulants, methotrexate, metoclopramide, phenytoin, probenicid, spironolactone, valproate

Question 6

6. Cramp bark

Answer 6

Virburnum opulus
Caprifoliaceae
Bark

Actions:
spasmolytic, mild sedative, astringent, hypotensive, peripheral vasodilator

Indications:
Uterine pain, dysmennorrhoea
Cramps of both skeletal ms & sm ms
Hypertension

Contraindications:
None known