Polysaccharides

Question 1

Major actions of mucilaginous polysaccharides

Answer 1

Demulcent (direct and reflex), emollient, blood lipid control, blood sugar control, bulk laxative.

anti-diarrhoeal, astringent, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-haemorrhagic, vulnerary, nutritive.

Question 2

What plants are known sources of mucilages

Answer 2

Ulmus rubra (slippery elm)
Althea officinalis (marshmallow)
Plantago indica (psyllium)
Plantago spp. (plantain)
Aloe vera 
Salvia hispanica (chia)

Question 3

Pharmacology of demulcent action

Answer 3

Lubricates and protects mucus membranes

Bulking agent

Nutritive, prebiotic

Question 4

Process of reflex demulcency

Answer 4

Acts via vagus nerve to provide reflex demulcency in respiratory, urinary and reproductive system mucus membranes

Question 5

How long should mucilages be taken away from pharmaceutical medication and nutritional supplements to avoid interfering with absorption

Answer 5

2-3 hours

Question 6

Overall chemical structure of polysaccharides. Generally hydrophilic or hydrophobic?

Answer 6

Sugars, hydrophilic

Question 7

Botanical names of some common species of fungi used in WHM. Key phytochemical classes present.

Answer 7

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) - polysaccharides, triterpenoids

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) - polysaccharides

Question 8

Some examples of herbal medicine with immunostimulant actions. The phytochemical classes in each herb

Answer 8

Astragalus membranaceus - triterpenoids, flavonoids, isoflavones, polysaccharides

Echinacea spp. - alkylamides, polysaccharides, caffeic acid esters

Question 9

What herbs are well known sources of inulin

Answer 9

Inula helenium

Arctium lappa

Cynara scolymus

Echinacea spp.

Question 10

What are some contraindications of immunostimulant herbal medicine?

Answer 10

Immunosuppressant medication, acute infections