Reproductive Flashcards
Achillea millefolium - Actions
Alterative, vulnerary, anti-microbial, astringent, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, vascular tonic, diruetic
Achillea millefolium - Indications
Fevers, hypertension, hepatic congestion, hemorrhoids
Achillea millefolium - Cautions
Non toxic. Possible asteracea/compositae sensitivity/allergy
Angelica sinensis - Actions
Anti-inflammatory, anti-anemic, anti-platelet, female tonic, mild laxative, antiarrhythmic
Angelica sinensis - Indications
Dysmenorrhea
chronic hepatitis
hepatic cirrhosis
infertility (douche in cases of tubal occlusion)
Other: menopausal hot flashes, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, PMS
TCM: anemia w/ dizziness and palpitation
Angelica sinensis - Caution
CI: pregnancy (esp 1st trimester) and women who tend to spontaneously abort
A/E: gynecomastia
Interactions: warfarin
Preg: C, Lac: C
Arctium lappa - Actions
Depurative
Diuretic (mild)
Laxative (mild)
bitter
Arctium lappa - Indications
Skin eruptions rheumatism cystitis gout other conditions benefitig from diuretic action
Arctium lappa - Cautions
Caution: depuratives can s/t cause aggravations with skin conditions
A/E: contact dermatitis (topical use of root plaster)
Preg: B1, Lac: C
Bacopa monniera - Actions
Cognitive enhancing Nervine tonic Sedative (mild) anticonvulsant (mild) nervine relaxant Adaptogenic (mild)
Bacopa monniera - Indications
Improves mental performance and memory beneficial for anxiety nerosis epilepsy PMS Historical: nervous breakdown, epilepsy, insanity, debility
Bacopa monniera - Cautions
Cautions: cholestasis, celiac disease, fat malabsorption, deficiency of vitamins ADEK, some upper GI irritations, topically to open wounds
A/E: may cause irritation to gastric mucous membranes and reflux (due to saponins). Weakness, loss of concentration
Capsella bursa-pastoris - actions
Anti-hemorrhagic (astringent)
urinary anti-septic
may also be diuretic (by increasing GFR)
Capsella bursa-pastoris - Indications
Uterine hemorrhage (active and passive) menorrhagia Haematemesis diarrhea acute cystitis
Capsella bursa-pastoris - cautions
CI: none but use caution with breastfeeding and lactation
Cautions: should not be taken in doses exceeding the maximum therapeutic range in long term
Caulophyllum thalictroids - Actions
Sapsmolytic
uterine and ovarian tonic
emmenagogue
Caulophyllum thalictriodes - Indications
amenorrhea threatened miscarriage false labour pains dysmenorrhea rheumatic pains
Caulophyllum thalictroides - Cautions
CI: women wishing to conceive, early pregnancy, lactation
Cations: use late in pregnancy (only w/ experience). similar cautions to C. racemosa b/c of saponins
A/E: irritation of gastric mucous membranes (saponins), stroke, and other CV effects, uterine stimulation
Toxicology: purgative action (saponins), ataxia, terminal clonic convulsions
Interactions: none identified
Cimicifuga (Actea) racemosa - Actions
anti-rheumatic
spasmolytic
estrogen modulating
uterine tonic
Cimicifuga (Actea) racemosa - Indications
menopausal sxs (moderate to severe)
uterine fibroids
Other: rheumatic pains, myalgia, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
Cimicifuga (Actea) racemosa - Cautions
CI: estrogen dependent tumours (breast cancer)
Cautions: because it is rich in saponins - use cautiously with upper GI disorders
A/E: rare,mild, reversible - mild GI upset m/c. Others include h/a, vertigo, weight gain, mastalgia
Coleus forkohlii - actions
Increase cAMP and cAMP mediated functions
Other: hypotensive, inhibits basophil and mast cell degranulation and histamine release, anti-platelet
Coleus forskohlii - Indications
Researched: asthma, angina, psoriasis, cancer mets prevention
Historically: hypertension, CHF, eczema, colic, respiratory disorders, painful urination, insomnia, convulsions, progesterone dependent conditions, glaucoma
Coleus forskohlii - Cautions
Cautions/CI: pts with ulcers (may increase HCl), hypotension, bleeding disorders or on blood thinning medication
Interactions: antiplatelets/anti-coagulants, hypotensive, other medications
Preg: ND, Lac: ND
Dioscorea villosa - Actions
Anti-spasmodic AI Anti-rheumatic, nervine relaxant osteogenic diaphoretic (mild) cholagogue Possibly hepatic, hepatoprotective
Dioscorea villosa - Indications
Bilious colic spasmodic conditions of GIT RA (acute phase) dysmenorrhea ovarian neuralgia Poss benefit w/ PMS, perimenopause, uterine fibroids, anti-proliferative benefit with certain cancers Historically: salpingitis
Dioscorea villosa - Cautions
Caution/CI: Long term use in those with pre-existing renal dz, pregnancy (except during labour
A/E: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Eleutherococcus senticosus - actions
Adaptogen
immune modulating
tonic
Eleutherococcus senticosus - indications
stress management improved physical strength fatigue generalized weakness frequent infections
Eleutherococcus senticosus - cautions
CI: during acute phase of infections. Some sources include hypertension but debatable as it is also used to treat hypertension
A/E: caution with those with CV conditions as insomnia, palpitations, headaches, tachycardia, pericardial pain and hypertension have been reported but RARE
Interactions: may increase effectiveness of some antibiotics
Preg: B1, Lac: C
Foeniculum vulgare - actions
Carminitive, anti-spasmodic, galacatogue, anti-microbial, Possibly estrogenic, anti-androgenic, analgesic
Foeniculum vulgare - Indications
dyspepsia (flatulent) Colic anorexia URTI esp children support lactation PMS
Foeniculum vulgare - Cautions
CI: known sensitivity to umbiliferae family. Pregnancy without experience
A/E: possible allergy or hypersensitivity reactions
Interactions: possible interaction with ciprofloxacin
Galium aparine - Actions
Diuretic depurative lymphatic/alterative AI astringent
Galium aparine - Indications
Psoriasis (esp with dry patches) eczema lyphadenopathy lyphadenitis dysuria other conditions benefiting from diuretic and lymphatic action
Galium aparine - Cautions
Cautions: depuratives may aggravate skin conditions
Preg: B2, Lac: C
Ginkgo biloba - Actions
Anti-oxidant anti-platelet activating factor circulatory stimulant/angio-activator circulatory tonic vasodilator AI
Ginkgo biloba - Indications
Peripheral vascular dz
Other: increased clot formation, ED, menopause, mastalgia
Ginkgo biloba - Cautions
CI: known sensitivity to ginkgo preps
Caution: when administering to patients with coagulation disorders, or concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, patients about to undergo surgery
A/E: mild GI complaints, headache, dizziness, allergic skin reactions, palpitations
Preg: B1, Lac: ND
Glycyrrhiza glabra - Actions
Anti-inflammatory
expectorant
demulcent
adrenal tonic/adaptogen
Glycyrrhiza glabra - Indications
Adrenal insufficiency
bronchitis
gastritis
gastric and duodenal ulceration
Glycyrrhiza glabra - Cautions
CI: cholestatic and cirrhotic liver dz, hypertension, hypokalemia, severe kd insufficiency, pregnancy, anorexia nervosa, edema, CHF
Cautions: high doses of glycyrrhizin l/t - ensure on high K+/low Na+ diet and monitor for change in BP and weight gain. Elderly patients/htn/cardiac
Glycyrrhiza glabra - A/E
A/E: Apparent mineralocoritcoid excess syndrome (Na retention/K+ loss)
Interactions: Do not prescribe alongside digoxin, diuretics, laxatives, other K+ depleting drugs
Toxicity: Pseudoaldosteronism (increase body weight, suppression of plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone, reduction of serum potassium) 7g
Humulus lupulus - actions
sedative
nervine relaxant
hypnotic (strong)
anti-spasmodic
Humulus lupulus - indications
anxiety (nervous tension, restlessness, headache) restless insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
Humulus lupulus - cautions
CI: depression (subjective)
Caution: not an ideal treatment for depression (herbal sedatives in general) and insomnia of the early morning
A/E: contact urticaria (rare)
Preg B2, Lac CC (may sedate infant)
Hypericum perforatum - actions
antidepressant nervine tonic nervine stimulant vulnerary antimicrobial (esp anti-viral, internally/topically)
Hypericum perforatum - indications
mild to moderate depression
hysteria
nervous conditions with depression
neuralgia and menopausal neurosis
Hypericum perforatum - Caution
CI: serious depression with psychotic symptoms, suicidal risk. d/c 3 days before general anaesthesia
Caution: avoid sun exposure (and artificial UVA exposure) as may increase photosensitivity
AE: photosensitive skin reactions, GI sxs, erythroderma, delayed emergence from anaesthesia, serotonin syndrome
preg B1, Lac CC
Hypericum perforatum - interactions (avoid)
immune suppressants (cyclosporin)
Cardiac glycosides (>1g herb)
HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine)
Other HIV protease inhibitors (indinavir)
Chemotherapeutic drugs (irinotecan)
Anticoagulants (warfarin, phenprocoumon)
Hypericum perforatum - interactions (caution)
SSRIs OCP (esp low dose OCP) TCA (amitriptyline) Antihistamine (fexofenadine) Benzodiazepine (midozolam) HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin (no interaction with pravastatin) Phenytoin Photosensitizing agent
Mitchella repens - actions
Parturient partus preparator uterine tonic alterative emmenagogue astringent diuretic
Mitchella repens - Indications
Preparation for childbirth (if taken for several weeks prior)
Dysmenorrhea
Mucus d/c with colitis, diarrhea
Historically: suppression of urine, diarrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia
Michella repens - Cautions
Cautions/CI: Avoid use in pregnancy with exception of 3rd trimester (d/t emmenagogue action)
Interactions: Possible interaction with alkaloid-related drugs (i.e. atropine), digoxin, iron
Panax ginseng - Primary actions
Adaptogen/adrenal tonic Immune modulating cardiotonic male tonic cancer preventative cognition enhancing AI (mild) AO
Panax ginseng - Indications
Improves athletic and psychomotor performance, general wellbeing, sexual dysfunction.
Traditional: neurasthenia, depression (with sexual dysfunction)
Panax ginseng - Cautions
CI: acute asthma, signs of heat, excessive menstruation, nose bleeds, acute infections
Caution: Hypertension, anxiety, insomnia. Concurrent use with stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamines is best avoided
Panax ginseng - AE and Interactions
Generally safe but risk of GAS at increase dosages. Rare a/e include mania, PM mastalgia, PM vaginal bleeding
Interactions: MAOI, warfarin, possible interaction with slidenafil, hypglycemic drugs, CNS stimulants
Passiflora incarnata - actions
Anxiolytic (nervine relaxant), anti-spasmodic, sedative (mild), hypnotic (strong), anodyne
Passiflora incarnata - indications
Generalized anxiety disorder
Depression (mild-mod)
management of mental symptoms during outpatient detoxification of opiate addicts
Insomnia (esp difficulty falling asleep), neuralgia, nervous tachycardia
Passiflora incarnata - Cautions
A/E: very rare, usually more often of an allergic nature
Interactions: May potentiate other anxiolytics, barbituates
Toxicity: Harmaline (alkaloid) –> visual disturbances, loss of coordination, agitation, delirum –> paralysis (at very high dosages)
Pygeum/Prunus africanum - actions
Anti-prostatic (anti-androgen), AI, AO, anti-edamatous, possibly anti-porliferative, analgesic
Pygeum/prunus africanum - Indication
BPH (mild, mod)
PMS
Pygeum/prunus africanum - Caution/CI
A/E: GI upset (mild)
Preg B2; Lac ND
Rehmannia glutinosa - actions
Anti-pyretic, adrenal tonic/adaptogen, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory Progesterone mimetic??
Rehmannia glutinosa - Indications
Inflammtory disorders of the immune system (i.e. allergies, AI dz)
to prevent suppressive effects of corticosteroid drugs on endogenous levels of corticosteroids
Rehmannia glutinosa - Caution/CI
CI: TCM - dried (not extracted in alcohol) RG CI with damp phlegm patterns, deficient spleen with dampness, deficient yang
A/E: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations
Preg B3, Lac C
Rubus ideaus - Actions
Astringent
Partus praeparator (uterine tonic)
Parturifacient
anti-diarrhoeal
Rubus ideaus - Indications
May shorten labour in pregnant women (strengthen and tones the uterus)
Other: Diarrhea, stomatitis, tonsillitis
Rubeus ideaus - Cautions
CI: Constipation (b/c tannins), iron deficiency anemia, malnutrition (more caution than true CI)
Caution: Long term use (because of tannin content). Use caution with inflamed or ulcerated conditions of the GIT.
A/E: rare but may increase irritation of themouth and GIT
Salvia officinalis - action
Anti-spasmodic Anti-septic/anti-microbial anti-hydrotic (cooling) Astringent AO Possible adaptogen (mild) Estrogen mimetic
Salvia officinalis - Indications
Inflammation of the mouth/pharynx Excessive perspiration menopause (hot flashes) Flatulent dyspepsia PMS
Salvia officinalis - Cautions
CI: Pregnancy and lacation
Cautions: do not exceed recommended dosages of alcoholic extract (b/c of thujone content)
AE: Allergic reactions (from topical contact)
Toxicity: vomiting, excessive salivation, epilpetic spasms with cyanosis
Preg C, Lac X
Schisandra chinensis - Actions
Hepatoprotective Antioxidant Adaptogenic Nervine tonic Anti-tussive
Schisandra chinensis - Indications
Chronic viral hepatitis, improved physical performance, endurance, resistance to the effects of stress
Enhances phase I/II hepatic detoxification
TCM: spontaneous sweating, palpitations, insomnia
Schisandra chinensis - Cautions
CI: Early stages of a cough, rash (traditional CI)
Cautions: pregnancy (except near birth)
AE: Mild GI sxs (heartburn, indigestion, stomach ache, anorexia), headache
Interactions: none specifically
Preg B1; Lac ND
Serona repens - actions
AI Male tonic Anti-prostatic Anti-spasmodic Anti-androgenic AO possibly analgesic
Serona repens - Indications
Urinary symptoms and flow measures in patients with BPH
PMS
Historical: chronic sub acute cystitis
Serona repens - Cautions
Cautions: prostate cancer (or unsure if BPH or cancer)
A/E: GI irritation (minor). Anti-coagulant activity.
Interactions: Warfarin
Preg B2; Lac C
Tribulus terrestris - Action
Tonic aphrodesiac estrogenic (females) androgenic (males) pro-fertility
Tribulus terrestris - indications
Male infertility, impotence, female infertility, menopause, PMS (low androgen picture)
Side effects of Finastride hair loss drug
Historically: spermatorrhea, gonorrhea, rental calculi, gout, uterine after parturition, cystitis, painful urination
Tribulus terrestris - Cautions
Cholestasis, celiac dz, fat malapsorption, deficiency of vitamins ADEK, some upper GI irritations, topically to open wounds
AE: oral use may cause irritation of the gastric mucous membranes and reflux
Preg B3, Lac CC
Trifolium pratense - actions
Anti-spasmodic
anti-tussive
anti-tumour
estrogenic
Trifolium pratense - Indications
Menopause, PMS, Spasmodic coughs
Other: acne, other skin eruptions, gout, arthritis, carcinomatous cachexia
Topically: Inflammations of the skin
Trifolium pratense - Cautions
CI/Cautions: breast cancer (estrogen positive), endometrial proliferative conditions, bleeding disorders (coumarins) avoid in pregnancy (speculative)
A/E: Dermatitis may occur from topical use
Interactions: Anti-coagulants, ERT (speculative) several…
Trigonella foenum-graecum - actions
Hypoglycemic hyoplipidemic demulcent nutritive immunomod galactagogue AO Possibly antiadrogen, anxiolytic, AI, adaptogen, analgesic
Trigonella foenum graecum - Indications
DM Hyperlipidemia/hypercholesterolemia To support/stimulate lactation PMS Historical and Ayruvedic uses: Anorexia, dyspepsia, gastritis, convalescence, topically for wound health, tonic, labour induction, to stimulate lactation, IBD
Trigonella foenum graecum - Cautions
CI: pregnancy (without sufficient experience)
Cautions: Cholestasis. Celiac dz, fat malapsorption, deficiency of vit ADEK, some upper GI irritations, topically to open wounds. Known allergy. Low thyroid function (high doses) 20 g day -T4 to T3 conversion inhibited
AE: Rare. Mild GI upset (very high doses). Allergic reactions. Poss gastric mucous membrane irritation, reflux (saponins), anemia.
Interactions: may inhibit iron absorption (may also contain iron)
Turnera diffusa - actions
nervine tonic, laxative (mild), aphrodesiac (historically)
Others: adaptogen, AO
Turnera diffusa - indications
Depression anxiety (when sexually related) Sexual inadequacy (impotence, frigidity) nervous dyspepsia constipation
Turnera diffusa - Cautions
Preg B2; Lac ND
Urtica dioica - actions
Leaf: anti-rheumatic, anti-allergic, depurative, anti-hemorrhagic, diuretic (mild), astringent, tonic, hypotensive (mild). Possible galactogogue, anti-androgen, AI, AO
Urtica dioica - indications
Leaf: uterine hemorrhage, epistaxis, cutaneous eruptions, rheumatic conditions PMS
Root: BPH
Urtica dioica - cautions
CI: Known allergy (topical use or uprocessed dried leaves)
Cautions: see s. repens
A/E: urticaria (topically from leaf/root hairs) rarely GI irritatation
Preg B2, Lac C
Viburnum opulus - actions
Anti-spasmodic sedative (mild) Astringent Hypotensive Vasodilator (peripheral) Others: AI, nervine tonic, analgesic
Viburnum opulus - Indications
Partus preparator, threatened miscarriage
Dysmenorrhea (ovarian and uterine pain), menorrhagia, metrorrhagia (menopause)
Spasmodic muscular cramps (i.e. intestines, airways etc) hypertension, PMS
Viburnum opulus - Cautions
CI: eating the berries (esp when raw and unripe) may cause GI upset
A/E: high doses may cause NS depression (historical reports)
Large doses and prolonged use may cause vertigo, disturbances in speech, movement dysnpea dry mouth
Viburnum prunifolium - actions
Uterine sedative, anti-spasmodic (Specific to bronchi, uterus), anti-asthmatic, hypotensive, astringent (less so than VO)
Viburnum prunifolium - Indications
Dysmenorrhea (spasmodic), false labour pains, threatened miscarriage, asthma
Historically: nervous dysmenorrhea, u-congestion, cramping of any smooth muscle, persistent hiccups, nervous htn
Viburnum prunifolium - cautions
Cautions: pre-existing renal calculi
AE: n&v (high doses)
Interactions: anti-coagulants (speculative)
Preg B2, lac C
Vitex agnus-castus - actions
Prolactin inhibitor dopaminergic agonist indirectly proestrogenic galactagogue other: AO, adaptogen (mild), anxiolytic (mild, analgesic (mild), anti-androgenic
Vitex agnus-castus - Indications
Menstrual cycle irregularities (d/t latent hyperprolactinemia) infertility, PMS, mastalgia
Other: Insufficient lactation, to decrease libido (male), other gynecological concerns (i.e. endometriosis)
Vitex agnus-castus - Cautions
Cautions: avoid with progesterone drugs, OCP, HRT. May agg pure spasmodic dysmenorrhea (not associated with PMS)
AE: mild - GI (esp N), skin conditionss (acne, pruritis, rashes)
Other: headache, fatigue, hormone related symptoms
Withania somnifera - actions
Nervine tonic adaptogen sedative (mild) Anti-inflammatory immunomodulator anti-anemic
Withania somnifera - Indications
Healthy aging, general debility, senile debility (premature aging), aphrodisiac, nervous exhaustion, long term stress, hypothyroidism, OA (knees), PMS
Traditionally used to treat failure to thrive in children
M/b beneficial in cases of benzodiazepine and morphine w/…
Withania somnifera - Cautions
AE: very high doses - GI upset, diarrhea, vomiting (probs steroidal saponin)
Interactions: may enhance effects of benzodiazepines
Preg B1, Lac C
