6 - Materia Medica: A Directory of Herbs for Cancer

Question 1

What are polyphenols and where are they commonly found?

Answer 1

Polyphenols are compounds found in green tea and are known for their potential anticancer properties.

Question 2

What is the role of mushroom polysaccharides in cancer treatment?

Answer 2

Mushroom polysaccharides are immunomodulating and can enhance the body’s immune response against cancer.

Question 3

What is the significance of turmeric in cancer care?

Answer 3

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory pigments that may help in cancer treatment.

Question 4

Name two plant-derived chemotherapy drugs mentioned.

Answer 4

• Taxol
• Etoposide

Question 5

What is the pyramid prescribing model in herbal formulation?

Answer 5

It is a model where supportive herbs target tissues and enhance the effectiveness of specific herbs.

Question 6

True or False: The herbs discussed in this chapter are considered systemically toxic.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

What are the medicinal actions of Aloe vera?

Answer 7

• Soothing demulcent
• Emollient
• Laxative
• Anticancer

Question 8

What part of Andrographis paniculata is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 8

Aerial parts

Question 9

List the medicinal actions of Baikal Skullcap.

Answer 9

• Bitter
• Cooling
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial

Question 10

What is the primary part used from Bupleurum falcatum?

Answer 10

Root

Question 11

What does the Latin name Theobroma cacao translate to?

Answer 11

Food of the gods

Question 12

What are the benefits of cacao in cancer care?

Answer 12

• Blood-sugar regulation
• Immunomodulation
• Heart health

Question 13

What plant family does Calendula officinalis belong to?

Answer 13

Asteraceae

Question 14

What are the medicinal actions of Corydalis?

Answer 14

• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic
• Blood moving
• Decongesting
• Anticancer

Question 15

What are the benefits of Dan Shen in cancer care?

Answer 15

• Blood-moving action
• Brain-repair effects
• Kidney-repair effects

Question 16

What parts of Echinacea are used medicinally?

Answer 16

• Root
• Stem
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Seeds

Question 17

What medicinal actions are attributed to Garlic?

Answer 17

• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antifungal
• Anticancer
• Antiparasitic

Question 18

What are the medicinal actions of Ginger?

Answer 18

• Anti-inflammatory
• Warming
• Carminative
• Antiemetic

Question 19

What is a key action of Gotu Kola?

Answer 19

Cerebral circulatory stimulant

Question 20

What are some anticancer effects of Green Tea catechins?

Answer 20

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Suppress tumor initiation and growth
• Inhibit genetic mutations
• Prevent cardiac toxicity in chemotherapy

Question 21

What is the primary part used from Horse Chestnut?

Answer 21

Whole, hulled fresh nut

Question 22

What are the medicinal actions of Indian Frankincense?

Answer 22

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiviral
• Anticancer

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The part used from Aloe vera is the _______.

Answer 23

leaf (inner gel)

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The part used from Andrographis is the _______.

Answer 24

aerial parts

Question 25

True or False: Indian frankincense is commonly used in perfumery.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What should be considered when using threatened or endangered herbs?

Answer 26

Use with restraint and consider substitutes.

Question 27

What is the common name for Scutellaria baicalensis?

Answer 27

Chinese skullcap

Question 28

What is the common name for Zingiber officinale?

Answer 28

Ginger

Question 29

What is the alternate common name for Indian Frankincense?

Answer 29

boswellia ## Footnote Boswellia serrata is known for its resin used in traditional medicine.

Question 30

What part of the Magnolia plant is used medicinally?

Answer 30

bark ## Footnote Magnolia species include M. grandiflora, M. virginiana, M. acuminata, M. macrophylla, and M. officinalis.

Question 31

What are the medicinal actions of Nigella sativa?

Answer 31

antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulating, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepatoprotective, renal protective, gastroprotective, antioxidant ## Footnote Commonly referred to as black seed.

Question 32

What plant family does Pomegranate belong to?

Answer 32

Punicaceae or Lythraceae ## Footnote The medicinal parts used are fruit and seed.

Question 33

What are the medicinal actions of Propolis?

Answer 33

anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant ## Footnote Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees.

Question 34

What are the medicinal actions of Red Clover?

Answer 34

alterative for the skin, mild phytoestrogen, fertility aid, menstrual balancer ## Footnote It is particularly indicated for teenage acne, eczema, and acne rosacea.

Question 35

Fill in the blank: The medicinal actions of Sea Buckthorn include _______.

Answer 35

antioxidant (redox regulator) ## Footnote Parts used include leaf, fruit, and seed.

Question 36

What is the primary part used from St. John's Wort?

Answer 36

flowering tops ## Footnote St. John's Wort is known for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 37

What are the key active constituents of medicinal mushrooms?

Answer 37

beta-glucans, chitin, ergothioneine, lectins, statins, terpenes, vitamin D2 ## Footnote These compounds contribute to their medicinal properties.

Question 38

What is the primary medicinal action of Turmeric?

Answer 38

inflammation modulating, anticancer, antioxidant ## Footnote The active part used is the rhizome.

Question 39

True or False: Curcumin is always effectively absorbed in the body.

Answer 39

False ## Footnote Studies suggest that absorption may not be the most important factor for therapeutic effects.

Question 40

What is the medicinal action of Tulsi?

Answer 40

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, lowers fevers, normalizes blood sugar, adaptogen, immunomodulator ## Footnote Tulsi is also known as holy basil.

Question 41

What are the medicinal actions of Taheebo?

Answer 41

anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immune-stimulating, antiviral, antiparasitic ## Footnote Commonly known as pau d’arco or lapacho.

Question 42

What is the primary use of the resin from Boswellia serrata?

Answer 42

anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer ## Footnote The resin is often standardized to boswellic acids content.

Question 43

What are the benefits of Red Clover in cancer care?

Answer 43

effects on estrogen signaling, increased apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, synergy with chemotherapy ## Footnote Red Clover may support traditional cancer treatments.

Question 44

Dosing forms for Nigella sativa include _______.

Answer 44

dried seed, tincture ## Footnote Nigella is known for its wide range of medicinal actions.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The primary part used from the Pomegranate plant is the _______.

Answer 45

fruit and seed ## Footnote Pomegranate has antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Question 46

What are the contraindications associated with St. John's Wort?

Answer 46

can reduce effectiveness of various pharmaceuticals ## Footnote It may induce certain drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Question 47

What is the main concern regarding the sustainability of Propolis?

Answer 47

harvesting can be harmful to bees ## Footnote Herbalists use it in small amounts to appreciate its rarity.