chapter 10 herbs

Question 1

mugwort

Answer 1

• used for anxiety
• seen a lot in japanese acupuncture to treat pain
• adverse reactions incl: if ingested anaphylaxis, premature birth, miscarriage; topically contact dermatitis

Question 2

melatonin

Answer 2

• produced when serotonin is broken down
• helps with insomnia especially with elderly
• adverse reactions: altered sleep patterns, confusion, ha, tachycardia, hypothermia

Question 3

valerian

Answer 3

• inhibits uptake and increase presynaptic release of GABA-used for insomnia
• highly unstable and easily decomposes
• overdose reactions: cardiac disturbance, excitability, CNS depressant

Question 4

st. John’s wort

Answer 4

• can be used for: depression, enuresis, gastritis, hypothyroidism, insomnia, kidney disorders, scabies, hemorrhoids, wound healing, HIV infection, Kaposi sarcoma-most commonly used for mild to moderate depression
• inhibits several synapses and block serotonin reuptake

Question 5

DHEA

Answer 5

• steroid precursor found in plants
• can be used for: immune enhancement, prevention of osteoporosis, and depression
• dosing difficult not many studies performed

Question 6

ginseng

Answer 6

• used for variety of things incl:anticonvulsant, improvement of cardiac function, improve concentration and mental performance
• adverse reactions: dizziness, drowsiness, ha, insomnia, diarrhea, chest pain, HTN, impotence, palpitations, n/v

Question 7

ginkgo

Answer 7

• stimulates prostaglandin synthesis causing vasodilation-increasing tissue and cerebral blood flow
• used for improving mental alertness, treatment of cerebrovascular disease and PVD
• adverse affects: diarrhea, ha, n/v, bruising, excessive bleeding, seizures
• should not be taken with anticoagulants and anti-platelet meds

Question 8

kava

Answer 8

• comes from dried root of black pepper family
• used for anxiety-blocks dopamine receptors
• not to be used during pregnancy/breast feeding
• can be used for sedation

Question 9

cascara

Answer 9

• increases smooth muscle tone of large intestines and thus peristalsis
• used as a laxative
• adverse reactions: abdominal cramping, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, vomiting, vitamin and mineral diffeciency
• ok to use during pregnancy but not breast feeding
• short term use only; can become dependent

Question 10

senna

Answer 10

• increases peristalsis in lower bowel
• adverse reactions; abdominal cramping, diarrhea, hypokalemia, chronic use leads to clubbed fingers
• pts with GI conditions (hemorrhoids, IBS, prolapse rectum) should not use

Question 11

licorice

Answer 11

• used for gastric irritation and dyspepsia
• can also be used as expectorant, mild laxative, antispasmodic
• stimulates gastric mucus synthesis
• interacts with antihypertensives, diuretics, corticosteroids, dig, loratadine, procainamide, quinidine, spironolactone
• licorice candy doesn’t contain the herb

Question 12

feverfew

Answer 12

• used for headache/migraines, pain (joint, tooth, stomach), menstrual problems
• inhibits serotonin release from platelets
• adverse reactions: hypersensitivity, mouth ulcerations, withdrawal syndrome