Repro Exam 4 Flashcards
(371 cards)
Name the 8 major types of phytoestrogens and give examples of herbs in which they are found.
Chalcones
Flavonols
Isoflavones
Prenylated isoflavonoids
Coumestans
Lignans
Stilbenoids
Resocyclic acids of lactones
Explain the theory of how phytoestrogens have a modulatory effect on both estrogen deficiency and excess states.
similar in structure to estradiol and are able to sit on estrogen receptors
the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) – nuclear transcription factors
Higher affinity for ER-β receptors
List 5 effects of phytoestrogenic constituents aside from effects on reproductive function.
- Skin: Phytoestrogen may have anti-aging effect on the skin via estrogen receptors or via increase in hyaluronic acid production, collagen, extracellular matrix proteins or via promotion of skin vascularization, cell proliferation, protection against oxidative stress and apoptosis a.o.
- Bone: Can inhibit differentiation and activation of osteoclasts, expression of tartrateresistant acid phosphatase, secretion of pyridinoline compound, enhance bone formation, increase bone mineral density, and levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and α1(I) collagen.
- CV: endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, and extracellular matrix, decreased arterial stiffness and antiatherosclerotic effects via NO production.
- immune system: inhibit the intracellular signaling pathway related to NF-kappaB – transcription factor activating inflammation and immune response, inhibits allergic inflammatory responses, enhance the cytotoxic response mediated by NK and cytotoxic T cells and the cytokine production from T cells
- Nervous system: improve cognitive function, sleep, a both steroid receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor or via promotion of serotonin reuptake, modulate catecholamine system
Choose 10 of the phytoestrogenic herbs listed in slide 16 and give at least one action of that herb that is not related to sex hormone function.
- Panax sp- adaptogen
- Humulus lupulus- nervine
- Trifolium pratense- nutrative
- Medicago sativa- diuretic
- Glycyrrhiza spp- demulcent
- Angelica sinensis- bitter
- Trigonella foenum-graecum- decreases insulin resistance
- Dioscorea villosa- antispasmotic
- Foeniculum vulgare- bronchodilator
- Pueraria sp- hypotentsive
Explain the theory of how Vitex agnus-castus works to treat mastalgia
inhibiting the release of excess prolactin by blocking Dopamine-2 receptor type on pituitary
Are the main hormone modulating constituents in Actea racemosa phytoestrogens?
no, triterpene glycosides
What general class of herbs does Lepidium myenii belong to? List the parameters that showed improvement when this herb was studied in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
General class: radish?
Perimenopasual women: reduction in body weight, blood pressure and increasing serum HDL and Iron, balancing levels of hormones (FSH, E2, PG and ACTH) and alleviating negative physiological and psychological symptoms (frequency of hot flushes, incidence in night sweating, interrupted sleep pattern, nervousness, depression and heart palpitations)
Postmenopausal women: reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction
Which part of the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant is used medicinally?
seed
Paeonia lactiflora is described in Chinese medicine as nourishing the yin. How does this relate to its effects on sex hormone regulation?
helps bring balance by allowing for grounding
Rheum rhaponticum is particularly useful in perimenopausal states with associated
depresssion and anxiety
Explain why Viburnum opulus pairs well with Cinnamomum spp. in the treatment of uterine cramps.
is an activator for anti-spasmodics
What is the difference between angelica sinensis that is prepared from fresh root versus that which is decocted.
Fresh is antispasmodic
Decoction- tonifying action
How do uterine tonics exert their action?
via tanins
What are the two major constituent types that were discussed that have styptic effects?
tannins and volitale oils
Explain why Serenoa repens and Urtica dioica root have complimentary actions in the treatment of BPH.
urtica: aromatase inhibition, inhibition of SHBGreceptor binding, Na/K ATPase inhibition in prostate epithelium, effects epithelial growth factor
Serenoa: inhibits 5 alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
Why is it recommend to avoid using Pygeum africanum for BPH?
because of its overuse and endangerment
Tribulus terestris was once thought to improve erectile function due to increasing testosterone. This does not appear to be its mechanism of action. What is the current proposed mechanism of action of this herb?
effect vasodilation and nitric oxide
What is the effect of Camelia sinensis on SHBG?
increases
What is the effect of Mentha spicata on androgens?
decreaese total testoterone levles
Which plants have we studied in this series of lectures that have shown measurable increases in serum free testosterone in human studies?
Withania somifera
Lepidium part used and energetics
Part: root
Energetics: tonifying
Lepidium spp actions
adaptogen, detoxification, aphrodisiac,
Lepidium spp indications
Perimenopausal symptoms, andropause, low libido, low energy, longevity, sex hormone and stress hormone balance, depression and anxiety, infertility
Trigonella foenum-graecum actions
modulates many hormones, increases insulin secretion, decreases insulin resistance, improved blood lipids, renoprotective, neuroprotective, modulates inflammation, decreases histamine, aphrodesiac