BOTANICAL MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS • diseases caused by chronic inflammation, such as arthritis

ARLENE MACEREN –DIAZ M.D

• more effective than other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
(NSAIDS), like aspirin
ECHINACEA (ECHINACEA purpurea ) • relieves inflammation and pain
Leaves contain flavanoids, poly-acetylenes & caffeoyl conjugates.
Respiratory Tract Conditions
Mechanism of action
• asthma
-activate cytokine ( increased interleukins and tumor necrosis
factor) • colds (given as a warm infusion)
- anti- inflammatory properties • coughs
• influenza
Effect uses • shortness of breath
-reduction in the duration of cold symptoms, alleviate influenza
Other
Toxicities - dizziness / headache • antidote in opium over use
• dermatitis , relieves insect bites
• has a tonic effect (Feverfew extract, taken cold)
• relieves skin perspiration associated with migraines
(Feverfew extract, taken cold)
• tinnitus

Toxities and drug interaction:

-mouth ulcers and git effects
-may react with nticoagulants
- should not be use in pregnant women
Echinacea purpurea ( Cone flower)

FEVERFEW ( TANACEUM parthenium)

-leaves ,flowers ,roots
- contains flavanoids glycosides, monoterpines, & parthenolides
( a lactone that forms covalent bond with thiol grps protein )

Mechanism of action :
1. decrease histamine release from mast cells
2. inhibition of prostaglandin, 5ht and leukotriene Chrysanthemum parthenium (Fever few bachelor’s button)
3. decrease formation of tumor necrosis
GARLIC ( Allium sativum)
Effects : -contains organic thiosulfinates ,that can form allicin via the
• purgative [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of enzymes that are disrupted of the garlic bulb.
the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient]
Mechanism of action
• anti-arthritic [eases symptoms of arthritis]
- inhibits hmg-coa reductase and ace
• aperient[a mild stimulant producing a natural movement of - blocks platelet aggregation
the bowels; a gentle purgative] - increase nitric oxide
• bitter [applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the - has antimicrobial and antifungal activity
- reduces carcinogen activity
mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase
appetite and promote digestion]
Uses:
• carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and
- decrease atheroclerosis
expelling gas from the intestines] - decrease incidence of stomach cancer
• emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow] - adjuctdrug to lower serum cholesterol and b.p
• laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a
Toxicities and drug interaction
mild purgative]
- nausea, hypotension ,allergic reactions
• tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates
- interact with anticoagulant and anti-platelet agent
organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-
being] GINKGO biloba ( maidenhair tree )
- leavescontains flavone glycoside and terpenoids
Feverfew is used fo:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions Mechanism of action :
• delerium tremens (DT's) in alcoholics (given as a warm -has anti-oxidant and radical scavenging effects
infusion) -increase formation of nitric oxide
- reduces blood viscosity
• dizziness
- reduces changes in neurotransmitters
• gives a sense of well-being
• alleviates melancholy and weariness low spirits, 'down in Uses
the dumps'
• reduces frequency and severity of migraine headaches [by • Studies have shown it to be effective in increasing
controlling inflammation that constricts the blood vessels peripheral blood flow. This makes it especially useful in
in the head] treating age-related brain disorders, cerebral and vascular
• reduces nervousness, hysterical complaints insufficiency, Raynaud's disease, chronic bronchitis,
• promotes a restful sleep emphysema and to prevent strokes.
• Ginkgo has demonstrated remarkable ability to improve
Cardiovascular Conditions memory. PREVENTS EARLY ONSET OF ALZHIEMER AND
• lowers blood pressure DEMENTIA. increased energy, antioxidant effects,
decreased blood clotting, better concentration, improved
Gastrointestinal Conditions hearing and others.
• colic (given as a warm infusion)
• eases nausea and vomiting Toxicity
• expels worms 1. g.i. t effects
• flatulence (gas/wind) (given as a warm infusion) 2. anxiety
• improves digestion 3. insomnia
• indigestion 4. headache
• stimulates appetite
Drug interactions:
• stomach irritation (Feverfew extract, taken cold) – React with anticoagulant, anti-platelet agent
Genitourinary Conditions GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG)
• promotes adequate kidney function - contain multiple triterpenoid saponin glycosides ( ginsenosides).
siberian or brazilian ginseng does not contain this chemicals
Female Conditions
• expels afterbirth Mechanism of action
• induces menstruation - an adaptogen, improve mental and physical performance
• strengthens the womb
Toxicity and drug interactions
Inflammatory Conditions - has estrogenic effects ( mastalgia ,vaginal bleeding )
- insomnia , nervousness and hypertension
 - use with caution in patient receiving anti-hypertensive
hypoglycemic or psychiatric medications

Ginseng ( panax ginseng)

KAVA ( Piper methysticum)
- roots contains kawain, mysthyticin, yangonin

Mechanism of action:
- facilitates the actions of gaba in the cns
( effect is comparable to oxazepam )

Uses :
ST. JOHN’S WORT ( HYPERICUM PERFORATUM)
- useful as anti-anxiety , and sedative
– dried flowers contain hypericin , hyperforin
Toxicity:
- g.i.t efects -ataxia, paresthesia Mechanism of action:
- “drunken feeling” - muscle weakness -decrease activity of serotonergic re-uptake
- tingling sensation of the mouth
Uses:
Drug interaction: potentiate effect of cns depressant -treatment of mild depression ( anti-depressant)
should be avoided in patient taking dopamine - antiviral , anti- cancer

MA-HUANG ( EPHEDRA) Toxicities:

Mechanism of action : g.i t disturbances, photosensitization
- releases norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve endings - synergistic effect with ssris & maoi

Uses :
1. nasaldecongestant 3. antiasthmatic
2. pressor agent

Toxicities :
-dizziness - insomnia -tachycardia
-anorexia - flushing - arrythmia
- palpitations - marked increase in b.p
- toxic psychosis

Contraindications:
1. Anxiety
2. Glaucoma
3. hyperthyroidism st. john’s wort
4. diabetes
5. heart failure SAW PALMETTO ( SERENOA REPENS or SABAL SERRULATA)
6. hypertension - berries contain phytosterols, aliphatic alcohol, polyprenes and
flavonoids

Mechanism of action :
-inhibits 5 alpha reductase
- has antagonistic effects on androgen receptor

Uses:
benign prostatic hyperplasia

Toxicity :
abdominalpain, g.i distress
decrease libido, headache and hypertension

Saw palmetto ( serenoa repens or sabal serrulata)

Ma- huang (ephedra)

MILK THISTLE ( SILYBUM MARIANUM)

– fruit and seeds contain flavonolignans (silymarin)

Mechanism action:
- reduces lipid peroxidation, scavenges free radicals
-enchances superoxide dismutase
-inhibits formation of leukotrienes
-increases hepatocyte rna polymerase activity

Uses
- protect liver injury caused by alcohol, acetaminophen, amanita
mushrooms, viral hepatitis

Toxicities:
none, no significant drug interaction