Ch 2: Evaluating Herbal Supplements

ginkgo binomial

Ginkgo biloba

uses of ginkgo in TCM

strengthens heart and lungs

2 active compounds in ginkgo

flavonoids and terpenes

4 ailments treated by ginkgo in modern medicine

dementia

memory impairment

sleep disorders

dizziness

efficacy of ginkgo; is it proved in trials?

delays dementia (but does not prevent dementia)

proved in trials

evidence as a memory enhancer is not fully convincing

adverse effects of ginkgo

usually mild, reversible

may interact with anticoagulants

Asian ginseng binomial

Panax ginseng

American ginseng binomial

Panax quinquefolius (five-leaved)

traditional medicines that use ginseng

Chinese (TCM) and European (ETM)

uses for/effects of ginseng in TCM and ECM

improve stamina and concentration

diuretic

antidepressant

aphrodisiac

Why was ginseng used as an aphrodisiac in TCM and ECM?

because of the body-like appearance of its roots

active compounds in ginseng, and where they’re found

saponins and sterols

preparation form of ginseng

fresh or dried

efficacy of ginseng in trials

mixed results

proven: enhances mood and imporves stamina

may decrease effect of warfarin

Who should not take ginseng?

children

active people

people on stimulants

adverse effects of ginseng

uncommon but serious

insomnia

diarrhea

schizophrenia

headache

garlic binomial

Allium sativa

effects of garlic in TEM and TIM (traditional Indian medicine)

antibacterial

lipid-lowering

effects/uses for garlic in modern medicine

lowering cholesterol levels

modest effect; lowers serum triglyerides, but not LDL

active compounds in garlic, and where they’re found

alliin and allicin

sulfur-containing compounds

found in bulbs

alliin is present → converts to allicin when crushed and exposed to air

adverse effects of garlic

odor

can interact with blood thinners

purple coneflower binomial and family

Echinacea purpurea

part of family Asteraceae

traditional medicine that uses purple coneflower

North American traditional medicine (NAM)

traditional uses for purple coneflower

immune stimulant

antimicrobial

anti-inflammatory

treatment for infections of respiratory and urinary tracts

traditional preparation of purple coneflower

fresh juice for respiratory tract and urinary infections

active compounds in purple coneflower

polysaccharides

tip to remember: ice cream cones are sweet, coneflower has sugars

efficacy of purple coneflower

effective in treating infections and colds

14 studies conclude: it prevents colds by 58%, reduces duration of upper respiratory tract infections

adverse effects of purple coneflower

allergic reaction (rare)

St. John’s Wort binomial

Hypericum perforatum

traditional medicines that use St. John’s Wort

European medicine

Asian medicine

North American medicine

active compounds in St. John’s Wort

phenols

terpenoids

hypericin

hyperforin

one traditional method of preparation of St. John’s Wort

flower oil

extract from entire plant

modern use for St. John’s Wort

antidepressant

effect of hypericin in St. John’s Wort

gives red stain of flower oil

staining when smushed signals that flowers are ready for harvest

effect of hyperforin in St. John’s Wort

pain relief (and antidepressant)

efficacy of St. John’s Wort

in clinical trials, more effective than conventional antidepressants

potential adverse effects of St. John’s Wort

mania

infrequent photosensitization (sensitivity to light)

(AEs are serious)

can interfere with prescription drugs

saw palmetto binomial

Serenoa repens

active compounds in saw palmetto, and where they’re found

fatty acids and phytosterols

found in fruits (drupes)

prepared form of saw palmetto

dry fruit solvent extract is recommended

uses of saw palmetto

treats benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)

efficacy of saw palmetto

comparable to synthetics (e.g. Proscar)

supported with clinical trials

adverse effects of saw palmetto

rare, normally mild

kava binomial

Piper methysticum

methysticum means intoxicating

Piper is the pepper family

traditional medicines that use kava

traditional Australian medicine (TAUM)

Polynesian medicine

parts used and traditional preparation of kava

rhizomes and roots are ground into beverage

traditionally chewed

uses of kava

treat anxiety and disturbed sleep

active compounds in kava

kavalactones

kavapyrones

efficacy of kava

effective short-term

dangerous long-term or with high dosage

adverse effects of kava

exhibited with long-term use or high dosage:

flaky, dry, and/or yellowing skin

loss of hair, weight, and hearing

toxic liver damage

cranberry binomial

Vaccinium spp.

active compounds in cranberry, and where they’re found

anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant)

found in fruits

provide dark red/purple/blueish colors

preparation method of cranberry

juice from fruits

uses/effects of cranberry

antimicrobial → treats UTIs

improves cardiovascular health

efficacy of cranberry

effective, but not suitable for all

patients using anticoagulants should avoid

milk thistle binomial

Silybum marianum

parts of milk thistle used

dry achenes (fruits)

effect of milk thistle

supports liver health

tip to remember: drinking is bad for the liver, drink milk instead of alcohol

efficacy of milk thistle

controversial

rigorous clinical trials are lacking

adverse effects of milk thistle

none reported

black cohosh binomial

Cimicifuga racemosa

parts of black cohosh used

dried rhizomes and roots

uses for black cohosh

treats menopausal symptoms and hot flashes

efficacy of black cohosh

recent studies suggest using in combination with St. John’s Wort

adverse effects of black cohosh

mild gastrointestinal upset

nausea

vertigo

AEs are possible at higher doses (>160 mg/day)

soy binomial

Glycine max

active compounds in soy, and where they’re found

isoflavones (phytoestrogens)

found in seeds

efficacy of soy

small but positive effect in postmenopausal women

not suitable for small children

adverse effects of soy

may cause allergic reaction

What plant is this?

ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

What plant is this?

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)

see American ginseng for a picture of roots

What plant is this?

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

see Asian ginseng for a picture of leaves

What plant is this?

garlic (Allium sativum)

What plant is this?

purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

What plant is this?

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

What plant is this?

saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

What plant is this?

kava (Piper methysticum)

What plant is this?

cranberry (Vaccinium spp.)

What plant is this?

milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

What plant is this?

black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

What plant is this?

soy (Glycine max)