Herbals

Alternative medicine

therapies outside traditional western medicine; includes herbal medicine which has become a major alternative medical treatment

Herbal medicines

naturally occurring compounds in biological organisms; classified as foods rather than drugs by the FDA

Dietary Supplement Health Education Act (DSHEA) 1994

-puts vitamins and minerals along w/ herbs

-states dietary supplements are NOT subject to clinical studies for safety, effectiveness, side effects, etc

St. John’s Wort

(Hypericum perforatum) used for treating/may treat mild depression by lifting the spirit by raising the level of serotonin

drawbacks: induce photosensitivity and may react adversely with medications to prevent organ transplant rejection or cancer drugs

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biolba)

-has been used for centuries in China to treat asthma and bronchitis

-now it’s studied as a brain tonic and may halt progression of Alzheimer’s disease

-no conclusive scientific evidence

-if taken w/ aspirin, it may induce internal bleeding

Saw palmetto

(Serenoa repens) has cherries w/ a substance that may help some patients suffering from benign prostate enlargement w/ results that may not be consistent

Echinacea (purple cone flower)

a top selling herbal that may help stimulate the body’s immune system and prevent the cold and flu; research shows it works for some ppl but not for others

Ashwagandha

an adaptogenic herb w/ origins in ayurvedic medicine used to help the body manage stess w/ potential benefits for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and supporting thyroid function

Garlic

may reduce cholesterol levels and may help reduce brain pressure

Ginseng

used to improve physical performance and as a brain tonic but studies show it’s not as effective

Grape seed extract

used for cardiovascular disease

Green tea

used to treat some cancers, lower cholesterol, and weight loss (weight loss data is mixed)

Bilberry fruit

possibly effective for problems in retina or high blood pressure

Aloe

possibly effective against skin psoriasis and to relieve constipation

Kava root

possibily effective to reduce anxiety, but may be very harmful to the liver

Ephedra

-a gymnosperm native to China used for medicinal purposes (decongestant against asthma and bronchitis)

-its active compound is an alkaloid (ephedrine)

-it is a CNS stimulant & bronchial dilator

-it increases blood pressure

-was used a dietary supplement found in performance enhancing & weight loss products

-found to have adverse effects is now BANNED and considered DANGEROUS

Double-blind study

when two groups of patients are administered a treatment but neither one knows they are being given the actual treatment (not even the researchers know) in order to prevent pre-judgement that may affect the results

Placebo effect

a beneficial effect in a patient following a treatment that comes from the patient’s expectations of the treatment, rather than the treatment itself