BOTANICAL MEDICINE FINAL EXAM REVIEW

RESPIRATORY HERBS
Botanical Common Constituents MOA Mechanical Actions Medicinal use Contraindications
Name
Verbascum Mullein • Mucilage • Saponins which, like detergent, draw fluid from • Demulcent • dry, hoarse coughs or wet, productive coughs with thick • Can be irritating to the
Thapsus • Triterpene the tissues; that creates a thinner mucus that is • Expectorant expectorant human respiratory tract and
saponins easier to expectorate. • Antispasmodic • earaches conjunctiva from the aerial
• Aucubin (asthma • Mucilage constituents are primarily responsible • leaves have an expectorant and anti-spasmodic quality parts.
tx, antispasmodic for the soothing actions on mucous membranes • combines the stimulating expectorant action of the saponins
and decrease with the soothing and relaxing action of the mucilage and
pain with cough) aucubin glycosides.
• Can also address the emotional component of inflammatory
conditions as it seems to allay the anxiety associated with URIs
and asthma.
• Muscle spasms and painful joints
Inula Elecampane • Sesquiterpene • Sesquiterpene lactones have the main active • Expectorant • Inula is a highly beneficial remedy for the treatment of • Contact dermatitis can be
helenium lactones principles, has an anti-inflammatory and • Lung tonic pulmonary conditins and the bitter principle lends it digestive caused by inula
• Inulin antibiotic effect, • Immune stimulant tonification properties. • Avoid in SIBO
• The antitussive (cough prevention and (probiotics) • Bitter principle lends it digestive tonification properties.
treatment) and carminative (soothing effect on
the intestinal tract) effects of elecampane may
possibly be due to the inulin and mucilage
content.
Tussilago Coltsfoot • Flavoinoids • Soothing lung tonic • mucilage and bitter combines to make a soothing tonic • Chronic use should be
Farfara “takes the • Mucilage • Diffuse expectorant • diffusive expectorant, sedative, and demulcent, most useful in limited due to PA
cough far • Pyrrolizidine • Sedative debilitated and chronic conditions. • Children and elderly that
far away” • Combines well with other lung tonics are more susceptible to PA
alkaloids • Demulcent
• Debilitated and chronic • Pregnant and nursing
conditions mothers
• anticatarrhal • No longer than 4-6 weeks.

Ligusticum Osha • Volatile oil • Effective anti-viral and diaphoretic plant that • Antiviral • beginning stages of the cold and flu • pregnancy
porter/grayi • Furanocoumarins raises the body temperature and then causes • Diaphoretic • nagging cough that has persisted for weeks • emmenagogue.
• Z-ligustilide diaphoresis • Antibacterial • bacterial infection
• antispasmodic
Lomatium Leptotaenia • flavonoids • coumarins in Lomatium have significant • Antimicrobial • Flu • Can cause
dissectum Desert • resins antibacterial activity • Antiviral • Acute and chronic viral, bacterial, fungal infections and other photosensitization
parsely • glycosides • furanocoumarins have antiviral activities against • Antifungal inflammatory disorders of the respiratory system • Resin fraction occasionally
(coumarins and both DNA and RNA viruses. • Antibacterial • Most effective in treating infections when it is given as early as causes a whole body rash
saponins) • Tetranoic acids and a glucose of Luteolin appear • Expectorant possible and in small frequent doses. in some people
to have antimicrobial activity. • Antitussive • Excellent expectorant • Maculopapular rash that
• To avoid rash that has reputation with crude herb use. mimics measles.
• Antiseptic
• Appropriate for children in low doses
 Thymus Thyme • Volatile oil • Many constituents in thymus work synergistically • Antitussive • Pulmonary uses of thymus are based on its antiseptic and • Pregnancy
Vulgaris to provide its anti-tussive, antiapasmodic and • Antispasmodic antibacterial actions combined with the expectorant and • Acute inflammation in GU
expectorant actions. • Secretolytic (stops spasmolytic action. tract
• Essential oil of thymus has a relaxing effect on excessive sections of • Gastritis, flatulence and worms • Toxicity: HA, vomiting,
tracheal smooth muscles mucus) • Diuretic—tea most effective in GU infections painful diarrhea, tinnitus,
• Expectorant action • Mouth wash for sore throats, mouth ulcers, leukoplakia and kidney failure.
• Carminative thrush.
• Antiseptic diuretic in
the GU tract
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus • 1,8-cineol— • induces hepatic mixed function of oxidases • antiseptic • standardized form for COPD comes from the 1,8-cineol • causes kidney irritation and
globulus antimicrobial • increases the rate of metabolism and clearance • antispasmodic • best in steam inhalation damage
• volatile oil— of some drugs • expectorant • tension headache • CNS depression
eucalyptol • oil inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis and has a • stimulant • • Low blood pressure
mild hyperemic, expectorant and Secretolytic • febrifuge • Renal inflammation
motor effect when used topically • anti-insect • GI and biliary inflammation
• Hepatic disorders and use
by children under age of 2
Commiphora Myrrh • Volatile oil • Antimicrobial activity from the volatile oil, resins • Mucus membrane • Plae, lax, flaccid tissues especially of the throat, oral pharynx • Pregnancy
molmol (C. • Resins and gum. tonic • Normalizing effect on mucosal secretions—it thins copious, • Graves dz or hashimoto’s
myrrha) • Gum • Stimulates macrophages • Expectorant thick mucus. thyroiditis.
• Astringent and soothing effect on inflamed • Antiseptic • Pulmonary conditions (tonsillitis, pharyngitis • Toxicity: increased pulse,
tissues in the mouth and throat • Astringent • Dental mouthwash and toothpaste increased temperature,
• Antiinfalmmatory • Stimulating effect on the thyroid gastric burning,
• Antispasmodic diaphoresis, vomiting and
purgation.
• Carminative
• demulcent
Euphrasia Eye bright • Iridoid glycosides • • Anticattarrhal • Remedy for any and all problems of the mucous membranes of •
officinalis (aucubin) • Astringent the head and chest—seasonal allergies (combines well with
• Flavonoids • Vasoconstrictor of stinging nettles)
• Tannins nasal and conjunctival • Acute diseases of the eyes, nose and ears
membranes • Vasoconstrictive of the nasal and conjunctival mucous
• Anti-inflammatory membranes which further contribute to its anti-catarrhal effects.

Prunus Wild cherry • Cyanogenic • Once broken down the glycosides in the body act • Antitussive • Sedates the cough reflex • Depressed and sluggish
serotinal glycosides by quelling spasms in the smooth muscles lining • Is most desired when coughs disturb sleep or post-infection with conditions
(almond the bronchioles, thereby relieving coughs a lingering dry cough • Sedates the Nervous
smelling) system and circulation
• pregnancy
DYSGLYCEM IA
Botanical Common Constituents MOA Medicinal actions Medicinal Use Contraindications
name
Gymnema Small • Gymnemic acids • Gymnemic acids and gurmarin have anti-sweet activity in • Hypoglycemic • Regulates elevated and/or fluctuating sugar levels • Pregnancy
sylvestre Indian the taste receptors of the mouth • Antidiabetic (some • Taken for 6-12 months before you see antidiabetic • Gastric irritation
Ipecac • Antidiabetic due to the combination of mechanisms insulin secretagogue properties.
including the reduction of intestinal absorption of glucose action)
and inhibition of active glucose transport in the small
intestine
• Suppresses glucose-mediated release of gastric
inhibitory peptide

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 • Increases the number of islet of Langerhans and number
of pancreatic beta cells through regeneration.
Cinnamomum Cinnamon • Eugenol • Inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes thus • Hypoglycemic • Soothing muscles (relaxing effects • Contribute to liver
cassia (C. • Cinnamaldehyde decreasing inflammation • Astringent • May lower blood pressure inflammation and can be
verum) • Tannins • Methylhydroxychalcone polymer improves insulin • Carminative (soothes avoided with C. verum use.
• Polyphenols including sensitivity the gut)
proanthocyanidines • Reduces HA1C, postprandial hyperglycemia, fasting • Demulcent
• Methylhydroxychalcone glucose and lipids • Diaphoretic
polymer • Delay stomach emptying
• Coumarin (higher in C.
cassia)
Trigonella Fenugreek • Galactomannans • significant anti-diabetic effects from administration of • Hypoglycemic • Endocrine conditions • Drug interactions:
foenum- • Steroidal saponins defatted seeds • Demulcent • Diabetic patients o Insulin—additive
gracecum*** • diosgenin • reduces fasting and postprandial blood levels of glucose, • Galactogogue • Metabolic conditions—good aid to cholesterol effects
glucagon, somatostatin, insulin, total cholesterol and lowering plans o Oral drug absorption
triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. • Fastest acting herbal galactogogue, compliance is decreased due to
• Sees are postulated to coat the mucosa of the GI tract low due to tast mucilage effects
inhibiting the absorption of nutrients— o Cholesterol lowering
• Helps with respiratory congestions—mucilage
hypochelestrolemic effect. agents (additive
action.
• Steroidal saponins account for the beneficial effects— effect)
• Good bitter and carminative to the GI tract o Warfarin (possible)
inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis • Good for boils, acne, eczema and inflammation on o MAOI
• Lowers circulating androgens the skin. • Contraindicated in PG
Galega French • Galegin • Hypoglycemic effect—galagine blocks succinic • Hypoglycemic • Endocrine conditions—diabetes type I and II • Pregnancy.
officinalis Lilac • Guanidine—the dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase—increases • Galactogogue • Hypoglycemic effect
prototype for anaerobic glycolysis and decreases gluconeogenesis. • Gynecological conditions—galactogogue
Giguadine class of • Promotoes lactation
drugs (metformin)
BERBERINE CO NTAINING HERBS
• Coptis Chinensis (golden thread) o Direct actions to increase glycolysis, activate AMPK 5’ AMP-activated protein kinase
• Berberis Vulgaris (barberry) § Plays a role in cellular energy homeostasis.
• B. aristata (Indian berberry) § Expressed in a number of tissues, including the liver, brain and skeletal muscles.
• Hydrastis canadensis ( § Metabolic master switch that regulates several intracellular systems, including the cellular uptake of
glucose, the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the biogenesis of GLUT4 transporters
• Mahonia (berberis aquifolium)
o Regulates cellular uptake of glucose, oxidation of fatty acids and synthesis of GLUT4
• Berberine is a plant alkaloid o Increases the expression insulin receptors
• Mechanism o Increases insulin sensitivity
o Reduction of inflammation by inhibiting COX-2 transcriptional activity, platelet aggregation inhibition • Contraindicated during pregnancy
CARDIO VASCULAR HERBS
Herb Common Constituents MOA Medicinal action Medicinal Use Contraindications
name
Crataegus Hawthorne • Flavonoids (anti- • Mildly inhibit angiotenis-converting enzyme • Cardioprotective • Valvular murmurs • Cardiac glycosides and
oxycantha inflammatory) (ACE)—reducing production of the potent • Antioxidant activity • “food for the heart” beta blockers (drug
• Oligomeric blood vessel-constricting substance • Stabilization of • antiarrhythmic potential, especially as long-term therapy for extra interactions)
procyanidins angiotensin II connective tissue systolic arrhythmias • Vitexin inhibits thyroid
(antioxidants) • Reduces resistance in arteries and improves tone • middle aged women with chest pain and normal cardiac workup. peroxidase thus
extremity circulation. • Reduction of • Cardioprotective effect on the ischemic-reperfused heart contributing to goiter
cholesterol (but has not been seen
• Congestive heart failure
clinically
• Potentiates the actions of cardiac glycosides
• Hypothensive
• Hypertension?
• Bradycardic.
Tilia spp. Lime • Flavonoids • Relax muscles in arteries • Hypotensive • Gentle sedative •
flower • Glycosides • Hypotensive effect • Sedative • Nervous dyspepsia
• Palpitations
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 • Volatile oils • Nervine in some • Reliable hypotensive—gentle and well-tolerated and therefore is
(farnesol) people most efficacious as a part of a hypotensive formula
• Phenolic acids • Diaphoretic. • Mild gallbladder problems (not gallstones)
• Mucilage • Excessive gas
• Tannins • Gastrocardiac syndrome
• Antispasmodic action in the intestines
• Often used in colds and flu to address the anxiety and tension
headaches while stimulating diaphoresis.
Leonurus Motherwart • Bitter glycosides • Uterine stimulant activity • Cardiac tonic • Nervous debility with irritation and unrest. • Pregnancy
cardiac “lion • Tannins • Slows heart contractions • Sedative • Relaxing effect with a slight stimulating edge. • Avoid use when the
heart” • Alkaloids • Small dose stimulant • Nervine • Increases uterine contractions menses are too free or
• Glycosides • Thyroid inhibitor • Nervine, antispasmodic and hypotensive—vasodilatory effect high febrile tendencies
• Volatile oils • Coronary and renal • Increases circulation to the reproductive organs are present.
• Vitamins A and C restorative diuretic • Anxious, restless and pelvic and lumbar discomfort and experience
• Iridoids • galactogogue of general weakness
• Stagnation in the pelvis
• Women with complaint of HA, insomnia, vertigo, pelvic complaints,
anxiety attcks and high stress
• Hyperthyroid
Allium spp Garlic • Sulfer containing • garlic inhibits the three processes responsible • Antimicrobial • Arteriosclerosis • Interacts with
compounds for arteriosclerosis: hypercholesterolemia, • Antispasmodic • Reduces cholesterol anticoagulants
• alliin reduced fibrinolysis and increased thrombocyte • Antidyspeptic • Increases fibrinolytic activity • Caution in
activity • Counter irritant • Antiseptic in the intestines hypercoagulation
• Utilized in DM and believed to occupy insulin receptor sites freeing conditions due to
insulin to affect other cells. embolic complications
Aesculus Sweet • Triterpene • Venous restorative due to aesculin • Venous • Trophorestorative for venous tissues • Drug interactions
hippocastanum chestnut saponins • Reduction in capillary permeability and edema trophorestorative • Acute thrombophlebitis o Anticoagulants
“horse • Oligosaccharides appears to be due to inhibition of lysosomal • Antispasmodic (leg • Swelling and bruises • Contraindications:
chestnut” • enzymes which break down the proteoglycans aches and pains) children under 4, acute
Polysaccharides • Fracture
• Brain trauma and strokes kidney inflammation,
gastric ulcers, topical
• Remove fluid from the spinal ganglia and relieve the pressure on
on broken skin and
nerve strands in IVD abnormality
pregnancy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Toxicity: hemolytic
• Bell’s palsy
properties
• Ointment or gel on varicose veins (not to massage the varicosity)
Centella Gotu Kola • Asiaticoside— • Binds to CCKB • Vulnerary • Mental and nervine effects—increase in attention span and • Vitamin E interaction
asiatica “Sanskrit” wound healing • Antifibrotic/fibrinolytic concentration • Emmenogogue
activity by • Anti-inflammatory • Modulation in anxiety, nociception, memory and hunger in animals • Implantation problems
indreasing collagen • and humans • Toxicity: HA, dizziness,
formation and • Increase in cerebral levels of GABA stupor, pruritis, bloody
angiogenesis. • Venous insufficiency—foot swelling, ankle edema and capillary passages from the
• Antioxidants permeability bowels.
• Brahminosides • Wound healing—reduced scar formation, increased healing and
• decreased fibrosis
Hibiscus Hibiscus, • Polyphenols, • Reduced fatty plaques in the aortic intima • Hypotensive • SERM activity
sabdariffa sour tea including • Compared to Lisinopril and found to produce • Mild • Abortifacient
anthocyanins lower BPs hypocholesterolemic • Antifertility action.
• Proanthocyanidines • Lowering cholesterol agent
• Beta carotene • Experienced lowered blood sugar and
increased HDL
Rosemarinus Rosemary • Volatile oil (1,8- • Antibacterial effects • Anti-inflammatory • Tropism for cerebral vessels • pregnancy
officinalis cineol) • Improves mental clarity, improves memory and improved vision

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 • Caffeic acid • Positive inotropic effect and an increase in • Decreases capillary fragility
derivatives— coronary blood flow, although other studies • EEG activity, altertness and mood increase
rosamarinic acid have shown an anti-hypertensive of rosmarinic • Decreased frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting increased
• Diterpenes acid alertness.
(carnosolic acid) • Rosmarinic acid is antioxidant • Lower anxiety scores
• Flavonoids • Anti-inflammatory action
• Triterpenes • Cancer prevention
(urosolic acid) • Excellent tonic for the elderly as it will stimulate the appetite and
tonify the circulatory and nervous system
Salvia Kitchen • alpha Thujone • • antioxidant • Alzheimer’s disease • Pregnancy
officinalis sage (neurotoxin) • anti-inflammatory • Diaphoretic • Lactation
• beta-thujone • epilepsy
Gingko biloba Gingko • Gingko flavone • Ginkgo flavone glycosides typically make up • • Age-related cognitive decline • Anticoagulant use
glycosides 24% of the SE • Tinnitus • toxicity
• Terpen lactones • Terpene lactones are 6% SE • Intermittent vascular claudication
• Antioxidant actions in the brain, retina of the • Sexual dysfunction
eye and CVS • Asthma
• Prevents membrane damage caused by free
radicals
• Decreases adhesion/degranulation of mast
cells and inhibition of platelet activating factors.
• Decreased emolization in hippocampus and
striatum—increased transmission rates
• Reduced cerebral edema
• Increase vascular perfusion
Vaccinium Bilberry • Flavonoids: • Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate tropism • Astringent • hypoglycemic effect • Interations:
myrtillus anthocyanosides for the skin, kidneys and the eyes. • Antiseptic • the collagen strengthening effects and inhibition of sorbitol o May protect
• Caffeic acid • Stabilization of collagen by cross linking fibers • Absorptive formation protects vasculature from diabetic complication. against ulcer
derivatives: • Promoting mucopolysaccaride and collagen • Antiemetic • Reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in primary formation
Chlorogenic acid biosynthesis, stimulating reticulation of dyslipidemia induced by
• antidiarrhetic
collagen fibrils • May prevent arteriosclerotic plaque formation as well. phenylbutazone,
• indomethacin,
Anti-inflammatory • Microvascuar support
reserpine,
• Normalization of capillary permeability • Improves night vision, quicker adjustment to darkness and faster
ethanol and
• Increasing the biosynthesis of restoration of visual acuity after glare exposure. acetic acid
mucopolysaccharides of CT ground substance • Peripheral vascular disorder. o Antiplatelet
• Decrease permeability of BBB • Venous disorders including hemorrhoids during pregnancy. medicaitons
• Anti-aggregation. • Dyspepsia and diarrhea • Contraindications:
• Anthocyanosides have strong “vitamin P” • Blueberries have recently been shown to slow the progression of hemorrhagic disorders.
activity—reduces capillary fragility and dementia.
permeability is roughly twice that of rutin, in • Tropism for skin and kidneys
both intensity and duration of action. • Gout and rheumatoid arthritis as collagen synthesis
• Mobilization of finger joint improved in patients with Raynaud’s
syndrome
STIM ULANTS
Herb Common Constituents MOA Medicinal Actions Medicinal Use Contraindications
Name
Camellia Tea (black • Flavonols • Absorbed after oral ingestion • Antioxidant • Good stimulant • Interactions: warfarin
sinensis tea) • Theanine • Tea polyphenols directly scavenge free radicals • Anti-tumor • Guards against CVD • Contraindications: kidney
• Polyphenols (green • Antibacterial properties against bacteria in dental plaques • Anti-cancer • Lowers total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol disorders, duodenal
tea) • Increase antioxidant and phase II detox enzyme activity profile disorders, heart disorders,
• Epigallocatechin • Decrease toxic and carcinogenic intermediates that are • Reduces platelet aggregation and lowers blood pressure psycholgical disorders,
gallate (green tea) formed in the liver with up-regulated phase I of detox • Lowers lipid levels • Pregnancy
• Lactation
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 • Polysaccharides • Protect tissue from tumor development • Prevent liver disease • Young children.
• Selective inhibition of 5-dihydrotestosterone in-vitro • Reduced fecal odor
• Inhibits aromatase also • Anti-oxidant compound
• Anti-cancer effets
• Asthma
Capsicum Cayenne • Capsaicin • Capsaicin releves pain and itching by temporarily • Circulatory • Vasodilation • Internal use in people with
Annuum pepper • Carotenoids stimulating release of various neurotransmitters from C- stimulant • Increase in fibrinolytic activity and hypocoagulation of blood gastrointestinal
L. Var. • Steroidal saponins fiber afferent neurons, leading to their depletion, • Spasmolytic • Relieve flatulence and intestinal colic inflammation and
frutescens especially of Substance P. • ulceration
Counter- • Stimulates a weak stomach, increases gastric secretion.
irritant • Pain conditions
• Increases circulation and causes hyperemia and blistering
• Releieves inflammation
PAIN
Herb Common Constituents MOA Medicinal action Medicinal use Contraindications.
Name
Salix spp White willow • Glycosides and • salicylates are though of as resistant mediators for • analgesic • inflammatory condtions • can precipitate some
esters yielding pathogens—antipyretic, analgesic/antirheumatic and • antiinfalmmatory sobstances
salicylic acid antiseptic actions through the inhibition of COX • febrifuge • some people may be
• Salicin • irreversible inhibiton of COX-1 • antipyretic hypersensitive to
• Salicortin • activate AMPK • astringent them
• Salicin
derivatives
• Tannins
• flavonoids
Picisida Jamaican • retenoids • • anodyne • used for spasm and associated pain of the uterus, dysmenorrhea, • Can act as a narcotic
erythrina Dogwood • isoflavonoids • antispasmodic ovarian neuralgia, labor pains. and should not be
• Dysmenorrhea associated with nervous and/or MSK tension. used in excess of the
• Hypertension prescribed dosage
• Inflammatory fever and rheumatism range.
• Spasmodic cough and bronchitis
• Insomnia secondary to nervous tension
• Sedative/nervine
Harpogophytum Devil’s claw • Harpagoside • COX and LOX inhibition • Anti- • Inflammatory conditions • Possible interaction
procumbens inflammatory • Stimulates lymph flow with anti-arhythmic
• Anti-rheumatic • GI indigestion meds
• Stimulates the liver • Stomach inflammation
• Reduce blood pressure and peptic disease
• Gallstones
• Tox: diarrhea and
decreased appetite
Boswellia spp. Frankincense • Boswellic acids • Inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such • Anti- • Anti-inflammatory • GI upset
• Resin as leukotrienes inflammatory • Rheumatoligc complaints
• Volatile oils • Alterative • Asthma
• Gums • Bronchitis
• Catarrh
• Cough
• Indigestion
• Laryngitis
• Skin care and wounds
• Weak immune system

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 Tanacetum Feverfew • Sesquiterpene • Parthenolide is antiplatelet and inhibits the release of • Anodyne • Migraine headaches • Pregnancy
parthenium lactones— serotonin and some inflammatory mediators and is • Bitter • Contact dermatitis
parthenolide thought to act on COX inhibition. • Migraine
prevention
Scutellaria B. Skullcap • Flavonoids • • Anti- • Anti-inflammatory •
baicalensis*** inflammatory • allergies
• Anti-allergic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-viral
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-pyretic
Curcuma longa Turmeric • Curcuminoids • Inhibits IL-8, TNF, 5-lioxygenase activity, • Hepatoprotective • Inflammatory conditions • Warfarin
• Sesquiterpines cyclooxygenase activity • Anti- • Lowering cholesterol and platlet aggregation • Bile duct obstruction
• Deplete nerve endings of substance P inflammatory • Prevent and treat cancer • Stomach ulcers
• Inhibit platelet aggregation • Choleretic • Inhibitor of protein kinase C • Hyperchlorhydria
• Acts on AMPK • Bitter • Nonmutagenic and suppreses the mutagenicity of several common • Pregnancy
• Antioxidant mutagens including cigarette smoke, benzopyrene, DMBA • Gall stones
• Anti-cancer • Arthritis, RA and OA
• Anti-hepatotoxic agent
• GI conditions
M ISC. H ER BS
Herb Common Constituents MOA Medicinal Action Medicinal Use Contraindications
Name
Glycyrrhiza Licorice • Triterpene • Glycyrrhizin is anti-inflammatory and inhibits the • Mucoprotective • GI conditions—antiulcer • Interactions
glabra saponins breakdown of cortisol through inhibition of 5-beta • Adrenal tonic • GERD o Diuretics
• Glycyrrhizin reductase and 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase • Demulcent • Pulmonary conditions o Insulin therapy
• Isoflavones • Help enterocytes heal • Expectorant • Adrenal fatigue o Cortisone therapy
• Herpes and shingles—antiviral effect • Anti-inflammatory • Prevents bacterial adherence to bladder mucosa • Contraindications:
• Due to effect on Na/K cardiac glycoside potentiation o Chronic hepatitis
• Hyperkalemia
o Cholestatic disease of the liver
• Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory for topical
o Cirrhosis of the liver
conditions o Severe renal insufficiency
o Hypertonia
o Hypokalemia
o pregnancy
Zingiber Ginger • gingerol • gingerol convert to shagaols for storage. • Carminative • GI condtions—antispasmodic effect. • Sensitive stomachs
officinalis • Inhibition of prostaglandin, leukotrienes and • Anti-emetic • Primary dysmenorrhea • Gallstones
thromboxane synthesis • Stimulant • Menorrhagia
• Inhibits IL1 alpha and beta and TNF alpha • Anti-inflammatory • Inflammatory conditions
• Inhibiton of platelet aggregation through inhibiton of • Diabetes (HbA1c and fasting blood sugar
thromboxane and reduced platelet lipid peroxide reduction)
formation • Hypertensive effect
• Inhibits substance P
Solidago Goldenrod • Flavonoids • • Diuretic • powerful diuretic and anti-catarrh herb • allergy to plant (cross contaminated with
virguarea • Catechin tannins • Anticattarrhal • affinity for urinary system and respiratory system ragweed)
• Phenolic acids • Mucous membrane
• Salicyclic acid tonic
• Antiseptic
• aquaretic
Hypericum St. John’s • flavonoids • antidepressant—hypericin have MAOI actions. • Nervine • Spinal injuries • Interactions:
perforatum wart • hyperforin • Inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters SE, NE, and • Anti-depressant • Mild to moderate depression o SSRI’s, MAOIs.
• catechin tannins dopamine—hyperforin action • Nervous • Seasonal affective disorder o Digoxin
• caffeic acid • Binds to GABA receptors trophorestorative o Warfarin and anticoagulants
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 • Increases melatonin • Anti-inflammatory • Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, neuralgia, neuroses, • CI:
• Inhibition of encapsulated viruses (herpes simplex) • Astringent migraine HA, fibrositis, dyspepsia and sciatica. o Photosensitization
• Wound healing • Vulnerary • Acute inflammation from injury o Pregnancy
• Antimicrobial • Viral infections o Suicidal patients
• Topical burns o Psychotic symptoms
o Surgery
Trifolium Red • Isoflavones • Formononetin can be converted to daidzein, which in • Alterative • Nutritive •
pretense clover • Daidzein turn can be metabolized to equol by bowel flora for use • Antispasmodic • Anti-inflammatory
• genistein in making steroids • Expectorant • Reduce wear and tear of tissue
• Binds to ER
Linum Flax • Lignans • Lignans interact with the estrogen receptor. • Anti-inflammatory • Constipation • Ileus
usitatissimum • Lignans are better at metabolic issues • Demulcent • Immune conditions • Stricture of the esophagus and GI tract
• Fiber • Inflammatory dermatological conditions • Acute inflammatory illness of the
• Phytoestrogen intestine, esophagus and stomach