HERBS

Lisa Meister February 27, 2009

Objective
Discuss common uses of herbal remedies that are popular in Mexican culture Review of the evidence Develop awareness of potential adverse reactions and/or drug interactions Will talk about Nopal, Aloe, Chamomile and Peppermint

Nopal
Opuntia ficus indica, streptocantha, etc.

Uses
Diabetes Hypercholesterolemia Obesity Alcohol-induced hangover Colitis Diarrhea BPH Atherosclerosis

Nopals Active Components

Fibrous Polysaccharide (Fiber) Pectin

The Evidence
decreases in LDL, TGs, while HDL unchanged. Hypoglycemic effects as well as increases in insulin sensitivity BPH? Anti-inflammatory- Alcohol Hangover study

Adverse Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, increased stool volume and/or frequency, abdominal fullness and headache If already taking hypoglycemic drugs, watch out for hypoglycemia

Aloe Vera

Uses
Ulcerative Colitis, ulcers, constipation, colitis, laxative Osteoarthritis, bursitis Diabetes Asthma, psoriasis Cold sores, radiation related mucositis, burns, sunburn, frostbite, wound healing Epilepsy Bleeding Varicose veins

Aloes active ingredients

10

Emodin anthrone Dithranol Chrysarobin Carboxypeptidase Magnesium lactate C-glucosyl chromone Salicylate Allantoin Aloe Latex (Anthraquinone family)

The Evidence
Plaque Psoriasis Decreases serum blood glucose Lichen planus

11

Adverse Effects
Topical- allergic reaction, delay in surgical wound healing Oral- hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, bleeding, uterine contractions

13

Chamomile
Matricaria recutita, chamomila

Uses
GI: Flatulence, nervous diarrhea, spasms, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids Nasal mucus membrane inflammation Allergic rhinitis ADHD Restlessness, insomnia Dismenorrhea Mastitis Varicose ulcers

14

Active Ingredients
Quercetin Apigenin Coumarins Essential oils: matricin, chamazulene, alpha bisaboloid, bisaboloid oxides

15

The evidence
Dyspepsia Oral mucositis Eczema

16

Adverse reactions
Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis Drug interactions

17

Peppermint
Mentha Piperita

18

Uses
Common cold Inflammatory processes of mouth, sinuses, pharynx, liver, gallbladder and bowel Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia Headache Morning Sickness Dismenorrhea
19

Active Ingredients
Acetaldehyde Amyl alcohol Menthyl esters Limone Pinene, etc. etc. etc.

20

The evidence
Irritable bowel syndrome Dyspepsia Barium enema related colonic spasm

21

Adverse effects

22

Heartburn, nausea, vomiting Allergic reactions Flushing Headache Hepatotoxicity at high doses P450 inhibitors Testosterone may decrease amphB

The end