Herbal medicine is now used by more than 40% Americans. Proven beneficial ones are in Green
Many studies have now proven that herbs are truly effective.
Many treatments that today are part of mainstream (allopathic) medicine were at some time considered wierd/alternative. Having recognized this, many studies are conducted on herbs. Herbs and their extracts are being compared to existing medications.
The ones that are VERY IMPORTANT are listed hereunder. An exam will almost certainly have questions out of these.
St. John's wort (SJW) is effective in depression. Side effects are similar to SSRIs: GI upset, fatigue and photosensitivity.
Chondroitin/Glucosamine: Effective anti-inflammatory drug useful in osteoarthritis - but has side effects similar to NSAIDs
Saw Palmetto: Useful in benign prostatic hypertrophy. Its mechanism of action is similar to Finasteride (Proscar) and usual dose is 160 mg PO bid.
Echinacea: Although it is used in preventing or battling minor infections, evidence does not clearly support its use.
Ginkgo biloba: Used in the treatment of dementia, it may have a benefit but
never use it in the presence of Warfarin as serious intracerebral bleeding can occur.Ginseng: It gives people more energy. This seems to be achieved by increasing steroid secretion by adrenals. Post menopausal bleeding is a side effect. If this happens on Ginkgo, still need to evaluate patient as if not on it.
Arginine: Stabilizes endothelium and helps with claudication patients.
Coenzyme Q (Co Q): May help with CHF.
DHEA: May be helpful in men. Helps with cardiovascular risk. Not so in females.