Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

• Actions: Diuretic, urinary antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, endocrine agent

• Medicinal Uses: treat mild to moderate BPH, inflammation of respiratory and genitourinary tract

• Side effects: none-low

• Doses:160 mg (2xd std lipophylic ext) or 2-4 ml tincture

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity• It contains sterols, flavonoids, water-soluble

polysacharides and fatty oil.• Antiandrogenic, antiestrogenic and anti-inflammatory

actions• The oily fraction inhibits in vitro testosterone 5a-

reductase activity, an enzyme in male hormone metabolism. 5 a-reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The overproduction of dihydrotestosterone is responsible for prostate enlargement.

• No toxic or health hazard, occasional stomach complaints

Herb –Drug Interaction

• This herb may decrease the therapeutic effects of oral and patch contraceptives, such as estrogen/progestin [Ortho-Novum ] and estradiol/norethindrone [CombiPatch ], and other hormone-replacement therapies.

Uva-ursi

• Actions: Astringent, antibacterial, mild diuretic, urinary antiseptic.

• Medicinal Uses: urinary tract infections including cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, yeast infection early stage of genital herpes

• Side effects:low-medium

• Doses: 1 tsp in 0.5 L water boiled for 15 min. 1-4 ml tincture in a glass of water.

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• Leaves contain: hydroquinone derivatives; arbutin, methylarbutin, ericolin, ursone, gallic acid ellagic acid, tannin (5-7%)

• Arbutin is hydrolyzed to hydroquinone which acts as a mild astringent and antimicrobial in alkaline urine.

• Ursolic acid is contributing to the diuretic effect.

• Adverse reactions: seizures, tinnitus, nausea, irritation of the bladder and UT mucous membrane, hepatotoxicity.

Herb –Drug Interaction

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and

Corticosteroids: Arbutin increases the inhibitory action of prednisolone and dexamethazone on contact dermatitis, allergic-type hypersensitivity and arthritis.

• Diuretics: enhanced effects

Black Cohosh

• Action: Antispasmodic, regulates menses, astringent, diuretic, cough suppressant, and diaphoretic. Astringent and sedative.

• Medicinal uses: Delayed painful menstruation and ovarian cramps.

Menopausal symptoms

Rheumatic pains, muscular and neurological pain.

• Side effects: low

• Dose:20-80mg std ext. (2xd)

250-550 mg freeze dried root

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• Steroidal terpenes, cimigoside, acteina, isoflavone, formononetine

• Vascular and estrogen-like action, suppress LH,(?)

• Contraindicated during pregnancy (uterine contraction)

Herb –Drug Interaction

• Anesthetics, antihypertensive, sedatives: may increase hypotensive effect

• Estrogens, hormonal contraceptives: may increase effects.

• Possible interaction with tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Vitex

• Actions: prolactin inhibitor, dopamine antagonist , exert progesteronic effect in women and anti-androgenic in men

• Medicinal Uses: PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms and fibroids, increase lactation, impotence, BPH

• Side effects: none-low

• Doses: 150-330 std ext

(0.5% agnuside) (2xd)

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• Iridoid glucosides: agnuside, aucubin luteolin like flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloid vitricine.

• Antiandrogenic, anti-inflammatory, progesteronic effect

• Female endocrine, reproductive disorders and hormonal imbalance, ovarian insufficiency inadequate lactation, PMS

• Headache, increased menstrual flow

Drug-herb Interaction

• Antihypertensive (antagonistic effect)

• Beta-blockers: possible risk of hypertensive crisis

Dong Quai

• Actions:adaptogenic, restores menstrual regularity, reduces PMS, prevents anemia, digestive bitter

• Medicinal uses: Female hormonal balance, high iron content (anemia treatment), promotes circulation and bile secretion.

• Side effects: low

• Dose: 125-500 mg std ext(eve)

tincture 1-2 teaspoon

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• At least six coumarin derivatives (anticoagulant, vasodilating, antispasmodic activity)

• N-buthylphtalide, nicotinic acid, safrole,

• Vitamins; A, E, B12

• Weak estrogen-agonist activity, treats blood deficiency, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, irregular menstruation.

• High dose cytotoxic, bleeding tendency ,first trimester abortive) don’t use in acute virus infection

Herb –Drug Interaction

• Enhance anticoagulant effect

• Increased risk of photosensitivity

Evening Primrose

• Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, corrects omega-6 deficiency, hypotensive

• Medicinal Uses: PMS, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, CFS, ulcerative colitis, IBS, hypertension, mastalgia

• Side effects: low

• Doses:250-500 mg/ day

600mg arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity

• PUFA, gamma linoleic acid

• Anti-inflammatory, intestinal Ca absorption,

• Hypotensive, inhibit gastric mucosal damage

• Headache, mild nausea, arachidonic acid build up

Herb –Drug Interaction

• Avoid concomitant use with phenothiazines.

• Contraindicated in : epilepsy

Herbs used in kidney and bladder disorders

•Asparagus Blackthorn Borage

•Buchu Capsicum Celery

•Coriander Corn silk Devil’s claw

•Horsetail Juniper Marshmallow

•Parsley Pau d’arco Sarsaparilla

•Schisandra Soapwort Stone root

•Uva ursi