Category: Fundamentals Valerian binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid alpha-receptor sites in the brain and CNS. It acts in a competitive action with any benzodiazepine. Valerian is used for insomnia and anxiety. Valerian can cause excitability, blurred vision, and nausea.
Category: Fundamentals St. John’s wort can cause dizziness, restlessness, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, GI distress and photosensitivity. Drug interactions include an increase in MAO inhibition activity when taken with alcohol, narcotics and cold/flu medicines.
Category: Fundamentals St. John’s wort is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. It inhibits reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine. St. John’s wort is used to treat depression, anxiety and neuralgic pain.
Category: Fundamentals Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. The recommended dosage is 320 mg daily. Adverse reactions include headache, hypertension, constipation, diarrhea, decreased libido and back pain.
Category: Fundamentals Saw palmetto inhibits the production of enzymes responsible for converting testosterone to more reactive dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto blocks the binding of DHT to prostate cells, inhibiting enlargement.
Category: Fundamentals Omega-3s promote the relaxation and contraction of muscles, blood clotting, digestion, and the growth and movement of calcium and other substances in and out of cells. It also decreases inflammation and platelet aggregation.
Category: Fundamentals Kava suppresses emotional excitability and mood enhancement. Taken together, levodopa and kava can cause an increase in parkinsonian symptoms. Absorption of kava is increased if it is taken with food. Kava increases the effects of alcohol.
Category: Fundamentals Glucosamine stimulates the production of cartilage components and allow rebuilding of damaged cartilage. Studies have proven its safety and effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Category: Fundamentals Ginkgo biloba promotes arterial and venous vascular changes that increase tissue perfusion and cerebral blood flow. It is also considered an antioxidant. Results from clinical trials vary. Cholesterol-lowering effects, if any, have been shown to be small.
Category: Fundamentals Flaxseed is rich in lignans, one of the major classes of phytoestrogens. They are estrogen-like chemical compounds with antioxidant qualities, able to scavenge free radicals in the body. They are also rich in soluble and insoluble fiber.
Category: Fundamentals Echinacea stimulates phagocytosis and increases respiratory cellular activity and mobility of leukocytes. Echinacea is used to help heal abscesses, burns, eczema and skin wounds, and to treat the common cold. Echinacea may cause a rash.
Category: Fundamentals CoQ10 has antioxidant properties and is a cofactor in metabolic pathways. It is produced by the human body and is necessary for cell functioning. Levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with chronic diseases.
Category: Fundamentals Black cohosh can cause nausea, dizziness, increased perspiration and bradycardia. It interacts with several classes of drugs, such as anesthetics and sedatives. It may increase the hypotensive effect of many antihypertensive agents.
Category: Fundamentals Black cohosh has vascular and estrogenic properties. Some studies have shown that black cohosh binds to estrogen receptors. Therefore, black cohosh is used for dysmenorrhea and vasomotor menopausal symptoms.
Category: Fundamentals Side effects of opioids include sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, itching and nausea/vomiting. Considered the most dangerous side effect, respiratory depression is seen not only in overdoses but also in patients who are opioid-naive.
