Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity • Steroidal terpenes, cimigoside, acteina, isoflavone, formononetine • Vascular and estrogen-like action, suppress LH,(?) • Contraindicated during pregnancy (uterine contraction)

9. Herb –Drug Interaction • Anesthetics, antihypertensive, sedatives: may increase hypotensive effect • Estrogens, hormonal contraceptives: may increase effects. • Possible interaction with tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

10. 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)

11. 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

12. Drug-herb Interaction • Antihypertensive (antagonistic effect) • Beta-blockers: possible risk of hypertensive crisis

13. 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

14. 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

15. Herb –Drug Interaction • Enhance anticoagulant effect • Increased risk of photosensitivity

16. 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

17. Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity • PUFA, gamma linoleic acid • Anti-inflammatory, intestinal Ca absorption, • Hypotensive, inhibit gastric mucosal damage • Headache, mild nausea, arachidonic acid build up

18. Herb –Drug Interaction • Avoid concomitant use with phenothiazines. • Contraindicated in : epilepsy

19. 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