1059
Skullcap,
L. Scutellaria
lateriflora
Flavonoid,
monoterpenes
Anxiolytic, sedative,
hypnotic
Cognitive impairment,
hepatotoxicity
Disulfiram-like reaction
may occur if used
with alcohol
1–2 g/day
Little information exists to
support the use of this herb in
humans.
St. John’s wort,
L. Hypericum
perforatum
Hypericin,
flavonoids,
xanthones
Antidepressant, sedative,
anxiolytic
Headaches,
photosensitivity
(may be severe),
constipation
Report of manic reaction
when used with
sertraline (Zoloft); do
not combine with
SSRIs or MAOIs:
possible serotonin
syndrome; do not use
with alcohol, opioids
100–950 mg/day Under investigation by the
NIH; may act as MAOI or
SSRI; 4- to 6-week trial for
mild depressive moods; if
no apparent improvement,
another therapy should be
tried.
Strawberry leaf,
L. Fragaria vesca
Flavonoids, tannins
Anxiolytic
Contraindicated with
strawberry allergy
Undetermined
1 g/day
Little information exists to
support the use of this herb in
humans.
Tarragon,
L. Artemisia
dracunculus
Flavonoids,
hydroxycoumarins
Hypnotic, appetite
stimulant
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined Little information exists to
support the use of this herb in
humans.
Valerian,
L. Valeriana
officinalis
Valepotriates,
valerenic acid,
caffeic acid
Sedative, muscle relaxant,
hypnotic
Cognitive and motor
impairment, GI upset,
hepatotoxicity; long-
term use: contact
allergy, headache,
restlessness,
insomnia, mydriasis,
cardiac dysfunction
Avoid concomitant use
with alcohol or CNS
depressants
1–2 g/day
May be chemically unstable
Wild lettuce,
Lactuca, Virosa
Flavonoids,
coumarins,
lactones
Sedative, anesthetic,
galactagogue
Tachycardia, tachypnea,
visual disturbance,
diaphoresis
Undetermined Bitter taste, added to salad or
drinks, active compound
closely resembles opium
Winter cherry,
withania, somnifera
Alkaloids, steroidal
lactones
Sedative, treatment for
arthritis, possible
anticarcinogenic
Thyrotoxicosis,
unfavorable effects
on heart and adrenal
gland
Undetermined Smoke inhaled
ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; bid, twice a day; BP, blood pressure; CNS, central nervous system; COPD, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease; FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; GABA,
g
-aminobutyric acid; GI, gastrointestinal; MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitor; NIH, National Institutes of Health; PAF, platelet-activating factor;
PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; PDE, phosphodiesterase; PMS, premenstrual syndrome; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder; qid, four times a day; SNRI, serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA, tricyclic antidepressant; tid, three times a day; UTI, urinary tract infection.
a
There are no reliable, consistent, or valid data exist on dosages or adverse affects of most phytomedicinals.
b
Flavonoids are common to many herbs. They are plant byproducts that act as antioxidants (i.e., agents that prevent the deterioration of material such as deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] via oxidation).
