1055
Cyclamen,
L. Cyclamen
europaeum
Triterpene
Anxiolytic; for menstrual
complaints
Small doses (e.g.,
300 mg) can lead to
nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea.
Undetermined
Undetermined High doses can lead to
respiratory collapse.
Echinacea,
L. Echinacea
purpurea
Flavonoids,
polysaccharides,
caffeic acid
derivatives,
alkamides
Stimulates immune system;
for lethargy, malaise,
respiratory infections
and lower UTIs
Allergic reaction, fever,
nausea, vomiting
Undetermined
1–3 g/day
Use in HIV and AIDS patients
is controversial; may not be
effective in coryza.
Ephedra, ma-huang
L. Ephedra sinica
Ephedrine,
pseudoephedrine
Stimulant; for lethargy,
malaise, diseases of
respiratory tract
Sympathomimetic
overload:
arrhythmias,
increased BP,
headache, irritability,
nausea, vomiting
Synergistic with
sympathomimetics,
serotonergic agents;
avoid with MAOIs
1–2 g/day
Tachyphylaxis and dependence
can occur (taken off market).
Ginkgo,
L. Ginkgo
biloba
Flavonoids,
ginkgolide A, B
Symptomatic relief of
delirium, dementia;
improves concentration
and memory deficits;
possible antidote to
SSRI-induced sexual
dysfunction
Allergic skin reactions,
GI upset, muscle
spasms, headache
Anticoagulant: use with
caution because of
its inhibitory effect
on PAF; increased
bleeding possible
120–240 mg/day Studies indicate improved
cognition in persons with
Alzheimer’s disease after
4–5 weeks of use, possibly
because of increased blood
flow.
Ginseng,
L. Panax
ginseng
Triterpenes,
ginsenosides
Stimulant; for fatigue,
elevation of mood,
immune system
Insomnia, hypertonia,
and edema (called
ginseng abuse
syndrome)
Not to be used with
sedatives, hypnotic
agents, MAOIs,
antidiabetic agents, or
steroids
1–2 g/day
Several varieties exist; Korean
(most highly valued),
Chinese, Japanese, American
(
Panox quinquefolius
)
Heather,
L. Calluna
vulgaris
Flavonoids,
triterpenes
Anxiolytic, hypnotic
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined Efficacy for claimed uses is not
documented
Holy Basil formula,
Ocimum
tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum,
an aromatic plant
native to the
tropics, part of the
Lamiaceae
family.
Flavonoids.
Used to combat stress, also
used for common colds,
headaches, stomach
disorders, inflammation,
heart disease.
No data exists regarding
the long-term effects.
May prolong clotting
time, increase the risk
of bleeding during
surgery, and lower
blood sugar.
None
Dosage depends
on the
formulation
type,
recommended
dose is
2 softgel
capsules
taken with
8 oz water
daily.
None
Hops,
L. Humulus
lupulus
Humulone, lupulone,
flavonoids
Sedative, anxiolytic,
hypnotic; for mood
disturbances, restlessness
Contraindicated
in patients with
estrogen-dependent
tumors (breast,
uterine, cervical)
Hyperthermia effects
with phenothiazine
antipsychotics and
with CNS depressants
0.5 g/day
May decrease plasma levels
of drugs metabolized by
CYP450 system
(
continued
)
