Stimulants herbal

Chinese Herbal Medicines. Many traditional Chinese medicines have been screened for radioprotective activity in experimental animals. In one study of more than a thousand Chinese herbs, a number of agents increased the survival rate of dogs exposed to a lethal dose of y-rays by 30—40%, and some symptoms of radiation injury were ameHorated. These effects are potentially related to stimulation of the hemopoietic and immune systems (130). Extracts of five Chinese dmg plants, as weU as aspirin, effectively protected mice exposed to 7.5—8.0 Gy (750—800 rad) of y-radiation, and increased survival rates by 8—50% (131). Several Chinese traditional medicines, adininistered ip before or after irradiation, protected against Hpid peroxidation in a variety of mouse tissues, including BM, Hver, and spleen, as weU as in mouse Hver microsomal suspensions irradiated in vitro (132). 

The different types or classes of phytochemicals can have multiple influences on the GIT (Kitts, 1994). For example, caffeine stimulates the motor, hormonal and secretory functions (Boekmaefa/., 1999). Although many phytochemicals reduce nutrient quality or availability, traditional herbal medicines have exploited some of these characteristics to improve health. Moreover, some of the systemic responses attributed to certain phytochemicals (beneficial or detrimental) can be explained by their influences on the GIT (Carbonaro et al., 2001). To date, the most of the information about phytochemicals is focused on the reductions in the functional capacities of the GIT (the bad), or the toxic properties (the ugly). There are also numerous examples of phytochemicals that can be used to obtain desirable GIT characteristics (the... 

Phytochemicals influence other digestive secretions. Several traditional herbal medicines stimulate gastric mucous secretion, providing protection (Sairam et al., 2001). The secretion and recycling of bile are also responsive to phytochemicals. The way in which certain polysaccharides increase fecal concentrations of bile acids (DalT Angelo and Lino van Poser, 2000) and thereby influence recycling and synthesis is particularly noteworthy. 

Phyto chemicals can be used to either stimulate or inhibit motility of the GIT. For example, caffeine and other phytochemicals stimulate motility (Lis-Balchim etal, 2001 Boekema et al, 1999), whereas motility is slowed by peppermint oil (Beesley et al, 1996), protease inhibitors (Schwartz et al., 1994) and several other phytochemicals (Abdullahi et al, 2001 Odetola and Acojenu, 2000 Rojas et al, 1999 Amos et al, 1998). Many of the traditional herbal medicines used for treatment of diarrhea are based on aqueous extracts that slow small intestine transit and increase residence time for digesta (Lin et al, 2002). The opiates and derivatives are particularly noteworthy (Williams et al., 1997). 

A wide diversity of herbal remedies have purported abilities to stimulate defense functions. Complexes of carbohydrate and lignin, which are present in some herbs, modulate enteric immune functions (Kiyohara et al, 2000), and the changes in cytokine secretion (Matsumoto and Yamada, 2000) can trigger systemic responses. The polysaccharides present in other herbal medicines augment production of immunoglobulin (Ig) A by the Peyer s patches in the small intestine (Sakushima et al, 1997 Yu et al, 1998). The responses of the enteric immune system to lectins are variable (Pusztai 1993), and can elicit systemic responses (Lavelle et al, 2000). Other phytochemicals provide protection by inducing detoxification pathways in mucosal cells (Williamson et al, 1998). 

ARAI I, KOMATSU Y, HIRAI Y, SHINGU K, IDA Y, YAMAURA H, YAMAMOTO T, KUROIWA Y, SASAKI K, TAGUCHI s (1997) Stimulative effects of saponin from kikyo-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, on pancreatic exocrine secretion of conscious rats. Planta Med. 63 419-24. 

In addition to this serious diet-drug interaction, irreversible MAOIs also potentiate the effects of sympathomimetic drugs like ephedrine found in over-the-counter cold remedies and recreational stimulants like amphetamine. The MAOIs also interact with drugs that increase synaptic concentrations of 5-HT, such as the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine and the herbal SSRI antidepressant St John s wort (Hypericum spp.). The resulting serotonin syndrome is characterised by hyperthermia and muscle rigidity. While devoid of these side effects the reversible MAO-A inhibitor moclobemide has yet to establish itself as a first-line alternative to the SSRIs. 

Finally, a particularly interesting ongoing challenge will be to understand the potential for do-it-yourself immune stimulation to have unintended consequences. There are now many herbal supplements, functional foods and other over-the-counter products that promise to boost the immune response and most are considered to be safe for use by the general public. Although there is limited published evidence of adverse immune system effects of these materials, some have been associated with autoimmunity [95,96], See chapter 11 for a detailed discussion of the beneficial and potential adverse effects of nutraceuticals and functional foods. 

The entry of drug companies into the herbal marketplace may result in dosage standardization for some products, and public and professional interests in herbs are likely to stimulate more research. However, with safe and effective medicines available, treatment with herbs rarely makes sense, and many of the conditions for which herbs are recommended are not suitable for self-treatment. 

Herbal medications are drugs in every sense of the word. They chemically modify bodily processes and can have therapeutic or harmful effects, depending on how they are used. However, there are a few general differences between herbal and pharmaceutical drugs (Tyler 1994). Herbal drugs tend to be more dilute than pharmaceutical drugs (table 1.1). For example, caffeine is available in 200 mg tablets to produce stimulation. Coffee contains 1-2% caffeine, so in order to get the same amount of caffeine one must use 20 g of coffee bean. Similarly, aspirin is... 

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder. Numerous medicines and drugs of abuse can produce panic attacks. Panic attacks can be triggered by central nervous system stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, caffeine, over-the-counter herbal stimulants such as ephedra, or any of the medications commonly used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD, including psychostimulants and modafinil. Thyroid supplementation with thyroxine (Synthroid) or triiodothyronine (Cytomel) can rarely produce panic attacks. Abrupt withdrawal from central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines can cause panic attacks as well. This can be especially problematic with short-acting benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), which is an effective treatment for panic disorder but which has been associated with between dose withdrawal symptoms. 

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL TRIALS Alkaline phosphatase stimulation. Extract of the leaf, administered orally to adults, was active. Patients with subacute hepatic necrosis had negative workup, except for consumption of 15 tablets of the herbal extract per day for 4 months L Anthelmintic activity. Water and petroleum ether extracts of the dried oleoresin were active on Eimeria tenella in chicken - . Anti-amoebic activity. The resin of Larrea produced inhibitory activity at a concentration of 1 ppm on Entamoeba invadens PZ axenic cultures. The nordihydroguaiaretic acid activity was observed at 10" to 10" concentrations - . 

Shibata, C., I. Sasaki, H. Naito, T. Ueno, and S. Matsuno. The herbal medicine Dai-Kenchu-Tou stimulates upper gut motility through cholinergic and 5-hydroxytryptarn ine 3 receptors in conscious dogs. Surgery 1999 126(5) 918-924. 

Stimulant drugs commonly abused in the USA include methamphetamine ("crank," "crystal"), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy"), and cocaine ("crack") as well as pharmaceuticals such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and ephedrine (as such and in the herbal agent Ma-huang) (see Chapter 32). Caffeine is often added to dietary supplements sold as "metabolic enhancers" or "fat-burners" and is also sometimes combined with pseudoephedrine in underground pills sold as amphetamine substitutes. 

If patients are on prednisone or other adrenocortical hormones, herbal formulas that contain hot herbs which stimulate Kidney-Yang and Heart-Yang should be used with caution. 

If patients are on sleeping pills, tranquilizers or beta-blockers, all of which have sedative effects, herbal formulas that stimulate the Qi and excite the Yang should be avoided. Formulas that strongly tonify the Qi should be used with caution. 

If patients are undergoing a course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, herbal formulas that quickly promote blood circulation and stimulate the Qi should not be used to avoid bleeding and metastasis. Formulas that strongly tonify the Qi should not be used on their own in order to minimize the possibility of promoting the growth of the tumor. 

The main classes of over-the-counter stimulants contain caffeine, ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, or herbal varieties of stimulants. Each of these will be discussed in this chapter. 

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