Herbal Supplement Interactions with Medications

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Questions and Answers

What effect does Ginseng have on blood sugar levels?

Decreases blood sugar levels (correct)

Has no effect on blood sugar levels

Regulates blood sugar only in diabetics

Increases blood sugar levels

Which herbal product may increase the risk of Serotonin Syndrome when taken with tricyclic antidepressants?

Ginger

Kava Kava

Valerian

Ginkgo-biloba (correct)

What is a potential consequence of consuming large amounts of black licorice for more than four weeks?

Headaches and increased blood pressure (correct)

Increased potassium levels

Decreased blood flow

Reduction in appetite

Which effect does garlic have on cholesterol levels?

Decreases cholesterol levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary therapeutic effect of turmeric?

Decreases inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is known to have a sedative effect by increasing CNS depressants?

Valerian Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for taking Saw Palmetto?

Should not be taken with finasteride Signup and view all the answers

What effect does ginger have on anticoagulants?

Increased risk of bleeding when combined Signup and view all the answers

What can occur when using Ginkgo Biloba with anticoagulants?

Increased risk of bleeding Signup and view all the answers

How does Ginseng affect sexual dysfunction?

It decreases sexual dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What potential side effect could large amounts of black licorice cause?

Severe headaches Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of ginger on inflammation?

Decreases inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of Valerian on anxiety levels?

Decreases anxiety and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable interaction of St. John's Wort with other substances?

Decreases the effectiveness of antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

What hormone-like effect is associated with Saw Palmetto?

May cause hormone sensitive cancers Signup and view all the answers

What condition may turmeric be most effective in alleviating?

Infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using Kava Kava?

Sedative effects with CNS depressants Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about natural products?

They are always safer due to being natural Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Herbal Supplement Interactions with Medications

Ginkgo Biloba:
- Flavones can be dangerous for anticoagulant users.
- Potency can be similar to prescription/OTC medications.
- Allergic reactions are possible, though not necessarily rare.
- Safety and cost aren't guaranteed to be advantages over prescriptions.
- May reduce the need for some prescribed medications.
- Natural does not always mean safer.
Ginseng:
- Potential to decrease blood sugar, stress, blood pressure, and sexual function.
- Potential to increase energy levels.
- Interaction with insulin and oral hypoglycemics, increasing risk with CNS depressants and anticoagulants while reducing risk with morphine.
- May be less safe than conventional treatments.
Ginkgo Biloba (Cont.):
- Antioxidant properties.
- Potential to increase blood flow and memory.
- Potential to decrease blood pressure.
- Interactions with tricyclic antidepressants (risk of serotonin syndrome), anticoagulants, and diabetics' insulin levels.
- Can increase blood thinning effects, especially with simultaneous anticoagulant use.
Black Licorice:
- Influences hormone regulation, decreasing stress and potentially fat.
- Large amounts (over 4 weeks) can cause headaches, elevated blood pressure, and low potassium (dangerous).
- Interactions with digoxin, aspirin (GI irritation), steroids, and potassium loss with laxatives.
Ginger:
- Potential to decrease nausea, IBS, stomach issues, and inflammation.
- Potential to increase anticoagulant effects.
Feverfew:
- Potential to decrease fever, inflammation, migraines/dizziness, nausea/vomiting, tinnitus, and blood pressure.
- Potential to increase anticoagulant and NSAID effects.
Garlic:
- Thins blood and increases immunity and anticoagulants.
- Decreases cholesterol.
Valerian:
- Influences sleep disorders.
- Decreases anxiety and blood pressure.
- Increases central nervous system depressant effects (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, sedatives).
Kava Kava:
- Related to sleeping problems.
- Decreases stress/anxiety, convulsions, and relaxes muscles.
- Increases risks with CNS depressants, Adderall, and 5-HTPs.
St. John's Wort:
- Decreases depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Increases appetite and CNS depressant effects.
Melatonin:
- Decreases insomnia and antidepressant effects (desipramine, fluoxetine).
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may decrease melatonin.
Saw Palmetto:
- Decreases benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary retention, nocturia, and initiates urination.
- Decreases iron absorption and oral contraceptive effectiveness.
- Potential for hormone-like effects. Avoid in pregnancy, lactation, and hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Avoid with finasteride (Proscar) due to similar effects.
Turmeric:
- Decreases inflammation, tumors, infections, and stomach problems.
- Enhances anticoagulants.
- Decreases proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, increasing stomach acid.

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Description

This quiz explores the interactions of various herbal supplements, such as Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng, with prescribed medications. Understand the potential risks and benefits associated with these supplements, including their effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and memory. Test your knowledge on how these interactions can impact health and medication efficacy.