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Questions and Answers
Match the following characteristics of Senna with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of Senna with their descriptions:
Time of action = 8–10 hours Recommended dose time = At night Contra-indication - abdominal symptoms = Undiagnosed cases Contra-indication - severe condition = Severe dehydration
Match the following medical conditions to their related contra-indications for Senna:
Match the following medical conditions to their related contra-indications for Senna:
Appendicitis = Undiagnosed abdominal symptoms Severe dehydration = Contra-indication for use Chronic constipation = Not recommended with Senna Abdominal pain = Should not be untreated
Match the following advice for Senna users with their appropriate context:
Match the following advice for Senna users with their appropriate context:
Take at bedtime = Time of action is 8–10 hours Avoid in dehydration = Severe dehydration states Seek diagnosis for pain = Undiagnosed abdominal symptoms Not for chronic issues = Chronic constipation cases
Match the following aspects of Senna with their implications:
Match the following aspects of Senna with their implications:
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Match the following phrases with their related warnings regarding Senna:
Match the following phrases with their related warnings regarding Senna:
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Match the symptoms to the corresponding medical issue:
Match the symptoms to the corresponding medical issue:
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Match the following symptoms to their potential consequences:
Match the following symptoms to their potential consequences:
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Match the following medical terms with their definitions:
Match the following medical terms with their definitions:
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Match the terms related to gastrointestinal issues:
Match the terms related to gastrointestinal issues:
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Match the following medical events with their potential triggers:
Match the following medical events with their potential triggers:
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Match the following medicinal fruits with their described attributes:
Match the following medicinal fruits with their described attributes:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following effects with their causes:
Match the following effects with their causes:
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Match the following components with their roles:
Match the following components with their roles:
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Match the following fruits with their uses:
Match the following fruits with their uses:
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Match the following terms related to colocynth with their definitions:
Match the following terms related to colocynth with their definitions:
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Match the following groups of people with their contraindications for colocynth:
Match the following groups of people with their contraindications for colocynth:
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Match the following descriptions related to medical warnings with their terms:
Match the following descriptions related to medical warnings with their terms:
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Match the following statements about the medical use of colocynth:
Match the following statements about the medical use of colocynth:
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Match the following risks associated with colocynth with their explanations:
Match the following risks associated with colocynth with their explanations:
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Match the following terms related to white pepper with their correct descriptions:
Match the following terms related to white pepper with their correct descriptions:
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Match the following chemical constituents with their percentage in white pepper:
Match the following chemical constituents with their percentage in white pepper:
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Match the constituents of Capsicum minimum with their descriptions:
Match the constituents of Capsicum minimum with their descriptions:
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Match the following health benefits with their constituents in Capsicum minimum:
Match the following health benefits with their constituents in Capsicum minimum:
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Match the ingredients commonly associated with white pepper to their uses:
Match the ingredients commonly associated with white pepper to their uses:
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Match the following components of Capsicum minimum with their potential sources:
Match the following components of Capsicum minimum with their potential sources:
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Match the following types of pepper with their characteristics:
Match the following types of pepper with their characteristics:
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Match the following uses of white pepper with their potential benefits:
Match the following uses of white pepper with their potential benefits:
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Match the following descriptions with their respective health aspects of Capsicum minimum:
Match the following descriptions with their respective health aspects of Capsicum minimum:
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Match the following nutrients in Capsicum minimum to their effects:
Match the following nutrients in Capsicum minimum to their effects:
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Study Notes
Medicinal Fruits
- Medicinal fruits containing anthracene derivatives are discussed.
- Senna pod, dried ripe fruit of Cassia acutifolia and C. angustifolia, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a key example.
- Chemical constituents of Senna pod include anthracene derivatives (mainly sennosides A & B), aloe-emodin, rhein, mucilage, and flavonoids.
Medicinal Uses (Senna pod)
- Senna pod is used as a short-term stimulant laxative in occasional constipation.
- Mechanism of action involves stimulating peristaltic contractions, accelerating colonic transit, reducing fluid absorption from the colon.
- It influences electrolyte secretion and absorption in the colon, and increases fluid secretion from the body to the colon.
- Senna's effect typically lasts 8-10 hours, so it's best taken at night.
Contraindications and Warnings (Senna pod)
- Avoid use in cases of undiagnosed abdominal symptoms, appendicitis, severe dehydration, or chronic constipation.
- Overuse symptoms include griping and severe diarrhea with fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Continuous use (over 2 weeks) requires medical supervision due to potential electrolyte imbalance, dependence, or paralytic ileum.
- Not recommended for pregnancy unless dietary changes or fiber laxatives are ineffective.
- Not appropriate for children or nursing mothers.
Drug Interactions (Senna pod)
- Senna may decrease intestinal transit time, decreasing absorption of orally administered drugs.
- Increased potassium loss can amplify the effects of cardiac glycosides like digitalis.
- Senna should not be combined with drugs or herbs causing hypokalemia (e.g., thiazide diuretics, licorice root). This combination could worsen electrolyte imbalance.
Other Medicinal Fruits
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Colocynth (Bitter apple, Peppo): Dried pithy pulp of unripe, fully grown fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae family).
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Chemical Constituents: Amorphous resin (purgative action), triterpene glycosides (cucurbitacins B & E), alkaloids (purgative action).
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Medicinal Uses: Drastic purgative, often combined with Hyoscyamus (antispasmodic) to lessen griping pain. Folk remedy for tumors. Clinical trials are underway to determine anti-tumor activity (cucurbitacins B and E).
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Side Effects/Toxicity: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and fatality risk with high doses.
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Contraindications: Not for children or pregnant or nursing mothers. Avoid use with hemorrhoids or inflammatory conditions of stomach/intestines.
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Hops: Dried strobile of the pistillate plant Humulus lupulus, belonging to the Cannabinaceae family.
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Chemical Constituents: Oleo-resin (15-30%, contains bitter principles in soft and hard resins), humulone and lupulone (in lipophilic soft resin), hydrophilic β-resin. Volatile oils (0.3-1.0%), mainly β-caryophyllene.
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Medicinal Uses: Sedative, topical antibacterial, for mood disturbances (anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances). Traditional use: bitter stomachic to stimulate appetite.
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Side Effects/Toxicity: Respiratory allergy, contact dermatitis, triggered by pollen.
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Contraindications: Should not be used by individuals with depression (sedation may worsen symptoms), concurrent CNS depressant medication (additive effect).
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Capsicum (Cayenne pepper): Dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens (C. minimum), Solanaceae family.
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Chemical Constituents: Pungent principles (capsaicinoids, mainly capsaicin), carotenoid pigments (capsanthin), proteins, fats, vitamins A & C.
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Medicinal Uses: Stimulates and aids digestion, counter-irritant (applied externally).
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Side Effects/Toxicity: Severe irritation to mucosal membranes, potential for allergy (inhalation). Excessive ingestion can cause gastrointestinal, hepatic, and renal damage.
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Contraindications: Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding (potential for secretion of pungent components in breast milk), use with caution in those sensitive to the components.
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Family Piperaceae (alkaloids): Black pepper, White pepper, and Tailed pepper (Cubebs). This is an entire family of plants containing alkaloids, not just a single fruit.
- Black pepper: Dried unripe fruit of Piper nigrum.
- White pepper: Dried ripe fruit of Piper nigrum, but the outer layer has been removed.
- Tailed pepper (Cubebs): Dried full-grown, unripe fruit of Piper cubeba.
- Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (piperine), volatile oil.
- Medicinal Uses: Animal studies suggest potential to reduce oxidative stress on the liver, thought to support liver function. Possibly linked to chronic bronchitis, antimicrobial properties.
- Tailed Pepper (Cubebs) specific use: carminative and flavoring agent.
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Cocculus (Fish berry): Dried ripe fruits of Anamirta paniculata (cocculus indicus), Menispermaceae family.
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Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (Menispermine), toxic principle (Picrotoxin), bitter tasting.
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Medicinal Uses: Picrotoxin is used intravenously as an antidote in barbiturate poisoning.
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Poppy capsule: Dried nearly ripe fruit of Papaver somniferum, Papaveraceae family.
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Chemical Constituents: Opium latex (morphine alkaloid), meconic acid.
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Medicinal Uses: Analgesic, sedative. Used in preparations of opium.
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Description
Explore the medicinal properties of Senna pod, the dried ripe fruit of Cassia acutifolia and C. angustifolia. This quiz covers its chemical constituents, medical uses as a stimulant laxative, and important contraindications. Test your knowledge on this vital medicinal fruit and its effects on digestion.