Herbalism Herb-Drug Interactions 3

Question 1

Saw palmetto is generally considered safe when combined with standard BPH medications, but caution is advised with:

Accepted Answer

Anticoagulants due to mild antiplatelet effects

Answer

Saw palmetto has mild antiplatelet activity and may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Question 2

Which phase of drug metabolism is most commonly affected by herb-drug interactions?

Accepted Answer

Phase I (oxidation via CYP enzymes)

Answer

Most clinically significant herb-drug interactions occur at Phase I metabolism, particularly through induction or inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Question 3

A patient taking thyroid hormone replacement asks about bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus). The primary concern is:

Accepted Answer

Bladderwrack containing iodine that may alter thyroid hormone levels

Answer

Bladderwrack is a high-iodine seaweed that can alter thyroid function and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Question 4

Which mechanism explains why milk thistle is generally considered to have LOW herb-drug interaction potential?

Accepted Answer

Silymarin has poor bioavailability and weak CYP induction/inhibition in vivo

Answer

Despite in vitro concerns, silymarin's poor bioavailability and modest CYP effects in clinical studies mean it rarely causes significant drug interactions.

Question 5

Feverfew has interaction concerns with which drug class due to its effects on platelet aggregation?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs and anticoagulants

Answer

Feverfew inhibits platelet aggregation and can increase the anticoagulant and anti-platelet effects of NSAIDs and blood thinners.

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Herb-Drug Interactions 3