Herbalism Herbal Pharmacology & Plant Constituents 2

Question 1

Mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) and slippery elm work by:

Accepted Answer

Forming a protective polysaccharide coating over irritated mucous membranes

Answer

Mucilages are polysaccharides that swell in water, forming a viscous, soothing coating that protects and demulcifies inflamed mucous membranes.

Question 2

Hypericin, found in St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), is classified chemically as:

Accepted Answer

A naphthodianthrone polycyclic phenolic compound

Answer

Hypericin is a naphthodianthrone compound and one of the constituents implicated in St. John's Wort's antidepressant and antiviral effects.

Question 3

Anthraquinone glycosides found in senna, cascara sagrada, and rhubarb root primarily act as:

Accepted Answer

Stimulant laxatives that promote peristalsis in the colon

Answer

Anthraquinone glycosides stimulate peristalsis and reduce water reabsorption in the large intestine, producing a stimulant laxative effect.

Question 4

Rosmarinic acid, found in rosemary, lemon balm, and sage, is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Phenolic acid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties

Answer

Rosmarinic acid is a caffeic acid ester with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, found widely in the Lamiaceae family.

Question 5

Polysaccharides in immunomodulatory herbs like echinacea and astragalus primarily work by:

Accepted Answer

Stimulating and modulating macrophages, natural killer cells, and immune signaling

Answer

High-molecular-weight polysaccharides activate macrophages, stimulate cytokine production, and enhance natural killer cell activity to modulate immunity.

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Herbal Pharmacology & Plant Constituents 2