Herbalism Herbal Pharmacology & Plant Constituents 3

Question 1

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) found in comfrey and coltsfoot are of primary concern because they can cause:

Accepted Answer

Hepatotoxicity and veno-occlusive liver disease

Answer

Kidney stones and chronic renal failure

Answer

Thyroid suppression and hypothyroidism

Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias and bradycardia

Question 2

Ginsenosides, the active constituents of Panax ginseng, are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Triterpenoid saponins unique to the Panax genus

Answer

Isoquinoline alkaloids with CNS-stimulating properties

Answer

Phenolic flavonoids with antioxidant properties

Answer

Polysaccharides with direct immune cell activation

Question 3

Fixed oils in herbs like evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) and borage are therapeutically valued for containing:

Accepted Answer

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 essential fatty acid

Answer

High levels of saturated fats that stabilize cell membranes

Answer

Concentrated monoterpene volatile compounds

Answer

Alkaloids with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

Question 4

The bitter principle gentiopicrin found in gentian root (Gentiana lutea) primarily stimulates:

Accepted Answer

Digestive secretions by activating bitter taste receptors in the mouth and gut

Answer

Renal filtration and increased urine production

Answer

Natural killer cell activity and innate immune function

Answer

Adrenal cortex production of cortisol and DHEA

Question 5

Resins and oleoresins found in herbs like myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) and propolis are best known for their:

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties

Answer

Diuretic and aquaretic effects on the kidneys

Answer

Sedative and anxiolytic CNS effects

Answer

Stimulant laxative action in the large intestine

Question 6

Alkamides (alkylamides) found in Echinacea purpurea are therapeutically significant because they:

Accepted Answer

Bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB2) and modulate immune and inflammatory responses

Answer

Directly inhibit replication of rhinovirus and influenza A

Answer

Stimulate mucus production in the upper respiratory tract

Answer

Increase interferon production through iridoid mechanisms

Question 7

Coumarins found in herbs like sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and dong quai (Angelica sinensis) pose a clinical risk because they can:

Accepted Answer

Inhibit vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and potentiate anticoagulant drugs

Answer

Stimulate excessive adrenocortical hormone production

Answer

Cause phototoxic skin reactions when ingested internally

Answer

Disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis and conversion