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

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolized by the liver into toxic pyrrole compounds that damage hepatocytes and can cause veno-occlusive disease.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Triterpenoid saponins unique to the Panax genus

Answer

Ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponins unique to Panax species and are responsible for ginseng's adaptogenic, immune-modulating, and cognitive properties.

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

Evening primrose and borage seed oils contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that serves as a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins of the series 1 type.

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

Bitter glycosides like gentiopicrin stimulate bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), reflexively increasing secretion of saliva, stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes.

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

Resins contain complex mixtures of terpenoids and phenolic compounds with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and tissue-healing properties that have been used since antiquity.

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Practice Test

Herbalism Herbal Pharmacology & Plant Constituents 3