Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Actions: Diuretic, urinary antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, endocrine agent Medicinal Uses: treat mild to moderate BPH, inflammation of respiratory and genitourinary tract Side effects: none-low Doses:160 mg (2xd std lipophylic ext) or 2-4 ml tincture

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity It contains sterols, flavonoids, water-soluble polysacharides and fatty oil. Antiandrogenic, antiestrogenic and anti-inflammatory actions The oily fraction inhibits in vitro testosterone 5a- reductase activity, an enzyme in male hormone metabolism. 5 a-reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The overproduction of dihydrotestosterone is responsible for prostate enlargement. No toxic or health hazard, occasional stomach complaints

Herb –Drug Interaction This herb may decrease the therapeutic effects of oral and patch contraceptives, such as estrogen/progestin [Ortho-Novum ] and estradiol/norethindrone [CombiPatch ], and other hormone-replacement therapies.

Uva-ursi Actions: Astringent, antibacterial, mild diuretic, urinary antiseptic. Medicinal Uses: urinary tract infections including cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, yeast infection early stage of genital herpes Side effects:low-medium Doses: 1 tsp in 0.5 L water boiled for 15 min. 1-4 ml tincture in a glass of water.

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity Leaves contain: hydroquinone derivatives; arbutin, methylarbutin, ericolin, ursone, gallic acid ellagic acid, tannin (5-7%) Arbutin is hydrolyzed to hydroquinone which acts as a mild astringent and antimicrobial in alkaline urine. Ursolic acid is contributing to the diuretic effect. Adverse reactions: seizures, tinnitus, nausea, irritation of the bladder and UT mucous membrane, hepatotoxicity.

Herb –Drug Interaction Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Corticosteroids: Arbutin increases the inhibitory action of prednisolone and dexamethazone on contact dermatitis, allergic-type hypersensitivity and arthritis. Diuretics: enhanced effects

Black Cohosh Action: Antispasmodic, regulates menses, astringent, diuretic, cough suppressant, and diaphoretic. Astringent and sedative. Medicinal uses: Delayed painful menstruation and ovarian cramps. Menopausal symptoms Rheumatic pains, muscular and neurological pain. Side effects: low Dose:20-80mg std ext. (2xd) mg freeze dried root

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity Steroidal terpenes, cimigoside, acteina, isoflavone, formononetine Vascular and estrogen-like action, suppress LH,(?) Contraindicated during pregnancy (uterine contraction)

Herb –Drug Interaction Anesthetics, antihypertensive, sedatives: may increase hypotensive effect Estrogens, hormonal contraceptives: may increase effects. Possible interaction with tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Vitex Actions: prolactin inhibitor, dopamine antagonist, exert progesteronic effect in women and anti-androgenic in men Medicinal Uses: PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms and fibroids, increase lactation, impotence, BPH Side effects: none-low Doses: std ext (0.5% agnuside) (2xd)

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity Iridoid glucosides: agnuside, aucubin luteolin like flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloid vitricine. Antiandrogenic, anti-inflammatory, progesteronic effect Female endocrine, reproductive disorders and hormonal imbalance, ovarian insufficiency inadequate lactation, PMS Headache, increased menstrual flow

Drug-herb Interaction Antihypertensive (antagonistic effect) Beta-blockers: possible risk of hypertensive crisis

Dong Quai Actions:adaptogenic, restores menstrual regularity, reduces PMS, prevents anemia, digestive bitter Medicinal uses: Female hormonal balance, high iron content (anemia treatment), promotes circulation and bile secretion. Side effects: low Dose: mg std ext(eve) tincture 1-2 teaspoon

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity At least six coumarin derivatives (anticoagulant, vasodilating, antispasmodic activity) N-buthylphtalide, nicotinic acid, safrole, Vitamins; A, E, B12 Weak estrogen-agonist activity, treats blood deficiency, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, irregular menstruation. High dose cytotoxic, bleeding tendency,first trimester abortive) don’t use in acute virus infection

Herb –Drug Interaction Enhance anticoagulant effect Increased risk of photosensitivity

Evening Primrose Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, corrects omega-6 deficiency, hypotensive Medicinal Uses: PMS, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, CFS, ulcerative colitis, IBS, hypertension, mastalgia Side effects: low Doses: mg/ day 600mg arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders

Chemistry, Functions, Toxicity PUFA, gamma linoleic acid Anti-inflammatory, intestinal Ca absorption, Hypotensive, inhibit gastric mucosal damage Headache, mild nausea, arachidonic acid build up

Herb –Drug Interaction Avoid concomitant use with phenothiazines. Contraindicated in : epilepsy

Herbs used in kidney and bladder disorders AsparagusBlackthornBorage BuchuCapsicumCelery CorianderCorn silkDevil’s claw HorsetailJuniperMarshmallow ParsleyPau d’arcoSarsaparilla SchisandraSoapwortStone root Uva ursi