Full Description
Today, many manufacturers of plant-based "neuroceuticals" claim their products can offer powerful benefits in brain function. However, the US government does not require these manufacturers to demonstrate their products' effectiveness, leaving it difficult for consumers and health professionals to make decisions about the benefits and risks. In Herbal Supplements and the Brain: Understanding their Health Benefits and Hazards, two leading researchers provide this crucial information in clear language any intelligent reader can understand and use. They begin by introducing the fundamental principles of pharmacology, explaining how drugs and natural products can affect the body's organs and organ systems. Using examples, they show how to determine whether an ingested substance can enter the bloodstream and reach its target at a concentration sufficient to have an effect. They also explain how natural products may influence blood levels of other substances, and discuss whether such interactions may diminish the effectiveness of prescription medications or alter normal body chemistry. Throughout, the authors emphasize factors relating especially to neuroceuticals and the brain. Individual chapters are devoted to nutritional supplements which promise to enhance memory, relieve pain, safely promote sleep, and aid in the treatment of depression or anxiety. Specifically, readers will find research-based coverage of Ginkgo biloba; St. John's Wort; Valerian; Lemon Balm; Kava; Lavender; Kudzu, Daffodil, Passion Flower, and Camellia Tea and other caffeinated beverages.
Contents
Preface xviChapter 1 The Gifts of Eden 1Chapter 2 Transforming Plants into Gold 7Prehistoric Evidence 8Early Documentation 9Western Culture 11Alchemy 13Chemistry 15Chapter 3 Thinking Like a Pharmacologist 17The Origins of Pharmacology 19Pharmacodynamics 21Pharmacokinetics 24In Vitro and In Vivo Studies 27Pharmacology and Herbal Supplements 27Herbal Supplement Pharmacology Checklist 28Chapter 4 The Brain as a Drug Target 33The Human Brain 36Chemical Neurotransmission 39Neurotransmitter Systems 41Behavioral Assays 45Clinical Studies 49Chapter 5 Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 53Botany 55Therapeutic Uses 55Constituents 57Pharmacokinetics 59Pharmacodynamics 61Adverse Effects 65Pharmacological Perspective 66Chapter 6 St. John'sWort (Hypericum perforatum) 67Botany 69Therapeutic Uses 70Constituents 71Pharmacokinetics 74Pharmacodynamics 75Adverse Effects 80Pharmacological Perspective 81Chapter 7 Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 83Botany 84Therapeutic Uses 85Constituents 86Pharmacokinetics 88Pharmacodynamics 90Adverse Effects 93Pharmacological Perspective 94Chapter 8 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 97Botany 98Therapeutic Uses 99Constituents 99Pharmacokinetics 100Pharmacodynamics 102Adverse Effects 106Pharmacological Perspective 106Chapter 9 Kava (Piper methysticum) 109Botany 110Therapeutic Uses 111Constituents 112Pharmacokinetics 112Pharmacodynamics 114Adverse Effects 118Pharmacological Perspective 120Chapter 10 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 123Botany 124Therapeutic Uses 125Constituents 126Pharmacokinetics 127Pharmacodynamics 129Adverse Effects 134Pharmacological Perspective 135Chapter 11 Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) 137Botany 138Therapeutic Uses 139Constituents 140Pharmacokinetics 141Pharmacodynamics 143Adverse Effects 146Pharmacological Perspective 147Chapter 12 Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) 149Botany 151Therapeutic Uses 152Constituents 153Pharmacokinetics 154Pharmacodynamics 155Adverse Effects 158Pharmacological Perspective 159Chapter 13 Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) 161Botany 162Therapeutic Uses 163Constituents 164Pharmacokinetics 166Pharmacodynamics 168Adverse Effects 173Pharmacological Perspective 173Chapter 14 Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa 175Botany 177Therapeutic Uses 178Constituents 180Pharmacokinetics 182Pharmacodynamics 184Adverse Effects 186Pharmacological Perspective 187Chapter 15 Epilogue 189Endnotes 195Index 237
