Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

1. Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians Chapter 23 Herbal Therapeutics © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

2. Basic Terminology • Alternative medicine refers to treatments or therapies that are outside accepted conventional medicine • Complementary medicine refers to the use of alternative therapies with or in addition to conventional treatment © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

3. Types of Alternativeand Complementary Medicine • Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy • Examination and stimulation of body points by use of acupuncture needles, injections, and other techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions • Veterinary chiropractic • Examination, diagnosis, and treatment of animals through manipulation and adjustments • Veterinary physical therapy • Use of noninvasive techniques for rehabilitation • Veterinary homeopathy • Treatment by administration of substances that are capable of producing clinical signs in healthy animals © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

4. Types of Alternativeand Complementary Medicine • Veterinary botanical medicine • Uses plants and plant derivatives as therapeutic agents • Nutraceutical medicine • Uses micronutrients, macronutrients, and other nutritional supplements as therapeutic agents • Holistic veterinary medicine • Comprehensive approach to health care using both alternative and conventional diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

5. Western vs.Chinese Herbal Medicine • Western herbal medicine • Holds that individuals have an inner force that works to maintain physical, emotional, and mental health • Teaches that many diseases occur because an individual’s inner force or natural immune system is out of balance • Chinese traditional herbal medicine • Based on a holistic philosophy of life that emphasizes the relationship among the mental, emotional, and physical components of each individual; also stresses the importance of harmony among individuals, their social groups, and the greater population • Attempts to restore health through correction of imbalances within a patient’s body or between the patient and natural order © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

6. Herbal Supplements • Herbal supplements are one of the fastest growing segments of the dietary supplement market in the United States • One reason may be the desire for a more holistic approach to health care • Another reason may be that people believe conventional treatments have real or perceived limitations • Another reason may be that people believe natural products do not have side effects • Herbs have been used for a long time • Advertising methods have influenced people’s buying behavior © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

7. Quality Control • Herbal supplements do not require FDA approval because they are considered food supplements • Herbal supplements may have active ingredients that vary among dose forms • The FDA is working with several trade organizations to develop guidelines for herbal supplements • Table 23-1 covers other factors affecting herb quality • See Table 23-2 for information on herbal forms © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

8. GinkgoGinkgo biloba • Active ingredients are ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones • Used to reduce aging effects of the nervous system, to reduce hypertension, and as a general tonic in animals • May inhibit cytochrome P450 and induce hypoglycemia © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

9. St. John’s WortHypericum perforatum • Active component, hyperforin, regulates the effects of serotonin • Used to treat behavior disorders such as lick granulomas, aggression, separation anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders • May inhibit cytochrome P450, affect blood pressure, and cause photosensitivity © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

10. GinsengPanax ginseng • Active component, ginsenosides, are responsible for increasing energy, countering stress, and enhancing physical performance • Also seems to stimulate natural killer cell activity • Used to treat weight loss, anorexia, and systemic infections • May affect blood glucose levels, increase blood pressure and heart rate, increase GI motility, and induce seizures at high levels © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

11. GarlicAllium sativum • Active component, allicin, causes reduction of cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and hypertension • Believed to have anticarcinogenic properties • Used to treat parasitic infections, fungal infections, and respiratory problems, and to acidify urine (some with limited success) • May cause inhibition of platelet aggregation, prolonged bleeding times, GI upset, and Heinz body anemia © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

12. EchinaceaEchinacea purpurea • Active components, fructofuranosides, contribute to tissue regeneration, regulation of the inflammatory response, and a mild cortisone-like effect • Stimulates phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity • Used to shorten the severity and duration of infections • Side effects are minimal © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

13. Saw palmettoSerenoa repens • Fatty acids from the berries produce an enzyme to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone • Used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, to stimulate appetite, and as a mild diuretic • Side effects are minimal other than gastrointestinal problems © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

14. Evening primroseOenothera biennis • Contains gamma-linolenic acid, an acid in the omega-6 family • Used to treat premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and eczema in humans • Side effects include loose stools and abdominal cramps • May lower the seizure threshold in some on phenothiazine medication; use caution in animals © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

15. GoldensealHydrastis canadensis • Active ingredient, berberine, gives goldenseal its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties • Used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections • Side effects include cardiac problems, and stimulation of the CNS and uterine contractions © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

16. CranberryVaccinium macrocarpon • Interferes with the attachment of urinary pathogens to the urinary bladder wall • Used to treat urinary tract infections • Side effects include diarrhea, stomach problems, and the development of kidney stones © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

17. ValerianValeriana officinalis • Volatile oils in valerian break down the inhibitory substance GABA • Used to treat hyperactivity in dogs, for mild tranquilization, and as a sleep aid • Side effects include hepatotoxicity with long-term use and interaction with other depressant drugs © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

18. Advice Regarding Herbs • The National Animal Supplement Council has developed a “Compliance Plus” program to develop standards for the herbal supplement and product industry • Provides reliable information to clients about possible side effects or interactions • Follow general guidelines listed © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

19. General Guidelines for Herbs • Ask all clients whether they give herbs or other supplements to their animals • Inform clients that herb-drug interactions exist • Encourage the use of standardized products from respected manufacturers • Use herbal therapies in recommended doses • Avoid herbs with known toxicities • Do not use herbs in pregnant or nursing animals, the very young, or the very old • Accurate diagnosis of the animal’s condition is essential to evaluate all therapeutic options • Document all herb or supplement use in the animal’s medical record © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.