Fundamentals of Pharmacology
for Veterinary Technicians
Chapter 23
Herbal Therapeutics
© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.
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.
Types of Alternative
and 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.
Types of Alternative
and 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo 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.
St. John’s Wort
Hypericum 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.
Ginseng
Panax 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.
Garlic
Allium 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.
Echinacea
Echinacea 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.
Saw palmetto
Serenoa 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.
Evening primrose
Oenothera 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.
Goldenseal
Hydrastis 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.
Cranberry
Vaccinium 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.
Valerian
Valeriana 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.
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.
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.