Herbs and medicinal spices study guide 1

Name three tropane alkaloids and three plants that contain them. What feature of the tropane alkaloids makes it easy to apply them through the surface of the skin? What plant family are they found in?

- Tropane alkalioid - used as analgesic, anesthetic, narcotic 1. Atropine, Hyosciamine, Scopolamine (hallucinogenic); found in Belladonna, Henbane (killer of hens), Mandrake, Datura species 2. They are fat soluble, which makes it easy for them to get into the skin. 3. They are found in the POTATO family ( Nightshades Solanaceae family)

Hexing herbs -

-Belladonna, Henbane, and mandrake. Members of the nightshade Solanccea family.

what is an Herb (chef)

-Leafy parts used in cooking - mediteranian origin/ european

What is a medicinal plant?

-Plants valued for their physiological, therapeutic, or psychoactive effects. -No generalizations with respect to region of origin or plant part used

Myrrh define

-Resin from tree Commiphora, used as an incense in catholic churches and used for mummification by the ancient egyptians.

Tussie-mussie define

-a bouquet of herbs and flowers, the different herbs and flowers standing for a different emotion.

Panacea define

-garlic, thought to be the world's best known cure all (or a plant with numerous medicinal attributes and values...cinnamon is another panacea)

spices

-non-leafy parts used in cooking -tropical origin

To a botanist (as opposed to a chef), what does the term "herb" mean?

-non-woody plant; -annual or perennial -as long as stems form no appreciable wood

Ebers papyrus define

-scroll with 700 herbal prescriptions

Vin Mariani define

-tonic made from wine treated with coca leaves.

What percentage of prescriptions written in the US contain one or more plant-derived ingredients?

...

Name five tropical spices that were important in the early trade between Europe and the Far East and from what part of the plant each spice is obtained .

1. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) - Dried immature pepper fruit (drupe containing seed and outer coating) 2. Cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum, C. aromaticum) - inner bark § Verum = true cinnamon § Aromaticum = Cassia grown in China 3. Nutmeg and Mace (Myristica fragrans) § Nutmeg - comes from the seed of the fruit § Mace - comes from red, fleshy membrane on exterior of seed 4. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) - comes from the sap 5. Clove (Szygium aromaticum) (Myrtle Family) - comes from the dried, unopened flower buds of the clove tree 6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - comes from the Rhizome (underground stem)

) Name two important anti-cancer drugs that we discussed in class that were discovered through random screening. What plants produce them? What regions of the world are these plants native to? Which one shares habitat with the endangered Spotted Owl? How do the drugs derived from these plants interfere with cell division?

1. Vinca alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine); Plant it comes from - Madagascar periwinkle; native to Madagascar; alkaloids make it impossible for cells to divide by preventing lengthwise growth of the protofilaments 2. Taxol (paclitaxil); plant it comes from - Pacific Yew; native to Pacific Northwest of USA; SHARES HABITAT SPOTTED OWL; interferes with cell division by stabilizing the microtubule scaffolding which arrests the cell mid-division. (Both of these slow the growth of cancer cells by disrupting the microtubule structure)

Approximately how many prescription drugs are derived from plants?

120

How long do patents on pharmaceutical drugs last?

20 years

What percent of prescriptions written in the USA contain one or more plant-derived ingredients?

40 percent

Opium poppies, coca, willows, foxglove, and Indian snakeroot are all plants that have provided modern pharmaceutical medicines. For each of these species name: the active compound(s) or drug(s) obtained from the plant; and the therapeutic effect of the medicine obtained from each species.

A. Opium poppies - morphine and codeine; narcotic B. Coca - cocaine; stimulant, also used in anesthetics C. Willow - source of Salicin (Aspirin); pain relief, fever reducer D. Foxglove - source of two cardiac glycosides (digoxin and digitoxin); slows down and strengthens heart beat E. Indian snakeroot - Reserpine; used to lower blood pressure, treatment for schizophrenia

What is the difference between naturally occurring salicin and aspirin?

Acetylsalic acid in aspirin

Garlic: scientific name

Allium sativum

Arachidonic acid define

An essential fatty acid found in animal fat .

What plant in the Parsley family has licorice-scented seeds?

Anise

What culinary herb is an important ingredient in pesto?

Basil

Why does natural vanilla have a more complex flavor than artificial vanilla?

Because natural vanilla is made by chopping up the beans and extracting the flavor with alcohol making it intense. Artificial vanilla is made from wood pulp making it less intense.

What is meant by "biopiracy"?

Bioprospecting activities that do not adequately address issues of intellectual and genetic property rights

How do mammals and birds respond differently to the "hot" compounds in capsicum peppers?

Birds are immune to the heat of capsaicin that mammals find to be hot. We think it is an adaptive way to seed dispersal.

(24) Based on the information presented by "Dr. Ann" in her YouTube video on the health benefits of herbs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H3oAXSvfMA), what are the beneficial properties of the following herbs and spices that we discussed in class: rosemary, cinnamon, turmeric, and hot peppers?

Cinnamon- boost metabolism of cholesterol and glucose for diabetics; heart health; sweet spice Rosemary- lower cancer risks of red meat Turmeric- add yelxidant; Hot peppers- stimulate pain receptors and release endorphins low to foods; pigment in turmeric is called curcumen; powerful antioxidant what is antiantio?? I think it's antioxidants

. Brugmansi define

Closely related to the hallucinogenic flower species known as Datura, Used as a poison for black magic and as a ritualistic hallucinogen.

Essential oils define

Concentrated hydrophobic liquid with volatile aromatic compounds stored in special structures.

Dropsy -define

Condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues in the body. Digitalis can cure cardiac dropsy. Foxglove.

Name three herbs or spices that the Egyptians used in the preparation of mummies

Cumin herb Anise herb Marjorum herb Cinnamon Myrrh Frankincense

Curry powder whats in it

Curry leaves, turmeric, capsicum peppers, cumin, coriander, split peas

(12) Some members of the Parsley family are used for their leaves (e.g., parsley), while others are used for the fruits and seeds (e.g., cumin). Name two members of this family that are used for both their leaves and seeds

Dill and cilantro/coriander.

What ancient religious sect considered mistletoe sacred because it grew on trees?

Druids

What are the three major areas of origin of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants? Name three examples of commercially important plants from each of these areas.

EUROPE AND Mediterranean Mustard Dill Onion OLD WORLD TROPICS Cloves Cinnamon Pepper NEW WORLD TROPICS - Vanilla Allspice Capsicum

William Withering define

English discovered digitalis,cure cardiac dropsy. Found cure in foxglove.

define . Hemiparasite (

Free living and parasite, relies on host for some nutrients.

We discussed the characteristics of several plant families including the Ginger family, the Mint family, the Parsley family, and the Mustard family. Name three characteristics of each family (use can use vegetative and reproductive characteristics, or features of the family's geographical distribution).

Ginger Fam: thick rhizomes, alternate leaves, perennial herbs Mint Fam: square stems, leaves opposite to eachother, nutlets with 4 compartments Parsley Fam: form umbels, fruits with mericarps, mediterranean Mustard Fam: alternate leaves, pungent juices in the leaves, flowers have 4 petals

Describe how black pepper, green pepper, and white pepper are obtained from the same plant.

Green peppercorn: brined unripend piper nigrum Black pepper corn:dried immature pepper plants White pepper corn: dried naked seed taken from rippend plants

Why is henbane not a good salad herb?

Henbane is toxic if too much is ingested

What effect did the Crusades have on the flow of Old World spices to Europe?

Increased the flow of trade Increased the flow of trade

Infection define

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms like bacteria, virus, and parasites.

Piper methysticum =

Kava

How do herbal OTC products differ from pharmaceutical medicines in terms of strength and composition?

Less potent, less refined, and slower working while pharmaceutical medicines are potent and highly targeted to a specific action or enzyme.

How have concerns over intellectual and genetic property rights affected bioprospecting?

Less searching/ extracting compounds from plants

) What is "prior informed consent"?

Local communities- in addition to national governments- must also give consent for research activities

Peyote define

Lophophora williamsii used by the native American church. Main alkaloid is Mescaline.

Antibiotic define

Medicine that destroys or slows down the growth of microorganisms like bacteria.

(12) Why do you have to crush mustard seeds in order to elicit the hot sensation?

Must be crushed to elicit a reaction between the enzymme myrosinase and mustard oil.

What characteristics of the Old World spices (physical, chemical, etc.) made them particularly well suited to long distance trade between Europe and the Far East in ancient times? In the 21 st century, spices are still important in commerce but they have declined considerably in value. Discuss three reasons why spices are relatively less expensive today than they were in ancient times

Old World spices traveled well. They were dry so they were lightweight and did not rot easily. Many were also antiseptic so they would fight off molds and rots and were useful as medicines. The spices were potent so a little went a long way meaning smaller amounts were still valuable. Travel took a long time and was expensive. Instead of spices only being available is restricted and far away locations, many can be grown in multiple places all over the world. Transportation itself is faster and cheaper, especially when you can get a spice from nearby instead of across the world. Also more availability brings down prices.

Name one Old World spice plant and one New World spice plant that grow as vines.

Old world:Black pepper New world:vanilla

Opium define

Papaver somniferum in the poppy family native to Mediterranean. Obtained from the immature fruit capsule. Contains 25 different alkaloids.

Piperaceae =

Pepper Family

. Organoleptic define

Properties are the aspects of food or other substances as experienced by the senses, including taste, sight, smell and touch.

Bioassay define

Scientific experiments that measure effects on living organisms, necessary to develop new drugs.

List five commonly used culinary herbs in the Mint family.

Thai Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Lemon Balm

What did Dr. Giannasi's "taste-strip" demonstration in class suggest about human variation in the ability to sense or react to different chemical compounds?

The gene required to perceive the taste is present in some people, but not all people.

What member of the ginger family is responsible for the yellow color of curry powder?

Turmeric

Fill in the blanks: The Aztecs used ______ to flavor chocolate. A spice that combines the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in one fruit is ____. Of the three New World spices, the one that made the greatest contribution to regional cuisines in Europe and Asia is _____. Peyote is the source of the hallucinogenic drug _____. De Materia Medica, written by ____________, was an important medical reference book for more than a 1,000 years.

VANILLA,ALLSPICE,capiscum peppers,MESCALINE, Pedanius Dioscorides,

officinale" as a species name indicates

a plant that is used medicinally

) Random screening is a relatively inefficient method of searching for new plant medicines. Describe four more targeted strategies that pharmaceutical prospectors are currently using in the search for new medicines.

a. Ecological"relationship between organism and eviroment b. Ethnobotanical: relationship between people and plants c. Taxonomical screening :organism classifications d. Zoopharmacognosy: animals self medicate

Zoopharmacognosy define

animals who self medicate by selecting & using plants, soil, and insects to treat and prevent diseases

Taxol - define

anti-cancer drug that comes from the Pacific Yew found in the Pacific NW

What plant-derived medicine inhibits prostaglandin production?

aspirin

Piper nigrum =

black pepper

Collard greens, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli were all derived from a single species in what plant family?

brassicae

Mistletoe is being tested as a potential treatment for what disease?

cancer

Chili peppers and mustard seeds both contain compounds that produce a "hot" sensation. Name the compounds responsible for the "heat" in each plant.

capascin

Which Old World spice is "coppiced" to produce numerous long straight shoots?

cinnamon

Which Old World spice is an important ingredient in cigarettes marketed in Indonesia?

clove ciggarete cloves

Eugenol define

clove oil, used in cigarettes and for its numbing properties

Entheogen

compound that releases the "spirit of God" within (many hallucinogens are these)

member of the ginger family thats in garam marsala

cumin seeds

Evil eye define what u do to stop it

curse ,clove garlic,fennel, juniper, and savory used as protection

Garlic what is it used for?

defense against , vampires, plagues used to lower high blood pressure/cholestrol

Carminative define what plants have this effect

dispels gas from the intestinal tract, Ginger and Cinnamon

How is frankincense harvested?What beast of burden do frankincense collectors use when they travel to and from their collecting sites?

dried sap harvested from wounds in the trees. Carried by camels

define Aril -

fleshy appendage attached to a seed

Reserpine define

found in Indian Snakeroot, used to lower blood pressure ,treatment for schizophrenia

Microtubules define

found in dividing cells; necessary for division to occur

Many herbs and spices are potent inhibitors of bacterial growth: the 4 most potent are

garlic, onion, allspice, and oregano

What class of plant secondary compounds consists of a sugar bonded to a non-sugar compound?

glycosides

define Analgesic

group of drugs that kill pain

Mescaline define

hallucinogenic in peyote

Heroin is produced from opium, but raw opium does not contain heroin ― explain!

heroin is a derrivative of opium

define "officinale'

indicates a plant that is used medicinally

Narcotic - define

induces sleepiness/stupor

How do the names of alkaloids usually end (what suffix)?

ine

Umbel - define

inflorescence composed of short flower stalks in equal length.

first all spice berries grown in

jamaica

Plants used against the evil eye

juniper, fennel, savory

What are two important therapeutic uses of garlic in modern herbal medicine?

lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure

Dioecious define

male & female flowers bloom on separate plants

define Spice Islands

maluku islands home to spices such as nutmeg

Capsaicin - define

molecule responsible for heat in spicy peppers

the plant that provides wasabi belongs to what family?

mustard

Are all capsicum peppers hot?

nope paprika is a sweet pepper

Nociceptors define

pain receptors

Which Old Word spice plant produces two different spices from the same fruit?

pepper nutmeg and mace

Define Anesthetia

reduces pain, numbing or loss of sensation

What plant-derived medicine reduced the need for electric shock in the treatment of psychiatric disorders?

reserpine

Horseradish is obtained from what part of the horseradish plant?

root

What culinary herb is associated culturally or symbolically with "remembrance"?

rosemary

hotness scale for peppers

sccovile scale

how is pure vanilla extract prepared

steeping vanilla pods in alchy

Plant Nomenclature =

the formal system of rules for giving scientific names to plants

What part of cardamom is used as a spice?

the seeds

Myristicin define

toxic chemical in nutmeg; hallucinogenic, with painful physical side effects and the risk of "Nutmeg psychosis"; causes convulsions, heart palpitations, nausea, dehydration

What is the difference between true cinnamon and cassia?

true cinnamon is from the inner bark and Cassia is from the outer bark

. Garam masala define

turmeric, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, cumin seeds, cardamom pods.

define rhizome

underground stem

Native American Church define

uses the entheogen peyote sacramentally to induce religious, shamanic, or spiritual experiences.

What role do prostaglandins play in the inflammatory response?

vasodilatation, making capillaries permeable, sensitizing nerve cells to pain