Immune: increased phagocytosis, total circulating WBC's, monocytes, neutrophils, NKC's

Anti-inflammatory

Weak anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antioxidant

Flu-like symptoms (fever,

shivering, headache, vomiting)

Avoid with AIDS, autoimmune

disorders, TB

Enhance immune function for those w. colds and other respiratory tract infections

active ingredients include parthenolide, which may modulate NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis in some cancer cell lines (wiki)

withdrawal syndrome with headaches and muscle and joint pain

mouth ulcers and swelling

Reduce fever; treat headaches, arthritis and digestive problems

Scientific evidence does not support anything beyond a placebo effect

Cardio: ↑ blood flow, ↓ blood viscosity, vasodilation, ↑tissue perfusion

Metabolic: antioxidant

CNS: ↑ (muscarinic, α₂, 5-HT_1a) and ↓β receptor densities

Allergy, anxiety, insomnia

Avoid w.: anti-platelets, anticoagulants

Used for cerebral insufficiency,

dementia (Alzheimer)

Immune (induces mRNA expression for lots of stuff); CNS (↑ACh, serotonin, norepi, dopamine)

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, analgesia, anti-platelet, anti-cancer

Vaginal bleeding, mastalgia, CNS

Stimulation

Avoid w.: psychiatric, estrogenic, & hypoglycemic meds; Warfarin

Used for: improving quality of life,

upper respiratory infections, reduce blood glucose

Effects including mild sedation, anesthetic, and cheerful mood are thought to result from interactions of kavalactones with voltage-gated ion channels, possibly potentiates GABA_A activity

Hepatotoxicity

Used for: anxiety

Avoid!

Hypericin thought to be active component. In vitro studies show inhibition of nerve terminal reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Photosensitization, hypomania, mania, autonomic arousal

Induces P450

Used for: depression

Inhibits conversion of testosterone to DHT by

noncompetitive inhibition of 5alpha-reductase

GI upset, ↓libido, impotence, urinary retention, back pain

Used for: benign prostatic

hyperplasia

Stimulates adrenergic receptors by ↑ the activity of noradrenaline at α- and β-receptors, ability to cross blood-brain barrier makes it a mild stimulant

CNS and cardiac toxicity

Avoid: at risk for stroke, MI, uncontrolled BP, seizures, anxiety

Used for: diet aid, stimulant,

bronchodilator

Contains pulegone

Avoid!

Liver failure, renal failure, highly toxic –death

Used for: digestive aid, induces

menstrual flow, abortifacient