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Herb Groups
Parasympathomimetics
Botanicals
Definition
Parasympathomimetic Herbs
introduction:
Very few herbs have overtly cholinergic constituents that produce overall parasympathomimetic action. The exceptions are restricted and not used in herbal medicine: the pilocarpine-containing Pilocarpus spp. (Jaborandi) and muscarine from Amanita muscaria and related species.
Several western herbs are considered "parasympathomimetic-like" by herbalists primarily because of cardiovascular effects that resemble muscarinic cholinergic activity (hypotension, bradycardia). The pharmacology of these agents is either unknown, or results from complex mechanisms other than direct muscarinic agonism. The veratrum alkaloids of Veratrum spp. (Liliaceae) have some cholinergic activity but their predominant bradycardic and hypotensive actions are more due to sodium channel blocking.
overview of interactions:
herbal constituent affecting drug performance: Atropine
Parasympathomimetic herbs may antagonize antimuscarinic drugs such as Atropine and Hyoscamine.
herbal synergy:
Indirect interaction with other herbs in the following groups may take place through various synergistic physiologic mechanisms including:
Sedatives herb group.
Hypotensive/Bradycardic herb group.
Vasodilator herb group.
» Herbs:
common herbs with parasympathomimetic activity:
See "parasympathomimetic-like" below.
restricted and unusual herbs with parasympathomimetic activity:
Pilocarpus jaborandi (Jaborandi), containing pilocarpine.
Veratrum album (White Hellebore), containing veratramine.
Veratrum viride (American Hellebore), containing veratramine.
Lobelia inflata (Lobelia), containing lobeline, has nicotinic cholinergic effects and produces mixed autonomic responses as opposed to the muscarinic alkaloids.
Nicotinia tabacum (Tobacco), containing nicotine.
"parasympathomimetic-ike" herbs:
Anemone spp. (Pulsatilla)
Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot), containing reserpine, is sympatholytic, i.e., it depletes central and peripheral catecholamines.
Footnotes
Hardman J, et al. eds. Goodman &Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. Ninth Edition. McGraw Hill, 1996
Moore M. Herbal/Medical Contraindications. Albuquerque, NM: Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, 1995.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988.