Research Guides: Herb and Dietary Supplement Information: Books (2024)

Herbal Medicines by Pharmaceutical Press Staff
ISBN: 0857110357
Publication Date: 2013-01-21
Herbal Medicines provides a comprehensive single source of scientifically rigorous, impartial information on 180 of the most commonly used herbal medicinal products. The monographs are extensively referenced, detailing photochemical, pharmacological and clinical aspects of each herb (use, dose, adverse effects, interactions, etc). As with previous editions, Herbal Medicines is presented in full colour throughout, with chemical structures and photographs of the plant and drug material presented where available.
This fourth edition includes extensive revision of over 20 monographs and the addition of 28 new monographs. All Pharmacopeial information has been fully updated and restructured across the publication.
The new 28 monographs added are: Asparagus, Bistort, Black Currant, Bugleweed, Butcher's Broom, Cramp Bark, English Ivy, Epimedium, European Goldenrod, Fennel, Goat's Rue, Hoodia, Horsetail, Linseed, Lovage Root, Melilot, Noni, Oak Bark, Peony, Peppermint, Polypodium, Pygeum, Sea Buckthorn, Tea Tree, Tormentil, Turmeric, Verbascum, Yohimbe.
Appendix 4: Preparations Directory and Appendix 5: Suppliers Directory, have also been updated to include product information from over 43 countries including: Australia, Germany, UK and USA.
Written by experts in the fields of pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, phytopharmacy, clinical herbal medicines, phytopharmacovigilance and regulation of herbal medicinal products, Herbal Medicines is an invaluable reference text for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who require evidence-based information on herbal medicines used for treatment and prevention of health problems.

Student Review ofHerbal Medicines

Title:

Herbal Medicines

Author/Creator:

Joanne Barnes, Linda A. Anderson, and J. David Phillipson

Publisher:

Pharmaceutical Press, Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain/London

Credentials:

Dr. Joanne Barnes, BPharm, PhD, MRPharmS
Dr. Nigel C. Veitch PhD
Dr. Michael Smith
Dr. Linda Anderson
Professor J Phillip Phillipson

Description of book type:

This book is used as a reference for doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide advice to the public on herbal medicines.
This book is comprised solely of herbal monographs, which contain: species, synonyms, parts used, other monographs, legal category, constituents, food use, herbal use, dosage, pharmacological actions, side effects/toxicity, contraindications/warnings, pharmaceutical comment, and references for each herb.

The book does not seem to give any dosages other than standard adult dosages, but it does tell you in what form (ie- decoction, tincture, etc.)

Student Review ofThe Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

Title:

The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

Author(s):

Andrew Chevallier 1st ed. DK Publishing Inc. NY 1996

Credentials or background of the author(s):

Medical Herbalist, former president of National Institute of Medical Herbalist, current chair of the Council of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Description of book type:

Monographs on herbs organized by development of herbal medicines, world traditions, key medicinal plants, other medicinal plants and herbal remedies for home use.

Are various names for the herb given?

Chinese name given (Wu wei zi)
Latin name given (Schisandra Chinensis)
Names of 4 important constituents given

Dosage

Only specific dosage given is a decoction of 5g of berries in 100mL of water divided into 3 doses
No other dosage forms are discussed.
In a separate section of the book it mentions that in Chinese medicine the berries are eaten for 100 days as a tonic, but does not say how many or who this dosage is intended for.

Is the mechanism of action described?

Key actions are listed (adaptogen, tonic, liver protector) but no mode of action.

Are constituents listed (active compounds)?

Yes, lignans, volatile oils, vitamin C & E, and phytosterols

Is the safety of the herb rated or described? (Which patients should avoid this product?)

Safety is not discussed

Are interactions with drugs/other herbs/lab tests listed or described?

No interactions mentioned

Is historical/popular use of the herb described?

Yes, Historical and popular uses are as a tonic, sexual stimulant, sedative, liver treatment, mental and emotional remedy, balancer for fluid levels, and helpful for rashes and respiratory infections

Are references listed and how current are they? (What is the date of the most recent? What is the oldest?)

References and additional readings are listed together. The oldest was from 1597 and the most recent from 1995.DM

Solve It with Supplements by Robert A. Schulman; Carolyn Dean; Robert Schulman
ISBN: 9781579549428
Publication Date: 2006-12-26
Solve It with Supplements by Robert A. Schulman, MD and Carolyn Dean, MD, ND offers supplement solutions to a wide variety of health problems make this comprehensive, easy-to-use reference an indispensable addition to every home self-care library The evidence is in: Herbal and nutritional supplements have the therapeutic power to help treat and prevent disease. But how does someone know which ones to take and in what amounts? The answers can be found in this authoritative reference, which presents the best supplements to prevent or heal more than 100 common health problems. Every recommendation in this book has undergone thorough medical review by two respected physicians who specialize in complementary and alternative therapies. In addition to precise dosage instructions, the authors provide vital information on contraindications and potential interactions with medications, foods, and other supplements; examine the science and skepticism behind controversial supplements such as bee pollen, creatine, DHEA, and vitamin E; and warn about conditions for which readers should seek professional medical care before self-treating.

Student Review ofSolve it With Supplements

Title:

Solve It With SupplementsRobert Schulman, MD 2nd ed.Rodale,New York2007

Credentials or background of the author(s):

Clinical Assistant Professor of rehabilitation medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and author of several journal articles.

Description of book type:

Handbook organized several wayswith basic introduction to supplements, guide for specific supplements and then organized by condition.

Are various names for the herb given such as botanical name, names in other languages, names of important constituents?

Common and botanical name and names of constituents

Does the book give doses for adults, children, elderly or those with special conditions (kidney disease, liver disease etc.)?

Limited information for adults

Are various dosage forms listed and discussed?

Is the mechanism of action described?

Is the safety of the herb rated or described?

Are interactions with drugs/other herbs/lab tests listed or described?

Is historical/popular use of the herb described?

Are references listed and how current are they?

Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements by Linda Skidmore-Roth
ISBN: 9780323037068
Publication Date: 2005-07-20
This essential handbook provides the busy health care provider with detailed information for approximately 300 commonly used herbal products and natural supplements, including 20 herbal products and natural supplements new to this edition. Arranged in alphabetical order, this resource incorporates authoritative information on common names, pronunciations, scientific names, origins, uses (reported and investigational), forms, dosages, contraindications, side effects and adverse reactions, interactions with herbs, drugs, foods, and lab tests, client considerations, pharmacology (pharmaco*kinetics, chemical components and actions) and references for every drug. With the increased usage of herbal therapies enjoyed by individuals, this handbook is packed with easy-to-find herbal information and is a must-have for any clinician. Features detailed information of over 300 commonly used herbal products and natural supplements Notes safety information from both the FDA and the American Herbal Product Association for each herb. Provides current, reliable, unbiased information, based on the German E Commission and other authoritative clinical sources. Includes up-to-date references for each individual herb with specific sources cited for doses, research, interactions, and pharmaco*kinetics. Features alerts to highlight critical information. Includes a unique, comprehensive Table of Contents with user-friendly cross-references for herbs with descriptive names (i.e. black hellebore/hellebore, black). Organizes herbs A-Z by common name of herbal product in natural order. Presents information in a proven, quick reference format similar to Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference. Provides an introductory chapter detailing key information on current issues with research, supply, harvest, manufacturer, storage, shelf life, and special population considerations for usage of herbals and supplements in general. Includes an Herbal Resources appendix listing useful websites and organizations in the herbal industry. Provides a Glossary of herbal terms to clarify dose and form terminology unique to herbals and natural supplements. Includes a Botanical Atlas illustrating various plant types and parts used in herbal preparations. Offers a comprehensive index containing all common and botanical names for herbals and natural supplements as well as all of the disorders that they are used to treat. Lists Poison Centers to aid in obtaining help quickly for potentially lethal use of plant products. Includes a Pediatric Herbal Use appendix with general guidelines and cautions regarding use of herbs in children. Provides an appendix listing many of the programs in the United States and Canada that offer training in complementary and alternative medicine. Offers endangered species information for rare and endangered herbs that should not be harvested. Highlights herbs not safe to ingest with a new Do Not Use Internally icon. Provides a pronunciation guide for common herb names to better familiarize with herbs currently in use. Features a Drug-Herb Interaction Table to supply information on known drug-herb interactions. Identifies Herb-Lab Test Interferences in each herb monograph to supply information on known herbal interferences on most lab tests in use today. A second color highlights critical information and makes it easier to find relevant information quickly. Features detailed information for approximately 20 new herbal products and natural supplements, including androstenedione, beta-carotene, calcium, folic acid, glutamine, and more. Includes new precautions, alerts, interactions, dosages, and client considerations to promote safe use of herbs and supplements.

Student Review ofMosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements

Title:

Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements

Author(s):

Linda Skidmore-Roth 3rd ed. Elsevier MosbySt. Louis Missouri 2006

Credentials or background of the author(s)

Linda Skidmore-Roth is an RN, MSN and NP

Description of booktype:

Monographs on herbs organized by herb and supplement names. Some descriptions are short but extremely informative. This is a nursing handbook but seems essential for any clinical practice. For each description there are symbols that let you know if there are is any important pregnancy or pediatric information.Other symbols indicate if herbs are popular, endangered, and their adverse effects.

Are various names for the herb given?

Scientific and common names are given. For Schisandra there are five common names listed. - Primary chemical components are listed by individual class, individual components, and possible actions. i.e.:-Chemical class: Triterpeniods-Individual Component: manwuweizic acids, nigranoic acid, schisandronic acid
Possible Action: Cytotoxic

Does the book give doses for adults, children, elderly or those with special conditions (kidney disease, liver disease etc.?

For Schisandra it gives the adult dosage and a dosage for a patient with Hepatitis (this herb is used for liver protection). There is also a dosage for improving mental and physical performance, but there is no pediatric dosage

Are various dosage forms listed and discussed?

Daily dosage forms are listed for adult, Hepatitis and improving mental and physical performance but most are in capsule or extract form.
Preparation of dosages is not discussed.

Is the mechanism of action described?

The mechanism of action is described.It briefly mentions hepatoprotective and regenerative actions for carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicty. There were two studies done where Schisandra improved damaged livers in mice. Another study showed that lignin was able to stimulate partial liver regeneration after rats were given carbon tetrachloride.

Are constituents listed (active compounds)?

Yes all constituents are listed as chemical classes but also included individual component and actions. For Schisandra the constituents listed are triterpenoids, resin, vitamin A, C & E, tannin, acids, sterols, Schizandrin B, Schisantherin, and Schizandrol.

Is the safety of the herb rated or described?

Lists as possible contraindication for pregnancy and lactation because there is not research available
Should not be given to children
Should not be given to anyone with hypersensitivity to schisandra
Listed as class 1 herb
Rare CNS and possible GI side effects listed as well as possible integumentary reactions

Are interactions with drugs/other herbs/lab tests listed or described?

Lists immunosuppressant drugs and indicates schisandra may decrease their effect
Avoid use before, during and after transplant surgery.
In ALT/AST lab tests it may decrease ALT and AST.
No known food or herb interaction is known

Is historical/popular use of the herb described?

Describes uses in Chinese medicine ( treatment of hepatic, renal and respiratory disorders
May be used to enhance athletic performance and energy
Thought to possess both antioxidant and immunosuppressant properties

Are references listed and how current are they?

4 references are listed. The oldest is from 1987. The most recent is 2004.DM