Which Directorate of Health Canada is responsible for legislation of herbal products?
Natural Health Products Directorate
Medical devices Directorate
Therapeutics Product Directorate
Controlled Drugs Directorate
Natural Health Products Regulations are part of:
regulated Professions Act
Controlled Substances Act
Food & Drug Act
Hazardous Substances Act
Provincial Drug Benefit Act
Which of the following substances according to Health Canada would be unacceptable as a natural Health substance?
biologics
amino acids
algae
probiotics
What information will confirm for you that a natural health product has been approved by Health Canada for public consumption?
The advice of a friend using this product
The presence of an NHP's number on the label
The source of the product
the fact that the product is sold by pharmacies
The reputation of the manufacturer
Which of the following statements defines best Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
The use of home-made remedies to treat symptoms of diseases and/or ailments
The use of spiritual and religious incantations to remove bad spirits from the sick person
The use of natural remedies and therapies not commonly used by standard and conventional medical practice.
The use of different drugs to support conventional drug therapies
Which of the following of medical systems would not be considered part of Alternative & Complementary medicine?
acupuncture
naturopathy
homeopathy
pharmacotherapy
Which of the following reasons is the key reason noted in surveys as to why consumers use natural health products?
belief that natural health products have fewer side effects
conventional drug therapy is dangerous to use
drug recalls of conventional drug products
belief that natural products are better than synthetically produced drugs
desire to use more natural approaches to health & wellness
Who was the physician of the 1st Century AD that dominated European medical thought for over 1500 years?
Hippocrates
Galen
Paracelsus
Dioscorides
Integrative medicine is another term for:
naturapathic medicine
standard conventional medicine
homeopathic medicine
combined conventional & complementary & alternative medical practice
Which of the following statements distinguishes best the difference between primary and secondary metabolites of plant phytochemicals?
Primary metabolites are essential for plant survival
primary metabolites are substances of the plant that can protect humans from diseases
Primary metabolites have no direct involvement in the plant's metabolism and growth
Primary metabolites protect the plant from predators
Which of the following pharmacologic effects would be that of terpenes?
antibacterial
increase of blood pressure
bile acids inhibitor
hypoglycemic
Terpenes are precursors of
natural antiviral substances
semisynthetic antibiotics
theophylline compounds
plant steroids and sterols
Which of the following pharmacologic effects is a key effect of an alkaloid metabolite of a plant?
respiratory suppression
vasoconstriction
muscle contraction
vasodilation
Which of the following phytochemical groups includes flavonoids?
glycosides
terpenes
phenolic compounds
alkaloids
Saponin phytochemical components of a plant belong to the:
flavonoid group
phenolic group
tannins group
terpene group
The coumarin phytochemicals can act as:
anticonvulsants
laxatives
anticoagulants
antihypertensives
Which of the following principles is used to evaluate the quality of a herb?
odor
smell
taste
botanical identity
Which of the following statements about a marker of a plant is not true
it can be any herb constituent
is always an active ingredient of a plan
used to standardize herbal potency
must be scientifically identified and quatified
Adulteration of a plant material refers to:
unintentional inclusion of foreign substances
intentional addition of other plant species material and/or foreign substances.
soil contaminants during plant harvest
plant infidelity to other plants of the same species
Which of the following standard plant quality authentication tests is not a common authentication test?
volatile oil content
microbiological test
moisture content
taste to determine level of bitterness
Herbals can be used together with conventional drugs with no concern for adverse events.
Pharmacodynamic type herb-drug interactions refer to the impact on the bioavailability of the drug.
The safety of a natural product depends on the product itself and not on the fact that it is named "natural".
Fluid extracts of natural herbs are less concentrated than tinctures of such herbs.
Liquid extracts of a herb are commonly either tinctures or aqueous fluids never both types.
Which of the following nutrients has a negative impact on the immune system?
sugar
zinc
iron
vitamin D
In addition to the immune system which of the following organs can also be protected by andrographis?
lungs
heart
kidneys
liver
Indications for astragalus include:
treatment of cold and flu
treatment of fever
treatment of athlete's foot
treatment of aids
Which plant part caries the medicinal substances in Cat's Claw?
leaves
seeds
flowers
roots
The preferred product of Cat's Claw to use is the one that:
contains low level of tetracycline and high levels of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids.
contains high levels of both tetracycline and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids.
contains high level of tetracycline oxindole alkaloid
contains high level of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid
Cold FX is reported to increase the activity of one of the following immunoglobulins:
IgE
IgA
IgG
IgM
A common indication for taking Echinacea is to:
correct gastrointestinal problems
treat migraine headaches
prevent and treat common colds
increase energy and endurance
Which drugs have the potential to interact with Echinacea?
antibiotics
diuretics
immunosuppressants
non-steroidal analgesics
The active medicinal constituents of Elderberry include:
sterols
flavonoids
Goldenseal is contraindicated in individuals with:
hypertension
diabetes
high cholesterol
gout
Elderberry's mechanism of action in improving an immune system response includes:
stimulation of both spleen and lymph nodes
stimulation of interleukin and tumor necrotic factor production
bone marrow stimulation
increase white blood cell production
Shiitake mushrooms can be used as adjunct therapy to treat:
ulcers
cancer
crohn's disease
jaundice
What is/are the key active constituents in maitake mushrooms?
flavones
carotenoids
polysaccharides
How does borage oil help in cardiovascular diseases?
by preventing platelet aggregation
by reducing heart rate
by blocking the inflammatory effects of prostaglandins
by reducing vascular resistance
What are the key pharmacologic effects of carnitine that help individuals with cardiovascular problems?
prevention of cholesterol absorption from the gut
increase coronary blood flow
decrease of blood vessel constriction
decrease in both LDL & VLDL
The key constituents of garlic includes:
sulfur
lignans
A major mechanism of garlic's cardiovascular action includes:
direct effect on the myocardium
increase in ATP production
increase in cardiac output
interference with cholesterol metabolism
Garlic has the potential to increase the pharmacologic effects of:
beta blockers
corticosteroids
Coenzyme Q10 is a strong:
anticholesterol agent
anticoagulant agonist
antioxidant
hepatoprotector
A key indication of evening primrose oil includes:
treatment of premenstrual symptoms
osteoporosis
treatment of jaundice
reduction of cholesterol
Ginkgo can be used in cerebral insufficiency
Guggul cardiovascular effects include reduction of blood pressure
One of Hawthorn's mechanism of lowering blood pressure vascular dilation is due to inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme.
Arginine supports cardiovascular improvement by stimulating production nitric oxide synthase.
One of the key mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing heart attacks is it's ability to stabilize the electrical activity of the heart
The key active ingredients of astaxanthin include:
phenolic acids
Astaxanthin pharmacologic effect in the treatment of arthritic conditions includes:
increase osteoblast activity
increase of bone density
secretion of endorphins
reduction of inflammation
The proposed mechanism of Boswellia pharmacologic effects in treating arthritis includes:
stimulation of the immune system
control of leukotriene production
inhibition of cartilage breakdown
increased the production of MSM
Bromelain is a component of:
wild cherry
grapefruit
pineapple
avocado
Bromelain can potentiate the effects of:
hypoglycemics
The key mechanism of action of Cayenne pepper in treating arthritic pain and inflammation includes:
Depletion of neurotransmitter substance P from nerve endings
Reduction of inflammatory prostaglandins
Depletion of neurotransmitter substance C from nerve endings
Increase of hormonal endorphins
Devil claw's anti-arthritic mechanism of action is believed to be due to:
inhibition of cyclooxygenase
interference with prostaglandin synthesis
inhibition of leukotrienes
replenishment of synovial fluid
How does chondroitin help improve cartilage when used to treat arthritic conditions?
metabolizes nutrients such as shark cartilage to become human joint cartilage
Stimulates cartilage production by the bone marrow
Stimulates osteoblast activity to produce cartilage
improves water retention and elasticity of cartilage
The key components of fish oil that help with improving arthritic conditions include:
linoleic fatty acid
oleic fatty acid
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Glucosamine should be used with caution in patients with:
asthma
What is the active component of glucosamine essential for cartilage production?
calcium
phosphorus
magnesium
Which of the following inflammatory mediators are inhibited by glucosamine to reduce inflammation?
prostaglandin PGE2
substance C
histamine
hyaluronic acid
Krill oil is more effective than fish oil in relieving joint pain because:
it has phospholipid type EPA & DHA found more effective
It has a higher EPA/DHA levels than fish oil
it is more pure than fish oil
it contains higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids than fish oil
What has been reported as to the mechanism of MSM in reducing inflammation and pain in treating arthritic conditions?
providing sulfur essential for connective tissue synthesis and collagen maintenance.
mobilizing calcium to improve connective tissue formation
stimulating chondrocytes to produce more cartilage
increasing hyaluronic acid
SAMe is synthesized in living cells from:
Methionine & sulfur
tryptophan & ATP
Methionine & ATP
Tryptophan & ADP
in which of the following conditions would the use of Stinging Nettle would be contraindicated?
hypercholesterolemia
hemochromatosis
anemia
Asthma
The mechanism of action of hyaluronic acid includes:
Increase of synovial fluid and cushioning of joints
Inhibition of MMP-3 enzyme to prevent release of cytokines
Increase osteocyte activity to produce more cartilage
Inhibition of MMP-3 enzyme to prevent dissolution and destruction of cartilage
Which of the following hormones has been reported to contribute to obesity and being overweight?
hydrocortisone
growth hormone
insulin
leptin
How does hydroxycitric acid promote weight loss?
increases fat metabolism
inhibits coenzyme A essential for fatty acid synthesis
inhibits lipase enzymes from synthesizing fatty acids
decreases fat absorption
Chromium has been included in weight control diets because:
enhances glucose transport to the liver and muscles
improves glucose tolerance
increases insulin sensitivity
decreases insulin sensitivity
Diet supplements containing caffeine are believed to reduce obesity and overweight by increasing metabolic rate
Green tea has thermogenic and fat oxidizing properties
Royal jelly can be used to combat overweight and obesity
Ginseng has been reported to improve energy and the heart.
Royal jelly is a good source of calcium and thus good source for bone structure.
How does coenzyme Q10 help those with neurologic conditions?
by increasing/decreasing certain neurotransmitters
by improving nerve function
by protecting neurons from radicals
by protecting the myelin sheath of the nerves
One of the key mechanism of Ginkgo Biloba in improving short term memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease includes:
increase acetylcholine production
improve nerve impulse conduction
increase microvascular circulation in the brain
reduce nerve inflammation
which of the following mechanisms of action in treating Alzheimer's disease is the of Huperzine A ?
act as a competitive cholinergic agonist
act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
stimulate acetylcholine production in the central nervous system
act as regenerator of memory nerve cells
Chamomile causes relaxation and a sedative effect by:
by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors
by direct depressing effect on the CNS
by blockage of excitatory impulses from the hypothalamus
by binding to the cholinergic receptors
The key mechanism of Lemon balm to produce sedation involves:
effect on GABA neurotransmitter production
effect on the hippocampus of the brain
effect in the benzodiazepine receptors
effect on the pineal gland
Which of the following conditions can be treated by melatonin?
dementia
Alzheimer's
jet-lag
anxiety
The starting substance for the production of melatonin is:
serotonin
lysine
tryptophan
methionine
which of the following medication groups can deplete melatonin?
antilipemic
antidepressants
Passion flower has been reported to cause muscle relaxation and sedation by:
increasing serotonin levels
inhibition of MAO (monoamine oxidase)
increasing dopamine levels
stimulation of MAO(monoamine oxidase)
Which of the following medications effects can potentially be increased when given together with skullcap?
hydrochlorothiazide
warfarin
imovane
thyroxine
Valerian's mechanism causing calming and sedation is reported to be due to its effects on:
serotonin receptors
preventing breakdown of GABA neurotransmitter in the brain
adrenergic receptors
cholinergic receptors
Valerian can potentiate the effect of:
sedatives
antiplatelets
Inositol has been reported to be used in the treatment of:
parkinson's disease
schizophrenia
alzheimer's disease
bulimia
Which of the following medication's metabolism could be induced by the presence of St John's wort
azithromycin
dilantin
What is the mechanism of Remember FX claimed to be responsible for improving memory and mental alertness?
increase norepinephrine production
increase serotonin production
increase nerve stimulation
Which of the following phytochemical constituents is the active constituent of St John's wort?
quercetin
essential oils
taurine
hypericin
How does cranberry prevent urinary bladder infections?
it is metabolized to a toxic substance that kills bacteria
stimulates urination to wash out the bacteria
prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder
it kills bacteria
which of the following pro-biotics is used to treat colicky infants?
Align
HNF Forte
BioGaia
TuZen
A reported indication for bearberry includes:
orchitis
psoriasis
cystitis
arthritis
What type of laxative would cascara be?
cathartic
osmotic
stimulating
lubricant
Ginger increases the effect of anti-coagulants.
Probiotics can produce vitamin B6
Milk thistle can be use to protect the gallbladder from chemical damage.
Bifidobacteria species are commonly found in the large intestine
What is the key biological problem with diabetes type 2?
poor utilization of insulin
too much insulin
too much glucose
not enough insulin
How does fiber help to prevent diabetes mellitus?
increases insulin secretion
increases carbohydrate metabolism
provides catalytic enzymes to digest glucose
slows down the digestion and absorption of glucose
The key constituent of bitter melon found to reduce blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes is:
polypeptide -P protein
C-peptide protein
Which of the following medicinal constituents is responsible for cinnamon's pharmacologic effect on diabetes?
polyphenols
saponins
tannins
Which of the following anti-diabetic effect is not a pharmacologic effect of bitter melon?
glucose level reduction
improve glucose tolerance
reduction of A1C levels
production of insulin
Which of the following minerals has been used as an adjunct to diabetic treatment?
chromium
copper
potassium
Fenugreek should be avoided during pregnancy because:
it has the potential to cause hypoglycemia to the fetus
it can decrease breast milk production
it can cause teratogenic effects to the fetus
it has the potential to stimulate uterine contraction
Which of the following NHP's has been used to reduce cravings for sweets?
fenugreek
cinnamon
bitter melon
gymnema
Psyllium has been claimed to have the ability to lower blood glucose levels by:
increasing glucose metabolism
reduce glucose absorption from the gut
increase insulin sensitivity
prevent glucose uptake by the cells
Which of the following natural products currently sold in some pharmacies is promoted to relieve neuropathic pain?
myoflex cream
neuragen topical liquid
oregano liniment
guggul lotion
In order to prevent and/or minimize drug binding, psyllium should be taken:
2 hours before taking the drug
2 hours before or after taking the drug
30 minutes before taking the drug
1 hour before taking the drug
Saw Palmetto is indicated to treat:
PMS syndrome
menopause symptoms
benign prostatic hyperplasia
malignant hyperplasia of the prostate
Which of the following NHP's would be indicated for male impotence?
saw palmetto
viagra
pygeum
yohimbe
Which of the following substances is believed to be responsible for the vasodilating effect of Dong quai?
salicylic acid
omega -3 fatty acid
tartaric acid
nicotinic acid
Which of the following pharmacologic effects would be an effect of black cohosh?
reduction of premenstrual syndrome symptoms
vascular constriction
testosterone-like effect
reduction of menopausal symptoms
Which of the following group of drugs could have an increased pharmacologic effect when given together with Black Cohosh?
antiplatelet drugs
anti-inflammatory
anti-cholesterol drugs
Cernilton has been used in Europe to treat:
urethritis
ulcerative colitis
male impotence
Which of the following pharmacologic effects would be an effect of chasteberry?
normalize female sex hormonal activity
reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
anti-cancer effect
improve male impotence
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be used to treat:
female infertility
male erectile dysfunction
increase estrogen production
decrease prolactin secretion
Which of the following phytochemicals has been found to be most useful in treating menopausal symptoms?
terpenoids
phytosterols
Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Pygeums pharmacologic effect includes blockage of 5-alpha reductase biosynthesis.
Soy's active ingredients includes phytoandrogens.
Yohimbe is used to treat male impotence and erectile dysfunction.
A key indication for saw palmetto is treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.