Herbal and Alternative Medicines # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which herb is most commonly used for mild to moderate depression?

Ginseng
St. John’s Wort
Echinacea
Aloe Vera
Explanation - St. John’s Wort is widely used as a herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression due to its effect on neurotransmitter regulation.
Correct answer is: St. John’s Wort

Q.2 Ginkgo biloba is primarily used for improving:

Memory and cognition
Joint flexibility
Digestive health
Liver detoxification
Explanation - Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral blood flow and is commonly used to enhance memory and cognitive functions.
Correct answer is: Memory and cognition

Q.3 Which herbal medicine is traditionally used to boost immunity against infections like the common cold?

Echinacea
Valerian
Kava
Turmeric
Explanation - Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system and is often used for the prevention or treatment of common colds.
Correct answer is: Echinacea

Q.4 What is the main active compound in turmeric responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects?

Curcumin
Piperine
Glycyrrhizin
Allicin
Explanation - Curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Correct answer is: Curcumin

Q.5 Aloe vera gel is most commonly used for:

Wound healing
Improving memory
Managing hypertension
Enhancing sleep
Explanation - Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties, especially for burns and skin wounds.
Correct answer is: Wound healing

Q.6 Which herbal preparation is often used for insomnia and anxiety?

Valerian root
Milk thistle
Echinacea
Ginseng
Explanation - Valerian root has sedative properties and is commonly used as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.
Correct answer is: Valerian root

Q.7 Milk thistle is mainly used to support which organ?

Heart
Liver
Kidney
Pancreas
Explanation - Milk thistle contains silymarin, which has hepatoprotective effects and is commonly used in liver disorders.
Correct answer is: Liver

Q.8 Which herbal medicine may interact dangerously with anticoagulants like warfarin?

Ginkgo biloba
Aloe vera
Valerian
Peppermint
Explanation - Ginkgo biloba increases bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin.
Correct answer is: Ginkgo biloba

Q.9 Which herb is used as an adaptogen to improve energy and reduce fatigue?

Ginseng
Valerian
Aloe vera
Kava
Explanation - Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb known for its ability to improve energy, stamina, and reduce fatigue.
Correct answer is: Ginseng

Q.10 Peppermint oil is commonly used in the management of:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Depression
Hypertension
Diabetes
Explanation - Peppermint oil helps relax gastrointestinal muscles, making it useful in the treatment of IBS.
Correct answer is: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Q.11 Which plant-derived product is used as a natural laxative?

Senna
Ginkgo
Echinacea
Turmeric
Explanation - Senna contains anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate bowel movements and act as a laxative.
Correct answer is: Senna

Q.12 Which herbal medicine is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for memory enhancement?

Bacopa monnieri
Echinacea
Valerian
Kava
Explanation - Bacopa monnieri, also called Brahmi, is widely used in Ayurveda to enhance memory and cognition.
Correct answer is: Bacopa monnieri

Q.13 Which herbal supplement is often used to lower cholesterol levels?

Garlic
Kava
Valerian
Ginseng
Explanation - Garlic has been shown to modestly reduce cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
Correct answer is: Garlic

Q.14 Kava is traditionally used for:

Anxiety relief
Improving liver function
Lowering blood sugar
Enhancing immunity
Explanation - Kava has anxiolytic properties but is associated with potential hepatotoxicity.
Correct answer is: Anxiety relief

Q.15 Which herb is contraindicated in pregnancy due to uterotonic effects?

Blue cohosh
Echinacea
Aloe vera
Milk thistle
Explanation - Blue cohosh can stimulate uterine contractions and is unsafe during pregnancy.
Correct answer is: Blue cohosh

Q.16 Ashwagandha is classified as which type of herbal medicine?

Adaptogen
Analgesic
Laxative
Antihistamine
Explanation - Ashwagandha is an adaptogen used to help the body manage stress and improve vitality.
Correct answer is: Adaptogen

Q.17 Which herb is commonly used as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms?

Black cohosh
Valerian
Turmeric
Echinacea
Explanation - Black cohosh is used to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
Correct answer is: Black cohosh

Q.18 Which natural product contains allicin, known for its antimicrobial properties?

Garlic
Ginger
Turmeric
Peppermint
Explanation - Allicin, found in garlic, exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Correct answer is: Garlic

Q.19 Which herb is associated with hepatotoxicity and should be used cautiously?

Kava
Aloe vera
Valerian
Peppermint
Explanation - Kava may cause liver damage when used excessively, despite its anxiolytic properties.
Correct answer is: Kava

Q.20 Ginger is widely used to relieve:

Nausea and vomiting
Memory loss
Insomnia
Hypertension
Explanation - Ginger has antiemetic properties and is effective against nausea, including motion sickness and pregnancy-induced nausea.
Correct answer is: Nausea and vomiting

Q.21 Which herbal medicine is thought to improve prostate health?

Saw palmetto
Valerian
Echinacea
Aloe vera
Explanation - Saw palmetto is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary symptoms.
Correct answer is: Saw palmetto

Q.22 Which herbal tea is known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects?

Chamomile
Peppermint
Green tea
Turmeric tea
Explanation - Chamomile tea is commonly used as a mild sedative to promote sleep and relaxation.
Correct answer is: Chamomile

Q.23 Licorice root, when used long term, may cause:

Hypertension
Hypotension
Hypoglycemia
Anemia
Explanation - Licorice root can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, leading to hypertension.
Correct answer is: Hypertension

Q.24 Which herbal supplement is believed to improve blood sugar control in diabetes?

Fenugreek
Valerian
Kava
Echinacea
Explanation - Fenugreek seeds may help regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Correct answer is: Fenugreek

Q.25 Which herb is sometimes called the 'herbal aspirin' due to its salicin content?

Willow bark
Peppermint
Garlic
Echinacea
Explanation - Willow bark contains salicin, a precursor to aspirin, and has analgesic properties.
Correct answer is: Willow bark