jvenner@wateng.UUCP (Jason P. Venner) (10/19/83)
I need to know more about beta blockers. I am specifically
looking for 'natural' substances that contain beta blockers.
A beta blocker (I believe) is a substance that dampens your
body's response to adrenaline (this may not be it's only use.)
I would like substances that are available reasonably easily
as/from herbs, and can be used as tea.
--
yours sincerely,
Jason P. Venner
uucp: : physical mail:
(jvenner@wateng) : Integrated Studies,
(watmath!wateng!jvenner) : University of Waterloo,
(allegra!watmath!wateng!jvenner) : Waterloo, Ontario.,
(decvax!watmath!wateng!jvenner) : Canada.
: N2L 3G1sdyer@bbncca.UUCP (10/20/83)
I know of no naturally occurring substances which block beta receptors. In fact, this family of drugs was only discovered during the search for chemicals which were more effective than the available adrenalin-like drugs. Tured out that some of the analogs had an unexpected effect-- rather than imitating adrenalin, they blocked some of adrenalin's actions, such as vasodilation, heart stimulation and bronchodilation. Beta blockers are quite popular drugs, because they seem to have a much wider range of applicability than their micro-pharmacology reveals. They help to prevent heart arrhythmias, prevent angina, lower blood pressure, and even prevent migraine headaches! Recently, they have become well known because they reduce the physical symptoms of nervousness, especially stage fright. That is, when you are under stress, your brain sends the primitive sympathetic nervous system into action, producing sweaty palms, fast heartbeat, and "butterflies" in your stomach. This is wonderful when you're trying to escape from a predator, but today, it more often produces a feedback system that increases a person's nervousness. Beta blockers act as a "body tranquilizer". They stop the peripheral effects mediated by adrenalin, but don't have any central nervous system effect. Thus, the person remains alert, but his body is calm. These are quite powerful drugs, and while some medical experts are enthusiastic about this latest application, others feel that this is unwise, since stage fright is hardly a life-threatening problem. There are also people who should not take them, such as asthmatics. /Steve Dyer decvax!bbncca!sdyer