Glossary
of Terms
A
Abortifacient - A substance that induces abortion.
Abscess - A localized collection of pus and liquefied
tissue in a cavity.
Acetyicholine - One of the chemicals that transmits impulses
between nerves and between nerves and muscle cells.
Acrid - A pungent biting taste that causes irritation.
Acute - Having a rapid onset, severe symptoms, and a
short course; not chronic.
Adaptogen - A substance that is safe, increases resistance
to stress, and has a balancing effect on body functions.
Adjuvant - A substance that enhances the effect of the
medicinal agent or increases the antigenicity of a cancer cell.
Adrenaline - A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland
that produces the "fight or flight" response. Also called epinephrine.
Aldosterone - A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland
that causes the retention of sodium and water.
Alkaloids - Naturally occurring amines, arising from
heterocyclic and often complex structures, that display pharmacological
activity. Their common names usually end in ‘ine’. They are
usually classified according to the chemical structure of their main nucleus:
phenylalkyamines (ephedrine), pyridine (nicotine), tropine (atropine,
cocaine), quinoline (quinine), isoquinolone (papaverine), phenanthrene
(morphine), purine (caffeine), imidazole (pilocarpine), and indole (physostigmine,
yohimbine).
Allopathy - The conventional approach to medicine, which
combats disease by using substances and techniques targeted specifically
against the disease.
Alterative - A substance that produces a balancing effect
on a particular body function.
Amebiasis - An intestinal infection characterized by
severe diarrhea, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Amines - Nitrogen-containing compounds. Amino acids A
group of nitrogen-containing chemical compounds that form the basic structural
units of proteins.
Amenorrhea - Absence of menstruation
Analgesic - A substance that reduces the sensation of
pain.
Androgen - A hormone that stimulates male characteristics.
Anovulatory - Suspension or cessation of ovulation
Anthelminthic - A substance that causes the elimination
of intestinal worms.
Anthocyanidin - A class of flavonoids that gives plants,
fruits, and flowers colors that range from red to blue.
Antibody - A protein manufactured by the body which binds
to an antigen to neutralize, inhibit, or destroy it.
Antidote - A substance that neutralizes or counteracts
the effects of a poison.
Antigen - Any substance that, when introduced into the
body, causes the formation of antibodies against it.
Antihypertensive - A substance that exerts a blood-pressure-lowering
effect.
Antioxidant - A compound that prevents free-radical or
oxidative damage.
Aphrodisiac - A substance that increases sexual desire.
Artery - A blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood
away from the heart.
Astringent - An agent that causes the contraction of
tissue.
Atherosclerosis - A process in which fatty substances
(cholesterol and triglycerides) are deposited in the walls of medium-to-large
arteries, eventually leading to blockage of the artery.
Atopy - A predisposition to various allergic conditions,
including eczema and asthma.
Autoimmune - A process in which antibodies develop against
the body's own tissues.
B
Balm - A soothing or healing medicine applied to the
skin.
Basal Metabolic Rate - The rate of metabolism when the
body is at rest.
Basophil - A type of white blood cell that is involved
in allergic reactions.
Benign - Harmless; mild, not fatal.
Beta-Carotene - Provitamin A. A plant carotene that can
be converted to two vitamin A molecules.
Beta-Cells - The cells in the pancreas that manufacture
insulin.
Bilirubin -The breakdown product of the hemoglobin molecule
of red blood cells.
Biopsy - A diagnostic test in which tissue or cells are
removed from the body for examination under a microscope.
Bleeding Time - The time required for the cessation of
bleeding from a small skin puncture as a result of platelet disintegration
and blood vessel constriction. Ranges from one to four minutes.
Blood-Brain Barrier - A special barrier that prevents
the passage of materials from the blood to the brain.
Blood Pressure - The force exerted by blood as it presses
against and attempts to stretch blood vessels.
BGH – Bovine Growth Hormone, a hormone used to
increase the speed of growth in farm animals.
Bromelain – The protein-digesting enzyme found
in pineapple.
Bursa - A sac or pouch that contains a special fluid
which lubricates joints.
Bursitis - Inflammation of a bursa.
C
Calorie - A unit of heat. A nutritional calorie is the
amount of heat necessary to raise 1 kg of water 1 degree C.
Candida Albicans - A yeast common to the intestinal tract.
Candidiasis - A complex medical syndrome produced by
a chronic overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans.
Carbohydrates - Sugars and starches.
Carcinogen - Any agent or substance capable of causing
cancer.
Carcinogenesis -The development of cancer, caused by
the actions of certain chemicals, viruses, and unknown factors on primarily
normal cells.
Cardiac Output -The volume of blood pumped from the heart
in one minute.
Cardiopulmonary - Pertaining to the heart and lungs.
Cardiotonic - A compound that tones and strengthens the
heart.
Carminative - A substance that promotes the elimination
of intestinal gas.
Carotenes - Fat-soluble plant pigments, some of which
can be converted into vitamin A by the body.
Cartilage - A type of connective tissue that acts as
a shock absorber at joint interfaces.
Cathartic - A substance that stimulates the movement
of the bowels; more powerful than a laxative.
Catalyst - Any substance that enhances the rate or velocity
of a chemical reaction
Cholagogue - A compound that stimulates the contraction
of the gallbladder.
Cholecystitis - Inflammation of the gallbladder.
Cholelithiasis - Production of gallstones; having gallstones.
Choleretic - A compound that promotes the flow of bile.
Cholestasis - The stagnation of bile within the liver.
Cholinergic - Pertaining to the parasympathetic portion
of the autonomic nervous system and the release of acetylcholine as a
transmitter substance.
Chromosome - A molecule that comprises the gene (genome),
or hereditary factor, composed of DNA or RNA
Chronic - Long-term or frequently recurring.
Cirrhosis - A severe disease of the liver characterized
by the replacement of liver cells with scar tissue.
Conjugated - In biochemistry; one compound combined with
another
Coenzyme - A necessary nonprotein component of an enzyme,
usually a vitamin or mineral.
Cold Sore - A small skin blister anywhere around the
mouth caused by the Herpes simplez virus.
Colic - Severe, spasmodic pain that occurs in waves of
increasing intensity, reaches a peak, then abates for a short time before
returning.
Colitis - Inflammation of the colon; usually associated
with diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Collagen - The protein that is the main component of
connective tissue.
Compress - A pad of linen applied under pressure to an
area of the skin and held in place.
Congestive Heart Failure - Chronic disease that results
when the heart is not capable of supplying the oxygen demands of the body.
Connective Tissue - The type of tissue that provides
support, structure, and cellular cement to the body.
Contagious - Capable of being transferred from one person
to another by social contact, such as by sharing a home or workplace.
Coronary Artery Disease - A condition in which the heart
receives an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen due to atherosclerosis.
Corpus Luteum - Small yellow glandular mass in the ovary
formed by an ovarian follicle after ovulation (release of its egg [ovum])
Corticosteroid Drugs - A group of drugs, similar to the
natural corticosteroid hormones, that are used predominantly in the treatment
of inflammation and to suppress the immune system.
Corticosteroid Hormones - A group of hormones produced
by the adrenal glands that control the body's use of nutrients and the
excretion of salt and water in the urine.
Cushing's Syndrome - A condition caused by a hypersecrefion
of cortisone, characterized by spindly legs, "moon face," "buffalo
hump," abdominal obesity, flushed facial skin, and poor wound healing.
Cyst - An abnormal lump or swelling, filled with fluid
or semisolid material, in any body organ or tissue.
Cystitis - Inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder;
usually caused by a bacterial infection.
D
Decoctions -Teas prepared by boiling the botanical with
water for a specified period of time, followed by straining or filtering.
Dehydration - Excessive loss of water from the body
Dementia - Senility; loss of mental function.
Demineralization - Loss of minerals from the bone.
Demulcent - A substance that is soothing to irritated
mucous membranes.
Dermatitis - Inflammation of the skin, sometimes due
to allergy.
Diastolic Pressure - The second number in a blood pressure
reading; the measure of the pressure in the arteries during the relaxation
phase of the heartbeat.
Disaccharide - A sugar composed of two monosaccharide
units.
Diuretic - A compound that causes increased urination.
Diverticuli - Saclike outpouchings of the wall of the
colon.
DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid, the basic molecular subunit
of chromosomes
Double-Blind Study - A way of controlling against experimental
bias by insuring that neither the researcher nor the subject knows when
an active agent or a placebo is being used.
Douche -Introduction of water and/or a cleansing agent
into the vagina, with the aid of a bag with a tube and nozzle attached.
Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstruation
Dysplasia - Any abnormality of growth.
Dysfunction - Abnormal function.
E
Edema - Accumulation of fluid in tissues (swelling).
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) - A fatty acid found primarily
in cold-water fish.
Electroencephalograph - A machine that measures and records
brain waves.
Elimination Diet - A diet that eliminates allergenic
foods.
Emulsify -To disperse large fat globules into smaller,
uniformly distributed particles.
Encephalitis - Inflammation of the brain, usually due
to viral infection.
Endocrine - Refers to organs (glands) that secrete hormones
Endogenous - Developing or originating within the body
Endometrium - The mucous membrane lining of the uterus.
Enteric-Coated - A tablet or capsule coated to ensure
that it does not dissolve in the stomach so that it can reach the intestinal
tract.
Enzyme - An organic catalyst that speeds a chemical reaction.
Epidemiology - The study of the occurrence and distribution
of diseases in human populations.
Epinephrine - See adrenaline.
Epithelium - The cells that cover the entire surface
of the body and that line most of the internal organs.
Epstein-Barr Virus - The virus that causes infectious
mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal
cancer.
Essential Fatty Acids - Fatty acids that the body cannot
manufacture; linoleic and linolenic acids.
Essential Oils - Also known as volatile oils, ethereal
oils, or essences. They are usually complex mixtures of a wide variety
of organic compounds (e.g., alcohols, ketones, phenols, acids, ethers,
esters, aldehydes, oxides, etc.) that evaporate when exposed to air. They
generally represent the odoriferous principles of plants.
Estrogens - Hormones that exert female characteristics.
Excretion - The process of eliminating waste products
from a cell, tissue, or the entire body.
Exogenous - Originating outside of the body
Extracts - Concentrated forms of natural products obtained
by treating crude materials containing these substances with a solvent
and then removing the solvent completely or partially from the preparation.
The most commonly used extracts are fluid extracts, solid extracts, powdered
extracts, tinctures, and native extracts.
Extracellular - The space outside the cell, composed
of fluid.
Exudate - Escaping fluid or semifluid material that oozes
from a space that may contain serum, pus, or cellular debris.
F
Fibrin - A white insoluble protein formed by the clotting
of blood which serves as the starting point for wound repair and scar
formation.
Fibrinolysis -The dissolution of fibrin or a blood clot
by the action of enzymes which convert insoluble fibrin into soluble particles.
Flavonoid - A generic term for a group of flavone-containing
compounds that are found widely in nature. They include many of the compounds
that account for plant pigments (anthocyanins, anthoxanthins, apigenins,
flavones, flavonols, bioflavonols, etc.). These plant pigments exert a
wide variety of physiological effects in the human body.
Fluid Extracts - These extracts are typically hydro-alcoholic
solutions with a strength of 1 part solvent to 1 part herb. The alcohol
content varies with each product. They are, in essence, concentrated tinctures.
Follicle - A very small sac or cavity composed of cells,
e.g., the ovarian follicle that produces the ovum
Free Radicals - Highly reactive molecules, characterized
by an unpaired electron, that can bind to and destroy cellular compounds.
Furuncle - Another name for a boil that involves a hair
follicle.
Gerontology - The study of aging.
Giardiasis - An infection of the small intestine caused
by the protozoan (single-celled organism) Giardia lamblia.
Gingivitis - Inflammation of the gums.
Glaucoma - A condition in which the pressure of the fluid
in the eye is so high that it causes damage.
Glucose - A monosaccharide found in the blood; one of
the body's primary energy sources.
Gluten - One of the proteins in wheat and certain other
grains that gives dough its tough, elastic character.
Glycosides - Sugar-containing compounds composed of a
glycone (sugar component) and an aglycone (non-sugar-containing component)
that can be cleaved on hydrolysis. The glycone portion may be glucose,
rhamnose, xylose, fructose, arabinose, or any other sugar. The aglycone
portion can be any kind of compound (e.g., sterols, triterpenes, anthraquinones,
hydroquinones, tannins, carotenoids, or anthocyanidins).
Goblet Cell - A goblet-shaped cell that secretes mucus.
Gonadal - Refers to the gamete-producing glands, i.e.,
ovaries and testes
Gonadotropic - Refers to hormones that affect or stimulate
gonads
Gram - Unit of mass (weight); about one-twenty-eighth
of an ounce
Ground Substance - The thick, gel-like material in which
the cells, fibers, and blood capillaries of cartilage, bone, and connective
tissue are embedded.
H
Helper T Cells - Lymphocytes that help in the immune
response.
Hematocrit - An expression of the percentage of blood
occupied by blood cells.
Hemorrhoids -Distended veins in the lining of the anus.
Hepatic - Pertaining to the liver.
Hepatomegaly - Enlargement of the liver.
Holistic Medicine - A form of therapy aimed at treating
the whole person, not just the part or parts in which symptoms occur.
Homeostasis - The body's ability to maintain a stable
internal environment
Hormone - A secretion of an endocrine gland that controls
and regulates body functions.
Hydroxylation - The addition of a hydroxyl radical (-OH)
to a compound
Hyperglycemia - High blood sugar.
Hypermenorrhea - Excessive bleeding with menses
Hypersecretion - Excessive secretion.
Hypertension - High blood pressure.
Hypochlorhydria - Insufficient gastric acid output.
Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar.
Hypolipidemic - Having elevated levels of cholesterol
and triglycerides in the blood.
Hypotension - Low blood pressure.
Hypothalamus - Neural centers of the limbic brain just
above the pituitary that control visceral activities, water balance, sleep,
and hormone production by the pituitary
Hypoxia - An inadequate supply of oxygen.
Hysterectomy - Surgical removal of the uterus
I
Iatrogenic - Meaning literally "physician produced,"
the term can be applied to any medical condition, disease, or other adverse
occurrence that results from medical treatment.
Idiopathic - Of unknown cause.
Immunoglobulins - Antibodies.
Incidence - The number of new cases of a disease that
occurs during a given period (usually yearly in a defined population.
Incontinence - The inability to control urination or
defecation.
Infarction - Death to a localized area of tissue due
to lack of oxygen supply.
Infusions - Teas produced by steeping a botanical in
hot water.
Insulin - A hormone secreted by the pancreas which lowers
blood sugar levels.
Interferon - A potent immune-enhancing substance that
is produced by the body's cells to fight off viral infection and cancer.
In Vitro -Outside a living body and in an artificial
environment.
In Vivo - In a living body of an animal or plant.
J
Jaundice - A condition caused by elevation of bilirubin
levels in the body and characterized by yellowing of the skin.
K
Keratin - An insoluble protein found in hair, skin, and
nails.
L
Lactase - An enzyme that breaks down lactose into the
monosaccharides glucose and galactose.
Lactose - One of the sugars present in milk; a disaccharide.
Laxative - A substance that promotes the evacuation of
the bowels.
LD5O - The dosage that will kill fifty percent of the
animals that take the substance.
Lesion - Any localized, abnormal change in tissue formation.
Leukocyte - A white blood cell.
Lethargy - A feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, or lack
of energy.
Leukotrienes - Inflammatory compounds produced when oxygen
interacts with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Libido - Sex drive
Limbic Brain - brain cortex below the corpus callosum
and above the pituitary that contains neural centers controlling autonomic
functions, homeostasis, and emotional sensation and responses, and regulates
immune responses
Lipids - Fats, phospholipids, steroids, and prostaglandins.
Lipotropic - Promoting the flow of lipids to and from
the liver.
Luteinizing - refers to the maturation of ovarian follicles
following ovulation, during which the follicle becomes the corpus luteum
producing progesterone
Lymph - Fluid contained in lymphatic vessels that flows
through the lymphatic system to be returned to the blood.
Lymphocyte - A type of white blood cell found primarily
in lymph nodes.
M
Malabsorption - Impaired absorption of nutrients, most
often due to diarrhea.
Malaise - A vague feeling of being sick or of physical
discomfort.
Malignant - A term used to describe a condition that
tends to worsen and eventually causes death.
Manipulation - As a therapy, the skillful use of the
hands to move a part of the body or a specific joint or muscle.
Mast Cell - A cell found in many tissues of the body
that contributes greatly to allergic and inflammatory processes by secreting
histamine and other inflammatory particles.
Mastodynia - Painful breasts
Menorrhagia - Excessive loss of blood during menstrual
periods.
Menstruum - Solvent used for extraction (water; alcohol,
acetone, etc.).
Metabolism - A collective term for all the chemical processes
that take place in the body.
Metabolite - A product of a chemical reaction.
Metalloenzyme - An enzyme that contains a metal at its
active site.
Microbe - A popular term for a micro-organism.
Microflora - The microbial inhabitants of a particular
region (e.g., the colon).
Microgram - One-millionth (10-6) of a gram
Milligram - One-thousandth (10-~) of a gram
Mineralcorticoid - an adrenal hormone that regulates
sodium, potassium, and water balance
Mites - Small eight-legged animals, less than one-twentieth
of an inch (1.2 mm) long; similar to tiny spiders.
Mitochondria - Small organelles within the Cytoplasm
that are the site of converting sugar into energy
Molecule - The smallest complete unit of a substance
that can exist dependently and still retain the characteristic properties
of the substance.
Monoclonal Antibodies - Genetically engineered antibodies
specific for one particular antibody.
Monosaccharide - A simple, one-unit sugar such as fructose
or glucose.
Mortality Rate - The number of deaths per 100,000 of
the population per year.
Mucosa - Another term for mucous membranes.
Mucous Membrane - The soft, pink, tissue that lines most
of the cavities and tubes in the body, including the respiratory tract,
gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, and eyelids. The mucous membranes
secrete mucus.
Mucus - The slick, slimy fluid secreted by the mucous
membranes which acts as a lubricant and mechanical protector of the mucous
membranes.
Mycotoxins - Toxins from yeast and fungi.
Myelin Sheath - A white fatty substance that surrounds
nerve cells to aid in nerve impulse transmission.
N
Nanogram - one-billionth (10-9) of a gram
Neoplasia - A medical term for a tumor formation, characterized
by a progressive, abnormal replication of cells.
Neurofibrillary Tangles - Clusters of degenerated nerves.
Neurotransmitters - Substances that modify or transmit
nerve impulses.
Night Blindness - The inability to see well in dim light
or at night.
Nocturia - The disturbance of a person's sleep at night
by the need to pass urine.
O
Oleoresins - Primarily mixtures of resins and volatile
oils. They either occur naturally or are made by extracting the oily and
resinous materials from botanicals with organic solvents (e.g., hexane,
acetone, ether, alcohol). The solvent is then removed under vacuum, leaving
behind a viscous, semisolid extract which is the oleoresin. Examples of
prepared oleoresins are paprika, ginger, and capsicum.
Oligoantigenic Diet - See Elimination diet.
Oocyte - The cell that produces the ovum
Oophorectomy - surgical removal of an ovary or ovaries
Osteoblast - Bone cell that forms new bone
Osteoclast - Bone cell that resorbs old bone
Osteocyte - Means bone cell; may become an osteoclast
or an osteoblast
Osteoid - The noncellular, collagenous matrix of bone
Otitis Media - Acute infection of the middle ear.
P
Pancreatin - A special extract of pork pancreas.
Papain - The protein-digesting enzyme of papaya.
Parkinson's Disease - A slowly progressive, degenerating
nervous system disease characterized by resting tremor; pill-rolling of
the fingers, a mask-like facial expression, shuffling gait, and muscle
rigidity and weakness.
Pathogen - Any agent, particularly a microorganism, that
causes disease.
Pathogenesis - The processes by which a disease originates
and develops, particularly the cellular and physiological processes.
Peptide - A class of low-molecular-weight compounds composed
of several amino acids; a miniprotein
Perimenopausal - Premenopausal, or the time preceding
menopause when hormone changes are occurring
Peristalsis - Successive muscular contractions of the
intestines that move food through the intestinal tract.
Physiology -The study of the functioning of the body,
including the physical and chemical processes of its cells, tissues, organs,
and systems.
Physostigmine - A drug that blocks the breakdown of
acetylcholine.
Phyto - Denotes relationship to plants
Phytoestrogens - Plant compounds that exert estrogenic
effects.
Placebo - An inert or inactive substance used to test
the efficacy of another substance.
Polysaceharide - A molecule composed of many sugar molecules
linked together.
Powdered Extract - A solid extract that has been dried
as a powder.
Premenopausal - Prior to menopause, also called "perimenopausal"
Prostaglandins - Hormone-like compounds manufactured
from essential fatty acids.
Psychosomatic - Pertaining to the relationship between
the mind and body. Commonly used to refer to those physiological disorders
thought to be caused entirely or partly by psychological factors.
Putrefaction - The process of breaking down protein compounds
by rotting.
Q
R
RDA - Recommended Dietary Allowance.
Resins - Complex oxidative products of terpenes that
occur naturally as plant exudates, or that are prepared by alcohol extraction
of botanicals that contain resinous principles.
Resorption - The loss or dissolving away of a substance
S
Saccharide - A sugar molecule.
Saponins – Non-nitrogenous glycosides, typically
with sterol or triterpenes as the aglycone, that possess the common property
of foaming or making suds when strongly agitated in aqueous solution.
Satiety - A feeling of fullness or gratification.
Saturated Fat - A fat whose carbon atoms are bonded to
the maximum number of hydrogen atoms; found in animal products such as
meat, milk, milk products, and eggs.
Sclerosis - The process of hardemng or scarring.
Senile Dementia - Mental deterioration associated with
aging.
Serum - the watery, noncellular liquid of the blood
Slow-Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis (SRSA) - A potent
allergic mediator produced and released by mast cells.
Solid Extracts - Extracts that have had all of their
residual solvent or liquid removed.
Steroid - group name for compounds based on the cholesterol
molecule, e.g., sex hormones and corticosteroids
Sterol - Compounds with a single hydroxyl group (-OH)
soluble in fats, widely found in plants and animals. Cholesterol is a
sterol.
Submucosa -The tissues just below the mucous membrane.
Suppressor T Cells - Lymphocytes controlled by the thymus
gland which suppress the immune response.
Syndrome - A group of signs
and symptoms that occur together in a pattern characteristic of a particular
disease or abnormal condition.
Synovial - Referring to the inner lining of a joint
T
T Cell - A lymphocyte that is under the control of the
thymus gland.
Thermogenic - Capable of inducing a rise in temperature
Tinctures - Alcoholic or hydro-alcoholic solutions usually
containing the active principles of botanicals in low concentrations.
They are usually prepared by maceration, percolation, or dilution of their
corresponding fluid or native extracts. The strengths of tinctures are
typically 1:10 or 1:5. Alcohol content will vary
Tonic - A substance that exerts a gentle strengthening
effect on the body.
Trans - Prefix referring to something altered from the
natural state, such as transfatty acids
Trans-Fatty Acid -The type of fat found in margarine.
U
Uremia - The retention of urine by the body and the presence
of high levels of urine components in the blood.
Urinalysis -The analysis of urine.
Urticaria - Hives.
V
Vasoconstriction -The constriction of blood vessels.
Vasodilation - The dilation of blood vessels.
Vitamin - An essential compound necessary to act as a
catalyst in normal processes of the body.
W
Western Diet - A diet characteristic of Western societies
(i.e., a diet high in fat, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods,
and low in dietary fiber).
Wheal -The characteristic lesion of hives; a small welt.
X
Xeno - Combining form meaning strange or foreign
Xylitol
– a plant based, non-caloric sweetener suitable for diabetics due
to its slow metabolizing effect
Y
Z
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Last
Updated: August - 2004
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