Medical Dictionary

ACETALDEHYDE is the precursor of ethyl alcohol and the first by-product of alcohol’s oxidation. It can foul up every system in the body about as well as any toxin. It depresses the citric acid cycle (by which the body produces energy from food) and disrupts collagen production and fatty acid oxidation. It is a potent blocker of synapses, the junctions between neurons or between a neuron and an organ, where electrical or chemical impulses are transmitted. It bonds quickly with protein and is rapidly oxidized in the liver, making it difficult to trace in the body. It can bind to neurotransmitters and cause brain symptoms. It is a close molecular cousin of formaldehyde, and the two toxic substances are metabolized similarly by the body.

ACETYLCHOLINE is a neurohormone. When acetylcholine is injected into the bloodstream, it triggers a major parasympathethic response in the body. It decreases the heart rate, constricts the bronchioles, stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and sweat glands. It also lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.

ACID-BASE BALANCE refers to the condition in which the pH of the blood is kept at a constant level of 7.35 to 7.45. The acidity of blood is kept from becoming too acidic or alkaline through respiration, buffers, and work done by the kidneys.

ACROMEGALY is a chronic pituitary gland disorder developing in adult life characterized by increased massiveness of the bones, organs and other body parts and elongation and enlargement of the bones.

ACTIN is one of the fibrous protein constituents of the protein complex actomyosin. It is a protein which, when combined with myosin forms actomyosin, the contractile constituent of muscle.

ADDISON'S DISEASE is a condition characterized by the deficient secretion of adrenocortical hormones. Symptoms include a bronze-like pigmentation of the skin, severe prostration, progressive anemia, low blood pressure, diarrhea, and digestive disturbance; it is due to disease (hypofunction) of the adrenal glands and, in the absence of replacement therapy (cortisol), is usually fatal. Called also melasma suprarenale and bronzed disease.

ADENOMA is a benign tumor composed of glandular tissue. It may arise in any part of the body in which glandular tissue occurs: e.g. the thyroid gland.

ADENOPATHY is any glandular enlargement, but especially of the lymph nodes.

ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE (ATP) is a compound found in all cells. When specific bonds within this chemical are broken, energy is produced.

ADRENAL GLAND - The adrenal glands are triangle-shaped organs which cap the kidneys. Each gland consists of two areas: the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine, or adrenaline, and norepinephrine. Epinephrine is involved in glycogenolysis, which raises the blood sugar.

Norepinephrine is involved in gluconeogenesis, which lowers blood sugar. It also acts as a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal cortex is made up of different zones of cell layers. The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, produces and secretes mineral corticoids which are involved in maintaining electrolyte concentrations in the blood. The middle layer, the zona fasciculata, secretes and produces glucocorticoids which are hormones involved in many body processes, including glycogen storage in the liver. The innermost layer, zona reticularis, secrete sex hormones such as estradiol and testosterone.

AFEBRILE is a state of no fever.

AGNOSIA is the loss of the power to recognize the import of sensory stimuli; the types of agnosia correspond to the different senses and are known as auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile.

AIRHEAD: Reality Impaired

ALBUMIN is a type of simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of plants and animals. Varieties of albumin are found in blood, milk, egg white, wheat, barley and muscle.

ALDOSTERONE is a mineralocorticoid which functions as the primary electrolyte-regulatory steroid hormone. It is secreted by the adrenal cortex.

ALDOSTERONISM is a condition marked by abnormally high levels of aldosterone in the blood. It causes the retention of sodium and the concomitant loss of potassium from the kidney.

ALFALFA (Medicago Sativa) Family: Legume (Leguminosesea) is perennial plant with a smooth, erect stem that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. It bears grayish-green pinnately trifoliate leaves, with egg-shaped leaflets; it looks much like a large clover. Its violet-purple flowers grow in racemes from June to August, producing spirally-coiled seed pods.

Common Names: Buffalo herb, Lucerne, Purple medic

Habitat: North America, the Mediterranean region, western Asia; foothills and mountain areas.

Medicinal Parts: Dried whole herb, including blossoms; gathered at the beginning of flowering seasons.

For more information see the HERBS section of the Nutrition Notebook

ALKALOIDS are difficult to define because they do not represent a homogenous group of compounds from either the chemical, biochemical, or physiologic viewpoint. Consequently, except for the fact that they are all organic nitrogenous compounds, reservations must be appended to any general definition. All alkaloids occur in plants, but some are found in animals, and most have been reproduced in the laboratory by chemical synthesis. Most possess basic properties, owing to the presence of an amino nitrogen, and many, especially those pertinent to pharmacy and medicine, are very bitter and possess marked physiologic activity. Despite the difficulties attending a precise definition, the term alkaloid is extremely useful and is commonly applied to basic nitrogenous compounds of physiologically active plant origin.

Alkaloids may occur in various parts of the plant. For example, they are found in: the seeds of physostigma and areca; the fruits of conium,; the leaves of belladonna and coca; the underground stems of sanguinaria; the roots of ipecac and hydrastis; and the barks of cinchona. They are also found in fungi such as ergot and Amanita citrina.

ALLANTOIN is a compound found in comfrey and many animals. Allantoin in animals other than primates is the end product of the breakdown of purines. It is used therapeutically to treat skin ulcers.

ALLIIN is an amino acid which contains sulfur and is found in bulbs from the garlic plant. Alliin is odorless except when broken down by alliinase, when the odor of garlic develops. One of the cleavage products, allicin, has antimicrobial activity, among other properties.

ALLIINASE is an enzyme that is found in the garlic plant. Alliinase binds to alliin, causing it to split and thereby producing allicin, from which the odor of garlic arises. Alliinase itself does not exhibit any antimicrobial activity whereas allicin is antibacterial and antifungal.

ALOE EMODIN is an anthraquinone which can be found in aloe vera and buckthorn. Aloe emodin, when ingested, will irritate the intestine and cause rapid bowel movements. Isolated from the seed of buckthorn, aloe emodin has an extreme inhibitory effect on a certain type of leukemia in mice.

ALOE VERA is a perennial plant which grows wild in eastern and southern Africa. It is cultivated in the West Indies and has been found in the Zapata area of Texas. The plant has a thick fibrous root which produces large basal leaves. The leaves are one to two feet long, two to three feet wide, gradually tapering to a point. They are whitish green on both sides and bear spiny teeth on the margins. Red, yellow, purple, or pale striped flowers are present most of the year, growing in a long raceme at the top of the flower stalk which originates from the center of the basal leaves. The flower stalk can grow up to four and a half feet in height. The fruit is a triangular

ALBUMIN is a type of simple protein widely distributed throughout the tissues and fluids of plants and animals. Varieties of albumin are found in blood, milk, egg white, wheat, barley and muscle.

ALDOSTERONE is a mineralocorticoid which functions as the primary electrolyte-regulatory steroid hormone. It is secreted by the adrenal cortex.

ALDOSTERONISM is a condition marked by abnormally high levels of aldosterone in the blood. It causes the retention of sodium and the concomitant loss of potassium from the kidney.

ALFALFA (Medicago Sativa) Family: Legume (Leguminosesea) is perennial plant with a smooth, erect stem that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. It bears grayish-green pinnately trifoliate leaves, with egg-shaped leaflets; it looks much like a large clover. Its violet-purple flowers grow in racemes from June to August, producing spirally-coiled seed pods.

Common Names: Buffalo herb, Lucerne, Purple medic

Habitat: North America, the Mediterranean region, western Asia; foothills and mountain areas.

Medicinal Parts: Dried whole herb, including blossoms; gathered at the beginning of flowering seasons.

For more information see the HERBS section of the Nutrition Notebook

ALKALOIDS are difficult to define because they do not represent a homogenous group of compounds from either the chemical, biochemical, or physiologic viewpoint. Consequently, except for the fact that they are all organic nitrogenous compounds, reservations must be appended to any general definition. All alkaloids occur in plants, but some are found in animals, and most have been reproduced in the laboratory by chemical synthesis. Most possess basic properties, owing to the presence of an amino nitrogen, and many, especially those pertinent to pharmacy and medicine, are very bitter and possess marked physiologic activity. Despite the difficulties attending a precise definition, the term alkaloid is extremely useful and is commonly applied to basic nitrogenous compounds of physiologically active plant origin.

Alkaloids may occur in various parts of the plant. For example, they are found in: the seeds of physostigma and areca; the fruits of conium,; the leaves of belladonna and coca; the underground stems of sanguinaria; the roots of ipecac and hydrastis; and the barks of cinchona. They are also found in fungi such as ergot and Amanita citrina.

ALLANTOIN is a compound found in comfrey and many animals. Allantoin in animals other than primates is the end product of the breakdown of purines. It is used therapeutically to treat skin ulcers.

ALLIIN is an amino acid which contains sulfur and is found in bulbs from the garlic plant. Alliin is odorless except when broken down by alliinase, when the odor of garlic develops. One of the cleavage products, allicin, has antimicrobial activity, among other properties.

ALLIINASE is an enzyme that is found in the garlic plant. Alliinase binds to alliin, causing it to split and thereby producing allicin, from which the odor of garlic arises. Alliinase itself does not exhibit any antimicrobial activity whereas allicin is antibacterial and antifungal.

ALOE EMODIN is an anthraquinone which can be found in aloe vera and buckthorn. Aloe emodin, when ingested, will irritate the intestine and cause rapid bowel movements. Isolated from the seed of buckthorn, aloe emodin has an extreme inhibitory effect on a certain type of leukemia in mice.

ALOE VERA is a perennial plant which grows wild in eastern and southern Africa. It is cultivated in the West Indies and has been found in the Zapata area of Texas. The plant has a thick fibrous root which produces large basal leaves. The leaves are one to two feet long, two to three feet wide, gradually tapering to a point. They are whitish green on both sides and bear spiny teeth on the margins. Red, yellow, purple, or pale striped flowers are present most of the year, growing in a long raceme at the top of the flower stalk which originates from the center of the basal leaves. The flower stalk can grow up to four and a half feet in height. The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds. The medicinal part is the leaves.

Other common names: Barbados aloe, Curacao aloe

For more information see the HERBS section of the Nutrition Notebook

ALTERATIVE - a chemical which stimulates changes in metabolism and tissue function of a defensive nature in the presence of both chronic and acute diseases.

AMAROGENTIN (chiratin) is a bitter principle that can be found in gentian root and, of all the bitter principles known, it is among the most bitter. Amarogentin is found in gentian extracts, which are use in antismoking formulae and tonics.

AMNESIA - A condition that enables a woman who has gone through labor to make love again.

AMENORRHEA is the state of absence or abnormal stoppage of menstruation.

AMIDES are substances that are derived from ammonia, or other sources, by substituting one or more of the hydrogen atoms with acyl groups (organic radicals derived from organic acids through the removal of the carboxylic hydroxyl group.)

ANGELICA (Abegelica Archangelica) is a perennial plant found in the moist mountain ravines, meadows, and coastal regions of northern Europe and Asia, and is widely cultivated. Angelica has a round, hollow stem which grows from a reddish-brown rootstock. The purplish stem is branched near the top and can reach three to seven feet in height. The leaves are triangular and can grow up to 20 inches in length. The largest leaves are near the base of the plant; they grow smaller higher up the stem. They are divided and subdivided two to three times and possess strongly toothed margins. From June to August the plant bears greenish-white flowers which emit a honey-like odor. The flowers are displayed in inverted umbrella-shaped umbels characteristic of the umbelliferae family. The fruit appears as two double-winged seeds which mature from the flower. The medicinal parts are the rootstock and the leaves.

Other common names: •European angelica •Garden angelica

For more information see the HERBS section of the Nutrition Notebook

AMINES are substances derived from ammonia or amino acids which play an important part in the working of the body, including the brain and the circulatory system. They include adrenaline and histamines.

AMINOACIDURIA is the condition of excess urinary amino acids.

AMYLOPSIN (alpha-amylase) is an enzyme isolated from hog pancreas. Amylopsin cleaves starch, glycogen, and other related simple carbohydrates into glucose and maltose. It is used therapeutically as a digestive aid and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

ANABOLISM refers to the metabolic processes which build up body substances, that is, the synthesis in living organism of complex substances from simple ones. Anabolism uses the available energy generated by catabolic processes to form the chemical bonds which unite the components of increasingly complex molecules. Anabolism is the opposite of catabolism.

ANALGESIC - a substance that will relieve pain without causing sedation. Aspirin is an analgesic.

ANAPHRODISIAC is a chemical which decreases sexual desire.

ANATOMY: Something that everybody has, but it looks better on a girl.

ANESTHETICS - a substance that decreases sensitivity to pain.

ANEURYSM is a blood vessel, usually an artery, with localized abnormal dilation due to a congenital defect of weakness of the wall of the vessel. An aneurysm also refers to the formation of a sac due to localized artery or vein dilation.

ANION - an anion is a negatively charged ion, attracted therefore, to the positively charge anode or positive pole. The anions include all the nonmetals, the acid radicals and the hydroxyl ion.

ANODYNE - a substance which relieves pain, usually with accompanied sedation.

ANOXIA is the reduction of oxygen to a state of deficiency below normal physiologic levels. It can also mean the complete absence of oxygen.

ANTHELMINTIC - an agent which destroys or expels intestinal worms.

ANTHOCYANINS are a class of pigments that can be found in ecocyanina grape extract and other plants. The anthocyanins from grapes have antifungal activity, an inhibitory effect on the growth of the bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus, and bioflavonoid activity. Anthocyanins have been used as coloring agents in beverages. Depending upon the acidity of the solution, the color may vary from red to purple.

ANTHRAGLYCOSIDSES are a class of compounds grouped together due to their structural similarities. Some examples are cascarosides A & B, barbaloin, and frangulins. Some anthraglycosides exhibit cathartic properties. Anthraglycosides have been used as laxatives and sunscreens.

ANTHRAQUINONES are a class of compounds which are derivatives of anthracene and quinones. They are compounds such as aloe emodin and chyrsophanol, and are found in aloe vera, buckthorn, and other plants. Anthraquinones, when ingested, remain in the intestine and cause peristalsis by irritating the intestinal wall. They are primarily used as laxatives.

ANTIBIOTIC is an agent which destroys or prevents the growth of microorganisms.

ANTICOAGULANT is a substance which inhibits or prevents blood clotting or the clotting of other bodily fluids.

ANTIGENICITY refers to the capability of a substance to cause antibody formation.

ANTIHISTAMINES form a class of drugs which are used to treat allergies, reduce rigidity and tremors, and for the management of motion sickness. These drugs prevent the release of histamines. The antihistamine drugs include carbinoxamine maleate, dimethidine maleate, and promethazine hydrochloride.

ANTIHYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC is an agent which controls or prevents elevation of serum cholesterol levels.

ANTIEMETIC - a substance which arrests nausea and alleviates vomiting.

ANTIOXIDANTS - During chemical reactions (oxidation) harmful chemicals called free radicals are produced. Agents which inhibit oxidation by destroying these free radicals are called antioxidants.

ANTIPERIODIC - a substance which prevents the regular recurrence of intermittent diseases. An example of an antiperiodic is an antimalarial which prevents the recurrence of malaria.

ANTIPHLOGISTIC - an agent which prevents or relieves inflammation.

ANTIPYRETIC - a substance that can reduce fever by decreasing heat production or increasing heat loss; either by interfering with the activity of fever-causing chemical messengers (causing perspiration and its evaporation by dilating skin-vessels and increasing radiation) or by reducing circulation. Also known as a "Febrifuge".

ANTISEPTIC - an agent which prevents or retards growth of microorganisms.

ANTISPASMODIC - an agent which relieves or prevents spasms, usually of the smooth muscles. Barbiturates and valerian are examples of antispasmodics.

ANEURYSM - An aneurysm is a blood vessel, usually an artery, with localized abnormal dilation due to a congenital defect of weakness of the wall of the vessel. An aneurysm also refers to the formation of a sac due to localized artery or vein dilation.

APERIENT - a mild laxative used to stimulate the bowels.

APHASIA - is the defect or loss of the power of expression by speech, writing, or signs, or of comprehending spoken or written language, due to injury or disease of the brain centers.

APHRODISIAC - any substance which arouses the sexual instinct.

APIGENIN is a flavonoid that can be found in passion flower. It has shown antihistaminic effects, but is mainly used in sunscreens for protection from ultraviolet light. Apigenin has been used in dyeing wool, giving it an intense yellow color that will not wash away with soap.

APIIN is a flavonoid found in celery seeds and the parsley plant.

APNEA is the state of blocked breathing.

APRAXIA - is defined as
1) loss of previously acquired ability to perform intricate skilled acts, and
2) mind blindness; a condition in which there is a lack of a proper apprehension of the true nature of things, leading to the performance of preposterous acts.

ARABINOSE (pectin sugar) is a monosaccharide widely distributed in plants, usually as complex polysaccharides. It is found in myrrh, comfrey, aloe vera, and other plants. It is used in culture mediums.

ARBUTIN is a glycoside and is the active principle of uva ursi and other plants. Arbutin has urinary disinfectant properties due to its hydrolysis to yield hydroquinone. Caution should be exercised in using arbutin because hydroquinone, in large quantities, is toxic and will produces symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and tinnitus.

ARIBOFLAVINOSIS is the state of riboflavin deficiency which chilosis or angular stomatitis and magenta tongue may be found.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS is a health condition whereby the artery thickens, hardens, and loses elasticity, leading to altered function of tissues and organs.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION: Copulation without representation.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION: Procreation without recreation.

ASCITES are the effusions (escape of fluids) and accumulations of serous fluids in the abdominal cavity.

ASPARAGINE is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is manufactured from other amino acids in the liver; it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet.

There is no suggested need for asparagine supplementation presently available in the literature. Asparagine is interrelated with the amino acid aspartic acid. Low levels of asparagine may indicate poor metabolism or synthesis of aspartic acid, which can result in the inability to properly synthesize urea, which the major waste product of excess dietary protein. The inability to excrete urea can result in buildup of nitrogen-containing toxic metabolites that can lead to confusion, headaches, depression, irritability, or in extreme cases, psychosis.

Deficiencies of a nonessential amino acid will not occur if a well-balanced diet is consumed because the intake of proper foods will allow the body to produce exactly the amount of amino acid required to function optimally.

ASTERIXIS is an abnormal flapping tremor consisting or involuntary jerking movements, especially in the hands; commonly called a "liver flap" because of its frequent occurrence in patients with impending hepatic coma but observed also in numerous other conditions.

ASTRINGENT - an agent which causes the constriction or contraction of tissue.

ASYMPTOMATIC is that which lacks symptoms or simply shows no symptoms.

ATELECTASIA is the incomplete expansion of a lung or a portion of a lung, occurring congenitally or as an acquired condition.

ATHEROMA is the state in which lipid deposits in the inner lining of an artery produce a yellow swelling on the endothelial surface. Atheroma is a common characteristic of atherosclerosis.

AUTOIMMUNE refers to an attack of the immune system directed against the body's own tissue.

AUTOSOMAL is that pertaining to any of the 22 non-sex-related chromosomes in human or other organisms.

AZULENE COMPOUNDS are a class of substances grouped together due to their similar chemical structures. An example of an azulene compound is chamazulene, a volatile oil. Azulenes can be found in absinthium oil, chamomile, and mint oils. Azulenes in general have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce fevers. Some azulenes, such as chamazulene have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.