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Aerial Parts

Those parts of a plant that grow above the ground.

Alkaloids

Nitrogen containing compounds found mainly in the plants. Their pharmacological action is harnessed in medicines (e.g. of codeine, morphine, quinine) and is poisonous too (e.g. solanine and nicotine in large doses)

Allergen

Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in those sensitive to that substance. Examples include pollen for hay fever and peanuts for asthma and tongue / throat swelling.

Amines

Nitrogen compounds present in food. They might combine with nitrites in food or in stomach to form nitrosamines which are linked to cancer.

Amino acids

Building blocks of protein; there are 20 in number. Eight of these are termed ‘essential’ as they cannot be synthesized by our body, hence supplemented by diet. Amino acids are broken down from proteins, carried to the requisite places and then reassembled into the desired proteins fro different cells and tissues.

Analgesic

Prevents or reduces the pain.

Anaphylactic Shock

Caused by things as simple as peanuts to certain drugs and insect bites, it is an extreme allergic reaction whence a large quantity of histamine is released in the body making to swell and chokes the person. It may also lead to unconsciousness, heart failure and even death if treatment is delayed.

Anethole

It is a compound found in volatile oils smelling of anise and is popularly used in flavorings.

Annual

A plant whose life cycle is of one year, i.e. it grows from a seed, reproduces and dies, all within a year.

Anthocynins

Part of the polyphenol group, anthocynins are vegetable pigments found mainly in blue, mauve or purple colored plants.

Anthraquinones

Quinones that are derived from anthracene and having laxative powers. (Quinones themselves are molecules with cyclical structure)

Antibiotic

Property or compounds that kill bacteria or prevent their spread and growth.

Antibodies

They are produced in the lymph tissue in response to the presence of some foreign substance like virus or allergens, and are transported around the body in the bloodstream to the required place. They combat a particular infection and their timely and proper production is very important for the body’s defense mechanism.

Anti-Carcinogens

This group includes carotenoids, isothiocynates, indoles etc. which are found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They counteract carcinogens thereby helping in preventing certain types of cancer from being initiated.

Antifungal

This is property of compounds to kill microscopic fungi and also prevent their proliferation.

Anti-Inflammatory

A substance or drug that is designed to relieve the inflammation in the body is said to have this effect.

Antioxidant

Fights against the harmful and degenerative effect of the excess free radicals that our body produces during cell metabolism.

Antipruritic

A property or compound that fights against itchiness.

Antipyretic

Fever reducing substance or property.

Antiseptic

Antiseptics destroy, weaken and prevent the proliferation of micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi.

Antiviral

Drugs or foods that fight against disease causing viruses.

Aphrodisiac

A substance that stimulates and intensifies sexual desire.

Aqueous Extract

It is the end product, usually in concentrated form when you treat a plant with water.

Astringent

Compounds like tannins that tighten the tissues, in particular skin tissues.

Bacteria

Simple micro-organisms of various shapes and sizes (although the difference is minimal as they measure only a few thousandth of a millimeter) and usually of single cell. They grow and flourish everywhere including inside our bodies. Some bacteria are good like the ones in our digestive tract and others, which is generally the case, are responsible for many infections and diseases like cholera, pneumonia, tuberculosis etc.

Berberine

It is bitter tasting yellow colored alkaloid, obtained from barberry and other plants and taken as a tonic in medicinal form.

Beta carotene

The yellow-orange pigment that gives color to foods like carrots and mangoes is a wonderful antioxidant that contributes to our long term health and protects against many diseases and ageing. It converts into vitamin A as and when the body demands.

Biennial

Plants having a life cycle of two tears. Usually the plant grows only leaves in the first year, and in the second year, stem along with flowers comes up.

Bioflavonoids

These chemicals are strong antioxidants and even prevent certain forms of cancer. Working along with vitamin C, they also strengthen the capillaries. Lemons, blackberries, cherries and plums are rich in bioflavonoids.

Bitter principles

These bitter tasting organic compounds stimulate the secreation of saliva and digestive juices.

Blood serum

This clear liquid separates from the blood clot after coagulation.

B vitamins

They make up the B-complex. Although not related, they are found in same foods also and work on closely connected tasks specifically helping in releasing energy from the foods. They include B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), pantothenic acid, B6 (pyridoxine), niacin, biotin, folic acid (folate) and B12 (cyanocobalamin).

Carbohydrate

Sugars and starches that produce energy in the body. Bread, flour and potato are rich sources of carbohydrates.

Carcinogen

Substances that can potentially cause cancer, e.g. chemicals from vehicle exhausts, tobacco smoke, sun radiation, nitrosamines and certain industrial chemicals.

Carotenoids

Orange, red and yellow pigments present in the plants, thought to have very beneficial properties, e.g. beta carotene, a well known antioxidant.

Catecholamines

Organic molecules like adrenaline are basically our body’s hormones or more importantly neurotransmitters, i.e. they act as messengers from the nervous system.

Cellulose

This source of insoluble fiber is very important in our diet, as it adds roughage or bulk which absorbs water and helps waste products to pass efficiently through the bowel. This carbohydrate cannot be digested by our body and is the main constituent of the plant cell walls

Cholesterol

Our liver produces this fat-like waxy material, known as blood cholesterol, and is a component of all cells. It creates certain hormones and helps in making vitamin D and bile juices that aid digestion. Higher level of blood cholesterol is a major risk for heart disease, though dietary cholesterol is still thought (people argue and debate goes on) to unrelated to its level in our body.

Coenzymes

These are organic compounds that work with enzymes to speed up biological processes such as digestion. It may be a vitamin, or one containing a vitamin or may in effect be produced from one in the body.

Collagen

A fibrous protein which is the main constituent of tendons, the cords of fiber that attach muscles to bones. It is the intercellular material that binds cells together and is found in skin, ligaments, bone and cartilage. It is usually associated with skin as it improves its elasticity.

Congenital

A disorder that is present at the time of birth may be due to environmental factors but mostly inherited.

Corm

An underground stem, swollen as a bulb, having papery rather than fleshy scale leaves. Plants use it for storage and propagation.

Corticosteroids

These are hormones produced by the outer region of the adrenal gland from the cholesterol. There are synthetic equivalents of corticosteroids also. Cortisone is one example which plays an important role in regulating the metabolism.

Coumarins

These are aromatic compounds with various useful properties like acting as an anticoagulant agent in the blood.

Decoction

A decoction is a final product or process of extracting the active constituents from the tough parts of the herb like bark, seeds and roots. These parts release their active constituents only when they are cut or broken down into small pieces and simmered in water.

Demulcent

Usually an oily or mucilaginous substance, it has a soothing effect and is used to relieve pain in inflamed or irritated mucous surfaces.

Depurative

This is a property which encourages the elimination of the waste products from the body.

Diuretic

These are drugs that increase the volume of urine produced and passed by the body. They are mostly used to combat fluid retention related diseases. Coffee, tea, celery and dandelion leaves are some natural diuretics.

Dried extract

When a plant is extracted with a solvent (usually only water) and then filtered and the solvent removed, what you get is a solid or semi-solid dry extract.

Electrolytes

Charged particles like sodium, potassium and bicarbonate that circulate in the blood and help to regulate the body’s fluid balance.

Endorphins

At times of severe stress and strenuous exercises, brain releases these natural pain killers and tranquillizers. Chocolate increases the endorphin level in the brain.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts, helping to speed up biological processes without being affected themselves. They combine the substance to be processed and help convert it into some other substance. They have specific roles and are non interchangeable. Examples are enzymes in saliva and stomach that aid digestion.

Essential oils

These are volatile and highly aromatic oils present in certain plants (herbs) having medicinal properties. They are obtained by steam distillation and usually diluted with a carrier oil such as bland odorless vegetable oils.

Expectorant

Expectorants encourage coughing thereby helping us out in evacuating from within any secretions that have accumulated in the air passages.

Fatty Acids

These are organic molecules that are the principle constituents of lipids (fats). They are either saturated (single carbon-carbon link) or unsaturated (at least two carbon atoms attached via a double bond). Some types of polyunsaturated acids are essential for the body yet not produced inside, therefore their supplements are necessary. Types include omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids maintain cell membranes, transport fats around the body and are needed to make certain hormones.

Flavonoids

Vegetable pigments which have fantastic diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Flowerheads

A flower cluster which upon gathering includes petals, bracts, sepals, flower stalks and small leaves.

Folate

Compounds derived from folic acid. Sources include liver and green leafy vegetables uch as cabbage and spinach.

Folic Acid

One of the B vitamins that promotes breakdown and use of proteins, and helps in making red and white blood cells. It works along with vitamin B12 to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA.

Free Radicals

Cell metabolism along with the effect of rays (especially light rays) produce these highly unstable and reactive atoms or group of atoms. There occurrence in large numbers degrades cell membranes and is thought to potentially create heart diseases and cancerous conditions.

Fungi

Reproducing through their pores these infectious agents are quite unlike the plants with no chlorophyll, stems, roots or leaves. They thrive in or off living or dead organisms, sometimes causing disease. Examples include yeasts, moulds, mushrooms, Candida.

Glucose (dextrose)

This simple form of sugar is used directly by the body as an energy source. Usually it is obtained by breaking down starches and sucrose (table sugar) during digestion. Glucagon and insulin are the two hormones that regulate the level of blood glucose levels.

Glucosides

These are vegetable substances consisting of compounds that have at least one glucose molecule attached.

Glucosinolates

Present in plants like horseradish and hedge mustard (of the Brassica genus family), these sulphurated vegetable compounds have excellent expectorant qualities.

Glycerides

It is a category of lipids that composed of a fatty acid combined with one or more glycerine molecules.

Glycogen

When the intake of glucose is more than our body demands, it is stored in the form of carbohydrate glycogen (glucose units linked together) in the liver and muscles. Glycogens can be broken down and immediately released into the bloodstream, when our body requires instant energy.

Haemoglobin

It is an iron containing pigment that carries oxygen in the blood and supplies to all the body tissues. It gives blood its color and absorbs oxygen while the blood passes through the lings. Its constituents are protein globin (94%) and iron-containing compound haem (6%).

Herb

It’s a term used to describe plants used in herbal medicines (medical herbalism) and is used with or without flowering tops but no roots.

Herbaceous

These are plant characteristics of a herb and without a woody stem.

Histamine

A chemical compound found in plant and animal tissue, forms part of the body’s defense mechanism and is also involved in gastric secretion and contraction of smooth muscle. It is released in large amounts during an allergic reaction causing itching and rashes, inflammation, watery eyes, sneezing and swelling.

Hormones

Chemical substances that act as messengers are sent through the bloodstream to modify and control the activity and functionality of a particular organ. They are manufactured by the glands of the endocrine system, which is controlled by the pituitary gland located in the base of the skull. Examples include insulin for controlling the level of glucose in the blood.

Hypersensitivity

This property of our immune system makes our body extremely sensitive to an allergen already experienced by it in the past. It causes immediate allergic reaction when the contact with that particular allergen occurs.

Immune system

It comprises all the tissues, organs, cells and molecules that protect the body against foreign bodies like pathogens and abnormal body cells.

Indoles

These are nitrogenous compounds that speed up the elimination of the female hormone oestrogen from the body thereby help preventing hormone related cancers such as cancer of the womb and breast cancer. They are normally found in cabbage family and Brussels sprouts.

Inflammation

When our body is subjected to injury, allergy, or infection and even cancer; it reacts to protect the affected tissues. In the process the affected areas become red hot swollen and painfl.

Insoluble fiber

It passes unchanged through the intestines as it cannot be broken down or absorbed by the body. It retains water and passes through the gut acting like a sponge and reducing chances of constipation. Examples include cellulose.

Irridoids

These are vegetable compounds that belong to the terpene group and posses various useful medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory.

Isoflavones

These vegetable compounds belong to the flavonoids group and have an action similar to the female sex hormone oestrogen.

Isothiocyanates

These chemicals are found in plants like cruciferous vegetables cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. They are thought to be extremely helpful in strengthening the body’s defense mechanism against certain cancers.

Keratin

This fibrous protein is the key constituent of nails and hair.

Ketones

These organic substances are produced in the body as a by product when fats are broken down for energy because the body’s supply of carbohydrate is low and the body can’t use or doesn’t have any glucose as an energy source. This usually happens in case of starvation and when you have diabetes. When the level of these ketone bodies rises in the blood and tissues, the condition is known as ketosis.

Lactase

This enzyme is secreted in the small intestine and is used in breaking down lactose from the milk into its constituent sugars.

Lactose

This sugar is found only in milk and consists of glucose and galactose.

Latex

This viscous and milky sap of certain plants and trees contains substances such as alkoloids, mineral salts, starch and sugar.

Laxative (purgative)

It stimulates the evacuation of the bowels.

Legumes

Members of the pea family like beans, lentils and Soya beans. Pulses are sedds of these plants.

Linalool

It is a colorless, fragrant compound found in many volatile oils and is used in perfume preparations.

Linoleic Acid

It belongs to the omega-6 family. This essential fatty acid is found in vegetable oils like Soya and maize and is usually mixed with linolenic acid in milk formula preparations for babies.

Linolenic Acid

It belongs to the omega-3 family. This essential fatty acid is found in green leafy vegetables and rapeseed oil.

Lipids

These water insoluble substances constitute the principal structural material of living cells along with carbohydrates and proteins. The family comprises fats, oils, waxes and some more complex molecules.

Lipoproteins

Particles of lipids and proteins that transport insoluble fats in the bloodstream. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carry cholesterol to the body cells necessary for their wall formation and other essential functions. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) remove surplus cholesterol from the tissues and carry it to the liver for excretion. Higher level of LDLs increases the risk of heart disease and high level of HDLs decreases it.

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are called macronutrients because they are needed in large quantities to produce energy.

Malignant

A tumor or disease is malignant when it manifests itself into a progressively worse condition and results in death.

Metabolism

All chemical and physical changes taking place within the body to keep it alive and kicking are part of metabolism. The two metabolic processes are 1) Catabolism – breaking down of complex compounds into simpler substances to release energy and 2) Anabolism – building up of complex substances in the tissues and organs to store energy and for general body’s growth and repair.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals are termed as micronutrients as they are required in smaller quantities as compared to macronutrients, although this doesn’t diminish their importance.

Monoterpenes

These are vegetable compounds that contain ten carbon atoms from the terpene group and whose molecules have none or maximum one cycle. These have good medicinal properties and are present in most essential oils.

Mucilage

It is the sticky carbohydrate substance found in many plants.

Mucous membrane

It is the moist membrane inner lining of the digestive tract (mouth, stomach, intestine), respiratory system (nasal sinuses) and the interior of the eye sockets. It secretes mucus that acts as a protective barrier and lubricant. It also carries the additional function of acting as a medium of carrying enzymes.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances acting as messengers between nerve endings and another nerve cell or a muscle.

Neutral

When a substance has a pH value of 7, it is termed neutral, i.e., it is neither acidic nor alkaline.

Node

It is the point at which the leaf’s stalk and the stem meet.

Noradrenalin

Quite close to adrenaline in its origin and function, this hormone acts on the sympathetic nervous system (one that stimulates the involuntary functions like digestive, cardiac, respiratory). It is also released as a neurotransmitter by nerve endings.

Oestrogen

These female sex hormones are secreted by ovaries and control sexual development and regulate menstrual cycle.

Palmate

A leaf divided into elongated leaflet arranged like the fingers of an open hand (palm).

Pectin

It is an organic substance produced by plants and is similar in its structure to starch. It is pectin that makes jams and jellies set and is mostly found in fruits such as plums.

Petiole

Leafstalk or the small stem that attaches the leaf to the stem.

Phytochemicals

It is a family of compounds including carotenoids, indoles and isothiocynatesthat are found in all fruits and vegetables. They are thought to be very helpful in preventing cancer, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension and other degenerative ailments.

Phyto-oestrogens

Substances found in plants like Soya beans and pulses that resemble the female hormone oestrogen.

Pituitary gland

A small gland situated at the base of the brain which secretes most of the hormones important for the functioning for the body.

Platelets

These are the smallest of the three types of blood cells and are manufactured in bone marrow. In case a blood vessel is cut or damaged, platelets stick to the edges of the wound and seal it. In case of larger wounds, they trigger chemical reactions that draw red blood cells to the site and bind them together in a clot.

Polyphenols

Group of phenol containing organic substances like tannins that are mostly found in tea, coffee and red wines. Although they have fantastic anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties, they also combine with iron and inhibit its absorption.

Polysaccharide

Group of complex carbohydrates including starch and cellulose whose molecules contain several monosaccharide molecules.

Polyunsaturated Fats

Phese oils consist of long chains of carbon connected with multiple bonds. Corn and sunflower oil, oily fish, nuts are some examples. They are less likely to be made into cholesterol and hence their intake reduces the risk of heart disease as compared to the intake of saturated fats.

Proanthocyanins

Another name of polyphenols

Probiotics

They are the beneficial bacteria used as food additives to replace or promote the development of normal intestinal flora, usually by the practitioners of alternative medicines.

Progesterone

It is the female sex hormone that is secreted during the second phase of the ovarian cycle and also during pregnancy.

Prostaglandins

Substances composed of fatty acids that are present in many body tissues and fluids and have hormone like actions. Examples include those produced in uterus stimulating contractions of the womb, in kidney affecting the flow of blood through the kidney etc.

Provitamin

Substances such as carotene from which vitamins are made within the body.

Purines

Class of organic compounds including caffeine and uric acid. Stones are formed by the crystallization of uric acid and hence their low intake is recommended.

Refined foods

Foods in which the main ingredient has been processed to the limit, that it looses some of the nutrients like dietary fiber. Examples include white sugar, white flour and polished white rice. But refining increases the shelf life and also makes the food palatable.

Rhizome

A bulb shaped underground stem that bears roots and aerial stems. It grows in the horizontal direction.

Saponins

The name is derived from the Latin word Saponis meaning soap. These organic compounds foam like soap when shaken with water are usually found in the roots, rhizomes and bulb of the plants.

Saturated fats

These are animal fats that contain single bonds between the atoms. Dairy products, eggs and meat are rich in saturated fats. Their excess consumption may lead to atherosclerosis.

Sedative

Any drug, treatment or substance that has a calming effect.

Sesquiterpenes

These organic compounds are usually found in essential oils and have anti-inflammatory effect.

SolubleFiber

This kind of fiber is broken down into simpler components by the action of bacteria in the large intestine. It helps in reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood and is found in abundance in dried fruits, green vegetables, pulses and cereals like oats.

Stabilizers

Substances like gelatin, pectin and guar gum are commonly used to stabilize emulsions of fat and water to prevent any unwanted chemical changes and also to make these emulsions thick and easy to set.

Stamen

It is the male organ of a flower that produces pollen.

Starch

This complex carbohydrate is the major source of energy (it consists of glucose sub-units) and carbohydrate in the diet and is the principal storage molecule of plants. Bread, rice and potato are some rich sources of starch.

Steroids

These lipids belong to the sterol group and are found both naturally, as male and female sex hormones, cholesterol, corticosteroid and bile salts as well as synthetically, made usually for anti-inflammatory reasons but also in the form of anabolic steroids to boost stamina and build muscle mass in the humans.

Stimulants

Foods, drugs or drinks that temporarily speed up a process in the body are classified as stimulants. Usually the term is used for adrenaline mimicking agents like coffee, tea, colas, nicotine and chocolate; that have instant action on the body and mind.

Succulent

These plants are usually found in arid areas bearing thick fleshy leaves and stems storing water.

Tannins

Tannins are organic phenolic compounds that have been used since time immemorial to tan hides. Their medicinal actions, specifically astringent, are used in herbal medications extensively due to the fact that they combine with the proteins quite easily.

Terpenes

These aromatic organic compounds are found in the essential oil of the plants and have molecules characterized by a ring system.

Thujone

This volatile oil is found in plants like sage and has properties of carminative and antiseptic effects. Usually it is found to be a very strong drug and hence only the prescribed doses should be taken.

Toxins

Poisonous substances such as secreted by living organisms like bacteria or inorganic materials like lead and mercury. They may have adverse effects on our body.

Trace elements

Minerals and chemicals that are required in extremely small amounts by our body (but nevertheless important) to maintain proper health, e.g. by helping enzymes work properly. They include iodine, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Trans fats

Fats that occur naturally in meats and dairy products and synthetically introduced in food items such as biscuits, cakes and margarines by inducing industrially hardened edible oils to make them stable at high temperatures. Their excess consumption has been linked with heart related problems.

Triglycerides

These are the basic building blocks of the fats and are linked to glycerol. It is basically the form in which fat is stored in the body. Triglycerides are broken down from the food and reconstituted in the cells of the intestine walls, before passing into the bloodstream. Researches suggest that when this storage medium of lipids increases in quantum then chances of heart diseases increase.

Triterpenes

Found in some essential oils and having excellent anti-inflammatory properties, these organic compounds belong to that terpenes group whose molecules have thirty carbon atoms and one or more ring systems.

Tuber

The large underground stem that stores food reserves for the growth and propagation of the plant as in the case of potato.

Uric acid

A waste ammoniac (nitrogen containing) produced by protein metabolism. It is usually excreted in the urine except when a person suffers from a disease called gout, which is mostly hereditary.

Vasodilator

Any drug or nerve that causes the walls of a blood vessel to dilate.

Virus

These are infectious particles or agents comprising a genetic core (DNA or RNA) and the outer coat of protein and who reproduce only by invading and taking over a living cell. They are the cause of many diseases like common cold, flu, glandular fever, chickenpox, herpes, AIDS, polio etc. Usually the invaded cell produces a protein interferon which prevents these viruses from spreading but when the defense mechanism is week (like in babies, elderly and week individuals), this viral infection can spread rampantly.

Volatile oils

Essential oils or volatile oils are fragrant oils that are extracted from the plants, usually by distillation. They are produced in

White Cells

These blood cells, including lymphocytes and neutrophils, are produced by the immune system to help protect the body against infections and potential cancers. They do this by producing infection fighting antibodies.

Xanthone

It is a bright yellow substance usually found in St. John’s wort but other plants as well, having excellent fungicidal properties.