Below are a list of actions, therapeutic effects and definitions relating to herbs, medicine and the body.
abortifacient |
an agent that can induce abortions |
alkaloid |
a nitrogenous, basic, and often medicinal, plant compound |
allergen |
a compound that produces an allergic reaction |
alterative |
a compound that alters body metabolism |
analeptic |
a restorative |
analgesic |
an agent that relieves pain |
anodyne |
an agent that relieves pain through reducing nerve excitability |
anthelmintic |
a preparation to rid the body of worms |
anthraquinones |
a ketonic tricyclic anthracenes with laxative action |
anti- |
prefix for terms designating amelioration, relief, or removal |
antiacid |
an agent to relieve excess stomach, blood or bowel acidity |
antiasthmatic |
an agent to dilate bronchioles or break up mucus |
antibiotic |
an agent to inhibit growth of, or destroy, bacteria |
anticarcinogen |
an agent to counteract cancer |
anticatarrhal |
an agent to counteract mucus formation |
antidepressant |
an agent that counteracts mental depression |
anti-diarrheal |
an agent to relieve diarrhoea |
antiemetic |
an agent that relieves stomach sickness and vomiting |
antihyperlipidemic |
an agent to reduce arterial plaques |
antilithic |
an agent to removes stones; lithotryptic |
antipsychotic |
see tranquilliser |
antipyretic |
an agent to reduce fever; febrifuge |
antisecretory |
an agent that dries the body tissues |
antiseptic |
an agent for skin application to destroy bacteria |
antispasmodic |
an agent to lessen muscle spasms; spasmolytic |
aperient |
a gentle laxative |
aphrodisiac |
an agent to awaken sexual desires |
astringent |
an agent that coagulates protein |
balsams |
resinous mixtures containing cinnamates and benzoates |
beta-carbolines |
tricyclic MAO inhibitors, hallucinogens |
bradycardia |
a slowed heartbeat |
carcinogen |
a substance that predisposes cancer development |
carminative |
a substance to relieve the body of excess gas |
catalyst |
a preparation that makes other remedies more effective |
cathartic |
see purgative |
cholagogue |
an agent to promote flow of bile into small intestine |
CNS |
abbreviation for central nervous system |
depressant, CNS |
a compound that reduces mental function |
coumarins |
bicyclic, aromatic molecules that antagonise vitamin K |
CV |
abbreviation for cardiovascular |
decoction |
a boiled extract, used for the preparation of roots |
decongestant |
an agent to relieve nasal congestion |
demulcent |
a compound that protects abraded tissues |
dextrins |
partial hydrolysis products of starch |
diaphoretic |
a compound that increases perspiration; sudorific |
diuretic |
an agent promoting urination |
dyspepsia |
an impairment in digestion |
emetic |
an agent to induce vomiting |
emollient |
an agent that smooths and protects the skin |
emmenagogue |
a preparation that hastens the onset of menses |
euphoriant |
an agent to stimulate mental or physical pleasure |
expectorant |
preparations used to break up phlegm in lungs |
fatty acids |
hydrolysis products of fats |
febrifuge |
see antipyretic |
flavonoids |
a class of tricyclic molecules |
galactogogue |
an agent to increase the flow of milk |
GI |
abbreviation for gastro-intestinal |
glyco- |
a prefix indicating the attachment of a sugar to a molecule |
glycosides |
sugar esters |
gums |
water swellable carbohydrate derivatives |
HCN |
hydrogen cyanide, a respiratory poison |
hemolytic |
a compound capable of dissolving red blood corpuscles |
hemorragic |
a compound that leads to internal bleeding |
hemostatic |
a compound that retards bleeding; styptic |
hepatic |
an agent used in maintenance of liver function |
hypotensive |
an agent to reduce blood pressure |
infusion |
a water extract; a tea |
laxative |
an aid to solid waste elimination |
lithotriptic |
see antilithic |
MAO |
monoamine oxidase, a major brain detoxification enzyme |
miotic |
a compound that dilates the pupils |
moxybustion |
the smoke used in acupuncture |
mucilage |
tacky, water-insoluble sugar derivatives |
mydriatic |
an agent used to dilate the pupils |
MW |
abbreviation for molecular weight |
nervine |
an agent that relieves nervousness; mild tranquilliser |
oleoresins |
natural mixtures of resins and volatile oils |
oxytocic |
an agent to promote uterine contractions during childbirth |
parasiticide |
an external or internal agent to destroy parasites |
parasympathomimetic |
an agent that excites the parasympathetic nervous system, eg, tobacco |
pectins |
partially methoxylated uronic acid sugars |
pedicullicide |
an agent to control lice |
PMS |
premenstrual syndrome |
purgative |
a strong laxative and emetic agent |
refrigerant |
an agent to cool the body down |
resins |
water-insoluble mixtures of resins, their acids, and alcohols |
rubefacient |
an agent that brings a blush to the cheeks and increases skin circulation |
saponins |
glycosides with a soaplike water suspension |
sedative |
mild depressant; somnorific |
sialogogue |
an agent that promotes the flow of saliva |
spasmolytic |
see antispasmodic |
sterols |
molecules related to cholesterol and some hormones |
stimulant |
an agent to increase body metabolism |
stimulant, CNS |
a compound that excites mental function |
stomachic |
a preparation for the benefit of the stomach; also a tonic |
sudorific |
see diaphoretic |
tachycardia |
a raised heart beat rate |
tannins |
bitter principles of plants containing plant polyphenols |
terpenes |
hydrocarbon volatile oils, often with a strong smell |
tonic |
an agent that restores normal tone to the body |
tranquilizer |
an agent that reduces phychotic behaviour |
vermifuge |
see anthelmintic |
vulnerary |
an agent to increase the healing of wounds |
waxes |
esters of fatty acids with high molecular weight alcohols |
xanthines |
CNS stimulants with a purine type structure, e g, caffeine |
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