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 |