Glossary
Have you ever stumbled across an unfamiliar word when reading about vitamins and supplements? Health and wellness can be a complex adventure. Maybe a new product features ingredients you've never heard of. Or maybe you just need a reminder about a certain term. When a quick reference check is needed, visit our Natural Health Glossary for a brief definition (or a link to more detailed information in our Health Encyclopedia). Be sure to keep this helpful, easy-to-search resource one click away: bookmark it!
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): (PAIR-uh -uh-MEEN-oh-ben-ZO-ick A-sid) A B-complex nutrient required for the body's formation of folic acid. see PABA encyclopedia entry
Pancreatin: (pan-KREE-ah-tin) An extract of pork pancreas.
Pantothenic acid: (pan-toe-THIN-ick a-sid) A nutrient in the B-vitamin complex. see pantothenic acid encyclopedia entry
Papain: (pah-PAY-in) A protein-digesting enzyme found in papaya.
Papaya: (pa-PIE-ah) see papaya encyclopedia entry
Passionflower: (PASH-un-flower) see passionflower encyclopedia entry
Pau D'arco: (POW-de-ark-oh) see pau d'arco encyclopedia entry
Pectin: (PECK-tin) Soluble fiber found in the rinds of various plant foods. see pectin encyclopedia entry
Pellagra: (puh-LA-gra) A niacin deficiency disease involving disorders of the skin, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.
Phenylalanine: (fee-nall-AL-i-neen) An essential amino acid.
Phosphatidylcholine: (foss-fa-TIDE-ill-CO-leen) A choline-based substance that is a key structural component of cell walls.
Phosphatidylserine: (foss-fa-TIDE-ill-SAIR-een) see phosphatidylserine encyclopedia entry
Phosphorus: (FOSS-for-us) see phosporous encyclopedia entry
Physiology: (fizz-ee-ALL-i-jee) The study of the functioning of the body and the physical and chemical processes of its cells, tissues, organs and systems.
Phytoestrogens: (figh-toe-ESS-trow-jen) Hormone-like compounds found in plants, especially soybeans.
Pineal gland: (PIE-nee-al gland) A small gland located in the center of the brain. It produces melatonin and helps regulate many body functions.
Placebo: (pluh-SEE-bow) An inactive substance used to test the efficacy of an another substance.
Platelet aggregation: (platelet ag-ri-GAY-shun) The clustering of cell components that facilitates blood coagulation.
Pneumonia: (new-MOAN-ee-uh) Inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Potassium: (poe-TASS-ee-um) see potassium encyclopedia entry
Probiotic: (PRO-by-ah-tick) A live bacterial supplement that improves the intestinal microbial balance. Common forms include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
Progesterone: (pro-JESS-tah-rown) A female steroid hormone used to treat menstrual disorders.
Prostaglandins: (prah-sta-GLAND-inz) Hormone-like substances made from essential fatty acids.
Prostate gland: (PRAH-state gland) A small male gland that surrounds the urethra.
Protein: (PRO-teen) A complex compound made from strings of amino acids.
Pterostilbene: (taro-STILL-bean) An antioxidant compound found in blueberries that is also a phtyoalexin, which is produced by plants in times of stress.
Pycnogenol ®: (pick-NAH-jen-all) An OPC supplement derived from pine bark. see pycnogenol® encyclopedia entry
Pygeum: (pie-JEE-um) see pygeum encyclopedia entry
Pyridoxine: (pie-rid-OX-een) Vitamin B-6.
Pyruvate: (pie-ROO-vate) see pyruvate encyclopedia entry
Q-Gel ®: (Q-gel)A registered trademark of Tishcon Corp. used to identify a preparation of coenzyme Q-10 that has undergone a patented process to make it soluble in water.
Quercetin: (KWERE-sah-tin) An antioxidant flavonoid found in onions.
Red Clover: (red clover) see red clover encyclopedia entry
Reishi: (REE-she) see reishi encyclopedia entry
Relora®: (ree-LORE-ah) A propriety blend of a patented plant extract from the Magnolia officinalis tree and a patent-pending plant extract from the Phellodendron amurense tree.
Riboflavin: (rye-bo-FLAY-vin) see riboflavin encyclopedia entry
Resveratrol: (rez-VAIR-uh-trawl) A natural antioxidant compound found in the fruits and seeds of some plants, especially grapes and grape-derived products like red wine.
Rickets: (rickets) A bone deformity caused by vitamin D deficiency.
RNA (ribonucleic acid): (rye-bo-new-CLAY-ick A-sid) A complex protein chemical in genes that plays a vital role in the coding of genetic information.
Royal Jelly: (royal jelly) see royal jelly encyclopedia entry
Rutin: (ROO-tin) An antioxidant flavonoid found primarily in citrus fruits.
