MDidea Exporting Division:Online Glossary:General Glossary P




	PABA (Para Aminobenzoic Acid): May be considered part of the Vitamin B complex. As a coenzyme, PABA functions in the breakdown and utilization of proteins and in the formation of red blood cells.



	Packaging(Non-food/GNPD) Pack Size For multi-packs of products, the total weight or volume is entered in the pack size field. Details of package make-up (e.g. 4 x 50g) will be logged in the description field.



	PAK See "Peridoxine Alphaketoglutarate".



	palmate Botany: shaped like the palm of the hand; having lobes radiating from a common point.



	Palsy Paralysis.



	Pancreas a small organ located behind the stomach and connected to the duodenum (small intestine). The pancreas synthesizes enzymes that help digest food in the small intestine and hormones, including insulin, that regulate blood glucose levels.



	Panicle Pyramical INFLORESCENCE formed by multiple branches. Each branch is a RACEME.



	Pantothenic Acid(Vitamin B3) see "Vitamin B3".



	Pantropical refers to a distribution area that extends through the tropics (that is generally between 23°30' S and 23° 30' N latitude)..



	Papilionaceous Flower form thought to resemble a butterfly.



	papule a red elevated area on the skin, solid and circumscribed.



	parainfluenza virus a group of viruses that cause acute respiratory infections in humans, esp. in children.



	parameter A characteristic, or descriptive feature, such as odor, color, or temperature.



	parasite An organism that lives in or on another organism, causing it harm. A plant without chlorophyll that obtains its nutrients by tapping into the branches, stems or roots of living green plants.



	Parasiticide (Sanskrit- Krimighna) Destroys parasites. (see germicide, antiparasitic.) parasiticidic herbs are those that destroy parasites in the body. Herbs with parasticidic agents include chaparral, feverfew, figwort, horseradish, mandrake, papaya, parsley, peach, pennyroyal, plantain, pumpkin, rhubarb, sage, thyme, vervain, wild cherry and wood betony.



	parasorbic acid 5-hydroxy-2-hexenoic acid lactone; sole constituent of "Vogelbeer?l", an oil obtained by steam distillation of the acidified juice of the ripe berries of the mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia.



	parasympathetic nervous system The craniosacral division of the autonomic nervous system. Parasympathetic nerves govern functions such as contraction of the pupils, contraction of smooth muscle of the alimentary canal, constriction of bronchioles, slowing of heart rate, and glandular secretion.



	parasympatholytic having a blocking or destructive effect on parasympathetic nerve fibers.



	parasympathomimetic producing effects similar to those resulting from stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.



	parathyroid one of four small endocrine glands located on the back lower edge of the thyroid gland. These glands secrete parathyroid hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism.



	Parathyroid glands glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone called parathormone (PTH) that is critical to calcium and phosphorus metabolism.



	Parcourse Training A concept borrowed from outdoor parks and applied to the gym during sports-specific phase of foundation training for aerobic athletes. Involves the performance of aerobic activities -- jogging, skipping rope, straddle jumping, bicycle ergometer -- between exercises of a weight training routine.



	parenteral denoting any medication route other than the alimentary canal, such as intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or mucosal.



	paresthesias sensation of numbness, prickling, or tingling.



	Parkinson's disease a chronic nervous disease characterized by a fine, slowly spreading tremor, muscular weakness and rigidity, and a peculiar gait.a disease of the nervous system caused by degeneration of a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, and by low production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors, and slow voluntary movement.



	Partial Reps Performing an exercise without going through a complete range of motion. Exercise mythology has it that one must exercise a muscle through a full range of motion of the joint upon which the muscle acts in order not to become "muscle bound" and to derive maximum strength and growth. In reality, partial movements often provide better overload because more weight can be moved.



	Parturient A substance that induces and promotes labor.



	Parturifacient Herbs that induces child-birth or labor. Examples: Barley, pippali.



	parturition act of giving birth; syn.: child birth; delivery.



	Patch a nonlinear habitat type that differs from the surrounding vegetation.



	pathogen disease causing agent, such as a virus or a bacteria,a microorganism or substance capable of producing disease.A disease-producing agent, usually applied to a living organism. Generally, any virus, bacterium, or fungus that causes disease.



	Peak contraction Exercising a muscle until it cramps by using shortened movements.



	Peak heart rate The highest heart rate reached during a work session.



	Pecs Slang for pectoral muscles of the chest.



	Pectoral A medicine for the chest.Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, such as an expectorant. Pectoral agents give relief and rememdy pulmonary and other respiriatory conditions. Examples of pectorals are chickweed, coltsfoot, couch grass, hyssop, Iceland moss and wild cherry.



	peduncles a stem or stalk.



	penetrate To enter or force a way into; to spread or flow throughout an area.



	Peptic An herb or substance that aides in the digestion of food. (Syn: Digestive, Eupeptic)



	Peptic ulcer disease a disease characterized by ulcers or break down of the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum. Common risk factors for peptic ulcer disease include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and infection with Heliobacter pylori.



	Peptide A peptide is any member of a class of compounds of low molecular weight which yield two or more amino acids on hydrolysis. Formed by loss of water from the NH2 and COOH groups of adjacent amino acids, they are known as di-, tri-, tetra- (etc.) peptides, depending on the number of amino acids in the molecule. Peptides ("polypeptides") form the constituent parts of proteins.



	peptidoglycans dense material consisting of cross-linked polysaccharide chains that make up the cell wall of most bacteria. This membrane is thicker in gram-positive than in gram-negative bacteria.



	PER see Protein efficiency ratio.



	percutaneous effected through the skin.



	Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) a nonsurgical technique, in which a balloon catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery and passed into an occluded coronary artery, where the balloon is inflated to dilate the artery.



	perennial Botany: refers to a plant that continues to live for more than one season, or a plant that lives more than two years



	perimenopause the years of a woman's life immediately preceding menopause.



	perineal concerning, or situated on, the perineum, the pelvic outlet and pelvic floor.



	periodontal disease disease of supporting structures of the teeth, the periodontium, including the alveolar bone to which the teeth are anchored.



	Peridoxine Alphaketoglutarate (PAK) Vitamin B6 (peridoxine) is ionically combined with the complexing agent, alphaketoglutarate to form a high energy compound. It is widely used as a nutritional supplement by athletes wishing to improve energy output.



	Periodisation "Periodised Training" is a phrase which refers to how one's training is broken down into discreet time periods called macrocycles, mesocycles and microcycles.



	Peripheral neuropathy a disease or degenerative state affecting the nerves of the extremities (arms and legs). Symptoms may include numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.



	Peripheral arterial disease atherosclerosis of the arteries of the extremities



	Peripheral vascular disease atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities, which may result in insufficient blood flow or pain in the affected limb, particularly during exercise.



	peristalsis a progressive, wavelike movement that occurs involuntarily in hollow tubes of the body, esp. the alimentary canal.



	Peritoneal dialysis a procedure, in which a special dialysis solution is introduced through a tube in the peritoneum. The dialysis solution pulls wastes and extra fluid from the body, when the dialysis solution is drained through the same tube. The most common form is called continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and can be performed at home without a machine.



	Peritoneum a membrane that lines the walls of the abdominal cavity.



	perivascular located around a vessel, esp. a blood vessel.



	permeability The ability of a material to allow a liquid to pass through it. Permeable materials, such as gravel and sand, allow water to move quickly through them.



	Pernicious anemia severe blood disease marked by progressive decrease in red blood corpuscles, muscular weakness, and gastrointestinal and neural disturbances. Can be treated with vitamin B12, iron, and diet.the end stage of an autoimmune inflammation of the stomach, resulting in destruction of stomach cells by one's own antibodies. Progressive destruction of the cells that line the stomach cause decreased secretion of acid and enzymes required to release food bound vitamin B-12. Antibodies to intrinsic factor (IF) bind to IF preventing formation of the IF-B-12 complex, further inhibiting vitamin B-12 absorption.



	pesticide A chemical used to kill pests, especially insects and rodents.



	Pestilence Any deadly epidemic disease.



	Pet Food(Food & Drink/GNPD) Cat Food all types of food, drink and treats for domestic cats. Excludes non-food pet-related items (see Pet Products). Dog Food all types of food, drink and treats for domestic dogs. Excludes non-food pet-related items (see Pet Products).



	Pet Products(Non-food/GNPD) Includes all non-food pet items e.g. grooming products, cat litter.



	petiolate Botany: having a stalk or petiole



	petiole Botany: the stalk of a leaf.



	PET scan positron emission tomography. A diagnostic imaging technique that uses a sophisticated camera and computer to produce images of how a person's body is functioning. A PET scans shows the difference between healthy and abnormally functioning tissues.



	pH Chemistry: potential of hydrogen. A scale for expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a substance; maximum acidity is pH 0 and maximum alkalinity is pH 14. The scale is logarithmic, thus there is a ten-fold difference between pH units. A measure of acidity, relating to the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration. A pH of 7.0 is neutral; acidity increases with lower numbers, and alkalinity increases with higher numbers. Body fluids have a pH of about 7.3.



	phagocytosis ingestion and digestion of bacteria by phagocytes.



	pharmacognosy the study of natural drugs and their physical, botanical, pharmacological, and chemical properties.



	Pharmacognocy Study of medicinal plants.



	pharmacokinetics the study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs and other compounds.study of the metabolism and action of drugs with particular emphasis on their absorption, excretion, and duration of action.



	Pharmacologic dose the dose or intake level of a nutrient many times the level associated with the prevention of deficiency or the maintenance of health. A pharmacologic dose is generally associated with the treatment of a disease state and considered to be a dose at least 10 times greater than that needed to prevent deficiency.



	pharyngitis inflammation of the pharnyx, the passageway that connects the oral and nasal cavities.



	Phase I clinical trial a clinical trial in a small group of people aimed at determining bioavailability, optimal dose, safety and early evidence of the efficacy of a new therapy.



	Phase II clinical trial a clinical trial designed to investigate the effectiveness of a new therapy in larger numbers of people and to further evaluate short-term side effects and safety of the new therapy.



	pH balanced(Products Claims/GNPD) also known as pH neutral. The claim is for skincare, cosmetic and toiletry products which have a pH level of 5.5, or are marketed as being pH neutral/pH balanced.



	phenolic compounds any organic compound containing a phenol group. Phenol is an aromatic derivative of benzene with one or more hydroxyl groups attached.



	Phenotype the totality of characteristics of an individual: the expression of the genotype.



	Phenylketonuria (PKU) an inherited disorder resulting in the inability to process the amino acid, phenylananine. If not treated, the disorder may result in mental retardation. Treatment is a diet low in phenylalanine. Newborns are screened for PKU, in order to determine the need for treatment before brain damage occurs.



	phlebitis inflammation of a vein.



	Phlebotomy the removal of blood from a vein. Phlebotomy may be used to obtain blood for diagnostic tests or to treat certain conditions, for example, iron overload in hemochromatosis.



	Phlegm Mucous from the bronchial tubes.



	pH neutral(Products Claims/GNPD) also known as pH balanced. The claim is for skincare, cosmetic and toiletry products which have a pH level of 5.5, or are marketed as being pH neutral/pH balanced.



	phosphate A form of phosphorous; an essential nutrient for plants and animals; usually present in natural waters as phosphate. Phosphate is an ion composed of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.



	phospholipid a lipid substance containing phosphorus, fatty acids, and nitrogenous base.



	phosphorus The second most abundant mineral in the body found in every living cell. It is involved in the proper functioning of both muscles and nerves. It is needed for metabolic processes of all cells, to activate many other nutrients, and to form energy-storage and energy-releasing compounds. The phosphorus content of the body is approximately one percent of total body weight. Phosphorus combines with fats to form phospholipids. A non-metallic element designated with the chemical symbol P; an essential nutrient for plants and animals; usually present in natural waters as phosphate.Works with calcium to build up bones and teeth. Provides a key element in the production of ATP. RDA: 800 mg. Dietary sources: animal protein, whole grains.



	photodermatitis inflammation of the epithelium triggered by light. May be due to a phototoxic reaction or a photoallergic reaction.



	Phreatophyte A desert shrub with a long trap root that enables the plant to avoid reliance on rainwater by tapping into groundwater.



	Phyletic gradualism the belief that evolution (and especially speciation) occurs over considerable time through a slow accumulation of new alleles and changing allele frequencies.



	Phylogeny the evolutionary history of a taxon. The graphic representation of a phylogeny is called a phylogenetic tree.



	Phylum A subdivision of a kingdom encompassing all forms of life with the same distinctive body plan. [plural = phyla].



	Physiologic dose the dose or intake level of a nutrient associated with the prevention of deficiency or the maintenance of health. A physiologic dose of a nutrient is not generally greater than that which could be achieved through a conscientious diet, as opposed to the use of supplements.



	phytoplankton Microscopic photosynthetic protists (i.e. bacteria and algae); form the basis of freshwater and marine food webs; the main producers in the open ocean.



	photomutagenicity inducing mutations in the presence of light.



	photosensitization condition in which the skin reacts abnormally to light, esp. to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight. Caused by the presence of drugs, hormones, or heavy metals in the system.



	photosynthesis A series of chemical reactions in producers, usually plants, in which light energy is used to make chemical energy in the form of food.



	Phthisis Advanced or chronic tuberculosis in which wasting is marked.



	Phyllary Individual INVOLUCRAL BRACT.



	Physical Conditioning A program of regular, sustained exercise to increase or maintain levels of strength, flexibility, aerobic capacity, and body composition consistent with health, fitness or (especially) athletic objectives.



	Physical Fitness The physiological contribution to wellness through exercise and nutrition behaviours that maintain high aerobic capacity, balanced body composition, and adequate strength and flexibility to minimise risk of chronic health problems and to enhance the enjoyment of life.



	Physical work capacity (PWC) An exercise test that measures the amount of work done at a given, sub-maximal heart rate. The work is measured in oxygen uptake, kilopond meters per minute, or other units, and can be used to estimate maximal heart rate and oxygen uptake. Less accurate, but safer and less expensive than the graded exercise test.



	physiology the study of the functions of living organisms and the chemical and physical processes which are involved in living systems.The study of the body's functions.



	phytoestrogen a plant constituent which displays estrogenic activity..



	phytopharmaceutical a pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation derived from a plant..



	Phytotherapy Therapeutic use of medicinal plants.



	Pin and web Disease of the eye with film or excrescence.



	pinnate Leaves arranged on opposite sides of a stem.Botany: branching at right angles from a central axis, and all in one plane (as seen in the structure of a feather).



	Pioneer species a species that is an early occupant of newly created or disturbed areas. A member of the early stage communities in ecological succession.



	Pistil Female flower part that bears the STIGMA.



	pituitary the pituitary body or gland; syn. hypophysis.



	Pituitary gland a small oval gland located at the base of the brain that secretes hormones regulating growth and metabolism. The pituitary gland is divided into two separate glands, the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, which each secrete different hormones.



	pituitrin trade name for posterior pituitary extract.



	placebo an inactive substance given to satisfy a patient's desire for medication, or used as an inactive control in controlled studies of drug actions. an inert treatment that is given to a control group while the experimental group is given the active treatment. Placebo-controlled studies are conducted to make sure that the results are due to the experimental treatment, rather than another factor associated with participating in the study.



	Placenta the organ that connects the fetus to the mother¡¯s uterus, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste between mother and fetus.



	Placental abruption premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Abruption is a potentially serious problem both for the mother and baby.



	Plague An acute fever transmitted by the bites of fleas which have derived the infection from rats.



	plankton Microscopic organisms that drift freely with water currents; phytoplankton are producers; zooplankton are animals.



	Plasticity The term plasticity refers to the profound ability of muscle, in this case skeletal muscle, to adapt to different perturbations or stimuli. These adaptations can be measured at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole muscle level. Skeletal muscle, more so than any other tissue (except maybe the uterus during pregnancy), exhibits a tremendous ability to remodel itself.



	platelet irregularly shaped cell fragments that assist in blood clotting, a round or oval disk, 2 to 4 microns in diameter, lacking hemoglobin, found in the blood of vertebrates. Platelets play an important role in blood coagulation, hemostasis, and blood thrombin formation; syn.: thrombocyte.



	platelet activating factor (PAF) a hormone which activates platelets to secrete serotonin and other mediators to cause smooth muscle contraction and increase vascular permeability, reactions which are important in asthma.



	Plyometric A type of exercise that suddenly pre-loads and forces the stretching of a muscle an instant prior to its concentric action. An example is jumping down from a bench and immediately springing back up.



	PNF Stretch See proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretch.



	Pneumonia a disease of the lungs, characterized by inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Pneumonia may be caused by infectious agents (e.g., viruses or bacteria) or by inhalation of certain irritants.



	pod A seed vessel or fruit of a plant..



	poliovirus the viral etiological agent for poliomyelitis, separable into 3 serotypes based on the specificity of the neutralizing antibody..



	pollination Sexual reproduction in plants in which pollen is transferred from anther to stigma of either the same plant or another plant.



	pollution Contamination of air, water, or soil by toxic organic or inorganic substances (e.g., industrial or agricultural waste by-products, engine exhausts, factory emissions, or human waste). Pollution can come from a single source (point-source) or be discharged over a wide area from many sources (non-point source).



	polyacetylene a class of organic hydrocarbons containing one or more acetylenic groups in their structures.



	polyamines an organic, aliphatic compound containing more than one amino (NH2) groups.



	polyarthritis inflammation of more than one joint.



	polymorphonuclear leukocyte see granulocyte.



	polyneuropathy, diabetic a chronic complication of diabetes affecting the peripheral nerves and the autonomic nervous system, and cranial nerves. Characterized by formation of neuropathic ulcers on the feet..



	Polyp a benign (non-cancerous) mass of tissue that forms on the inside of a hollow organ, such as the colon.



	polyphenol a heterogeneous class of organic polymeric compounds containing more than one phenol group; e.g., lignin, tannins..



	polysaccharide one of a group of carbohydrates that on hydrolysis yield more than two molecules of simple sugars..



	Polyunsaturated fatty acid a fatty acid with more than one double bond between carbons.



	pool A deeper area of water in a stream; usually quiet and often with no visible flow.



	population A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.the individuals of a given species that occupy the same locality and form the interbreeding group in that location. A group of two or more populations that regularly exchange genes is known as a metapopulation.



	porcelain-berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata; an exotic invasive plant that grows in intermittently flooded lowland forest.



	porosity The percent of space or pores between sediment particles; indicates the amount of water the sediment can hold.



	Posset Drink made of hot milk, curdled with ale and flavoured with herbs and used as a cold remedy.



	Post-exercise Muscle Soreness Microtrauma to connective tissue releases an amino acid called hydroxyproline which, within 48 hours, causes irritation to local nerve endings, triggering pain. Typically occurs from exertion or concentrated movement after a long period of disuse but even affects the most physically fit athletes after excessively stressful exercise.



	postherpetic neuralgia neuralgia occurring as a consequence of infection by herpes virus.



	Postprandial after eating or after a meal.



	Potassium A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building. Teams with sodium to regulate body's water balance and heart rhythms. Nerve and muscle function are disturbed when the two minerals are not balanced. Insufficient potassium can lead to fatigue, cramping and muscle damage. Physical and mental stress, excessive sweating, alcohol, coffee, and a high intake of salt (sodium) and sugar deplete potassium. No RDA. Dietary sources: citrus, cantaloupe, green leafy vegetables, bananas.



	poultice An herbal paste spread on a cloth and applied externally to the body,Plant material that is prepared in a special way and applied to the surface of the body as a remedy for certain disorders. a hot, moist mass of linseed, mustard, or soap and oil between two pieces of muslin to relieve congestion, pain, or promote absorption of inflammatory substances, or to act as a counterirritant. Poultices often contain additional medicinal plant ingredients.



	powdered extract powdered extracts are prepared from native extracts by diluting to the specified strengths with diluents (e.g. starch, lactose, etc.) and/or anticaking agents (e.g. magnesium carbonate) followed by drying, usu. under vacuum, to yield dry solids. These are ground into powders to yield powdered extracts or granulated to produce granular extracts..



	Power Work performed per unit of time. Measured by the formula: work equals force times distance divided by time. A combination of strength and speed. cf. strength.



	precipitation Condensed water vapor that falls to or forms on the surface as rain, snow, hail, sleet, dew, and frost..



	predator An organism that kills and eats other organisms..



	prednisone a steroid hormone with the same effect as cortisone..



	Preeclampsia a condition characterized by a sharp rise in blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy. High blood pressure may be accompanied by edema (swelling) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). In some cases, untreated preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening situation for mother and child.



	premenstrual syndrome (PMS) a syndrome occurring several days prior to the onset of menstruation and ending a short time after menstruation begins. Common symptoms are irritability, emotional tension, anxiety, mood swings, depression, headache, breast tenderness and/or swelling, and water retention with or without edema.



	Premium/Economy(Products Claims/GNPD) certain products are classified as being Premium (i.e. higher than a typical price point for a product of that type) or Economy (i.e. low priced, budget items, often everyday "basics" in simple packaging). The Premium/Economy p ositioning claim is selected according to price points and also according to how a product is marketed. A high end brand would be classified as Premium.



	Prevalence the proportion of a population with a specific disease or condition at a given point in time.



	prey A creature hunted or caught for food.



	primary consumer An organism that feeds on producers; an herbivore.



	primary productivity The amount of energy trapped by photosynthesis. This quantity determines how much life a region will support.



	Primitive (character) in cladistics, a character shared among and defining members of a large group or clade and believed to have arisen early in the group's evolution.



	pristine environment An environment remaining in a pure or uncorrupted state.



	proanthocyanidins class of polyphenolic polymers which form anthocyanidins on heating with acid. Proanthocyanidins are widespread in plants.



	Processed Fish, Meat & Egg Products(Food & Drink/GNPD) Eggs & Egg Products all eggs and processed egg products e.g. prepared omelettes. Fish Products all processed fish products, excluding fish-based prepared meals (see Meals &Meal Centers) Meat Products all processed meat products excluding meat-based prepared meals (see Meals &Meal Centers) Meat Substitutes all processed products including TVP, soy, Quorn, tofu, etc. Poultry Products ?all processed poultry products excluding poultry-based prepared meals (see Meals &Meal Centers)



	producer An organism that makes its own food; a photosynthetic organism; an autotroph.



	progesterone a steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta. It governs changes in the endometrium in the second half of the menstrual cycle preparatory for implantation of the blastocyst (fertilized egg cell), development of the maternal placenta after implantation, and development of mammary glands.



	Prognosis predicted outcome based on the course of a disease.



	Progressive Resistance Exercise Exercise in which the amount of resistance is increased to further stress the muscle after it has become accustomed to handling a lesser resistance.



	prolactin a pituitary hormone that in humans stimulates development of the mammary glands and milk formation during pregnancy, in association with estrogen and progesterone.



	prolapse a falling or dropping down of an organ or internal part, such as the uterus or rectum.



	Proliferation rapid cell division.



	Pronation Assuming a face-down position. Of the hand, turning the palm backward or downward. Of the foot, lowering the inner (medial) side of the foot so as to flatten the arch. The opposite of supination.



	propagation Increased or spread by natural reproduction



	Propagule In animals, the minimum number of individuals of a species capable of colonizing a new area. This may be fertilized eggs, a mated female, a single male and a single female, or a whole group of organisms depending upon the biological and behavioral requirements of the species. In plants, a propagule is whatever structure functions to reproduce the species: a seed, spore, stem or root cutting, etc.



	prophylactic any agent or regimen that contributes to the prevention of infection and disease.



	Prophylaxis prevention, often refers to a treatment used to prevent a disease.



	Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretch Muscle stretches that use the proprioceptors (muscle spindles) to send inhibiting (relaxing) messages to the muscle that is to be stretched. Example: The contraction of an agonist muscle sends inhibiting signals that relax the antagonist muscle so that it is easier to stretch. (Term was once applied to a very specific therapeutic technique, but now is being widely applied to stretch techniques such as slow-reversal-hold, contract-relax, and hold-relax.).



	Proprioceptor Self-sensors (nerve terminals) that give messages to the nervous system about movements and position of the body. Proprioceptors include muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.Sensory organs found in muscles, tendons, joints and skin which sense and provide information about movement, body position and environment.



	Prospective cohort study an observational study in which a group of people¡ªknown as a cohort¡ªare interviewed or tested for risk factors (e.g., nutrient intake), and then followed up at subsequent times to determine their status with respect to a disease or health outcome.



	prostacyclin Prostaglandin GI2, formed from arachidonic acid; it is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation.



	prostaglandins a large group of biologically active, 20-carbon, unsaturated fatty acids that represent various metabolites of arachidonic acid. They are local, short-range autocoids (see) which exert their effects locally and then are destroyed enzymatically. They influence or control a wide variety of physiological functions, including fluid balance, platelet aggregation, gastrointestinal activity, neurotransmission, endocrine functions, etc.



	prostate a gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra in the male. It secretes an alkaline fluid which is part of the seminal fluid.a gland in men, which is located at the base of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces fluid that forms part of semen. If the prostate becomes enlarged it may exert pressure on the urethra and cause urinary symptoms. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.



	Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) a compound normally secreted by the prostate that can be measured in the blood. If prostate cancer is developing, the prostate secretes larger amounts of PSA. Blood tests for PSA are used to screen for prostate cancer and to follow-up on prostate cancer treatment.



	protease a class of enzymes that degrade proteins by hydrolyzing the peptide bonds that join the amino acids in a protein.Proteases are a category of enzymes which attack specific bonds between amino acids and proteins. The proteases break amino acid bonds to split up the protein molecule into smaller pieces of lined amino acids. Examples of proteases are renin and pepsin; these enzymes can be found in animals. Rennin is used in the thickening of milk and is isolated from the stomach of the calf; pepsin is found in the gastric juices of humans and other animals where it breaks down proteins at specific places.



	Protective affords defense against deleterious influences.



	Protein One of the three basic foodstuffs -- along with carbohydrates and fat. Proteins are complex substances present in all living organisms. It comprises 90 percent of the dry weight of blood, 80 percent of muscles, and 70 percent of the skin. Protein provides the connective and structural building blocks of tissue and primary constituents of enzymes, hormones and antibodies. The components of protein are amino acids. Dietary protein is derived from both animal and plant foods. Protein is essential for growth, the building of new tissue, and the repair of injured or broken-down tissue. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc. and are involved in oxygen transport and other activities throughout the body, and in photosynthesis. Protein can be oxidised in the body, liberating heat and energy at the rate of four calories per gram. cf. amino acids, essential amino acids.



	Protein efficiency ratio (PER) A system of rating the quality of dietary protein by the number and proportions of the essential amino acids contained in it. Eggs rank highest. They contain all eight essential amino acids in a proportion regarded as the most readily assimilable and usable combination of naturally-occurring amino acids. Eggs are the standard by which all other protein sources are rated for assimilability.



	prothrombin a chemical substance in the circulating blood that, through the mediation of thrombokinase, interacts with calcium ions to produce thrombin.



	pruritis severe itching. Can be a symptom of a disease process, or result from emotional factors.



	Pruinous (also prunose) Having a waxy layer or bloom on the surface (as in a prune).



	Pseudocarp False fruit.



	Psoriasis A chronic skin condition often resulting in a red, scaly rash located over the surfaces of the elbows, knees, scalp, and around or in the ears, navel, genitals or buttocks. Approximately 10-15% of patients with psoriasis develop joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis). Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune condition



	psychosomatic pertaining to the relationship between the mind and the body.



	Pulmonary Pertaining to the lungs.



	Pulmonary (ventilatory) capacity The efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs.



	Punctuated equilibrium the belief that evolution proceeds by spurts of change interspersed with long periods of stasis (genetic stability) where selection favors no change.



	Pungent Irritating or sharply painful. Producing a sharp sensation of taste or smell.



	Purgative (Sanskrit- Virechanlya )A substance that promotes the vigorous evacuation of the bowels, or An herb or substance that produces a vigorous and rapid evacuation of the bowels. (Syn: Aperient, Laxative, Drastic, Cathartic, Purge) May also refer to discharges other than from the bowels. Usually used to relieve severe constipation. A cathartic or purgative herbis used for purging and stimulating the action of evacuating the bowels. this action may be mild or strong depending on the need. Purgatives and cathartics are similar to aperients and laxatives, which are mild purgative used to relieve constipation. Herbs considered to be purgative included aloe vera, barberry bark, boneset, buckthorn bark, cascara sagrada, elder flowers,Epsom salt,goldenseal,licorice,mandrake, Oregon grape root, psyllium, rhubarb root,safflower and senna leaves.



	purple dead nettle Lamium purpureum; an exotic invasive plant that grows in a clearing (meadow or field).



	pyelonephritis inflammation of kidney substance and pelvis.



	Pyramid Training A training protocol incorporating an upward- then-downward progression in weight, rep-per-rep or set-per-set.



	Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxal phosphate is a coenzyme that is essential for many enzymatic reactions, almost all of which are associated with amino acid metabolism. It is, for example, involved in the synthesis of tryptophan, a derivative of pyridoxine (another vitamin of the B complex).



	pyridoxine one of a group of substances, including pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, that make up vitamin B6.



	pyrosis a burning sensation in the epigastric and sternal region associated with raising of acid liquid from stomach; syn. heartburn.



	pyuria condition in which there are more than the usual number of white blood cells (pus) in the urine; considered indicative of renal disease.



	Pyruvate kinase deficiency a hereditary deficiency of the enzyme pyruvate kinase. Pyruvate kinase deficiency results in hemolytic anemia.



	Pyruvic Acid Pyruvic acid is the end product of the glycolytic pathway. This three-carbon metabolite is an important junction point for two reasons: it is the gateway to the final common energy-producing pathway, the Krebs cycle; and it provides acetyle coenzyme A (acetyl CoA), through which fatty acids, and in turn fat, are produced from glucose. Pyruvic acid converts to lactic acid as needed. Pyruvic acid increases in quantity in the blood and tissues in thiamine (vitamin B-1) deficiency. Thiamine is essential for its oxidation.

Claims:

Information presented this site meant for nutritional benefit and as an educational starting point only, for use in maintenance and promotion good health in cooperation with a common knowledge base reference...Furthermore,it based solely on the traditional and historic use or legend of a given herb from the garden of Adonis. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accurate, please note that some info may be outdated by more recent findings and developments!