Carole Fisher - Materia Medica of Western Herbs

Abortifacient: an agent which causes expulsion of the foetus

Acetylcholinesterase: the enzyme that metabolises acetylcholine a neurotransmitter responsible for many biochemical activities. A deficit of the transmitter can reduce memory function and inhibiting its enzymic breakdown is one approach used to treat Alzheimer's disease

Adaptogen: an agent which helps the body accommodate to stress or change from any source

Aglycone: molecule after the glycoside or sugar group has been removed

Alterative: an agent used to improve elimination of metabolic waste and in so doing restores normal body functions

Analgesic: an agent used to relieve pain, it can be administered orally or topically

Anaphrodisiac: an agent used to lessen sexual function and desire

Angiogenesis: the growth of new blood vessels, apart from its natural occurrence as part of maturation it also occurs during wound healing and metastatic tumour growth

Anhidrotic: an agent that reduces sweating

Anodyne: an agent used to soothe or ease pain

Antacid: an agent used to neutralise acid in the stomach

Anthelmintic: an agent used to expel or destroy parasitic worms in the gastro-intestinal tract

Anti-arthritic: an agent used to relieve and heal arthritic conditions

Anticancer: an agent that reduces the viability of cancer cells

Anticarcinogenic: an agent that reduces the frequency of occurrence of spontaneous or induced cancers

Anticatarrhal: an agent which reduces catarrh or excessive mucus secretion

Anticoagulant: an agent which slows or prevents clotting of blood

Antidote: an agent which counteracts or neutralises poison

Antilithic: an agent used to prevent the formation of calculi (stones) or gravel which can occur in the urinary system or gall bladder

Antimitotic: an agent which inhibits the division of cells i.e. mitosis

Antineoplastic: an agent that inhibits or destroys tumours

Antipyretic: an agent which prevents or reduces fevers

Antiscorbutic: an agent which prevents or cures scurvy

Antioxidant: an agent that prevents oxidation a process believed to be the initiating factor in the development of many disease conditions such as cancer and heart disease

Antiproliferative: an agent that inhibits cell or tissue growth

Antiseptic: an agent used to prevent, resist and counteract infection

Antispasmodic: an agent used to reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions or spasms

Antisudorific: an agent which stops or prevents sweating

Antitussive: an agent which relieves or reduces coughing

Aperient: an agent which acts as a mild laxative

Aphrodisiac: an agent used to stimulate sexual interest

Apoptosis: a process of programmed cell death that occurs naturally. If defective it can lead to disease conditions i.e. its failure to occur is associated with the development of cancer whereas if it occurs excessively it can cause hypotrophy

Aquaretic: an agent that increases urine output by increasing renal blood flow and glomerular filtration without the accompanying loss of electrolytes

Astringent: an agent that contracts tissue, making them firmer and reducing their discharges

Asthenospermia: loss of or reduced sperm motility

Bacteriostatic: an agent that inhibits the growth or proliferation of bacteria without necessarily killing them

Bitter: an agent that has a bitter taste but also promotes digestive function and improves appetite

Bronchodilator: an agent which increases the diameter of the respiratory airways

Cardio-active: an agent which acts on the heart

Cardiotonic: an agent which has a beneficial action on the heart

Carminative: an agent which improves digestion and relieves the discomfort of flatulence and/or colic

Cathartic: an agent which causes evacuation of the bowels

Cholagogue: an agent which stimulates or aids the release of bile from the gall bladder

Choleretic: an agent which stimulates the production of bile in the liver

Co-mutagen: an agent that is not mutagenic itself but may become so in conjunction with other agents

Counter-irritant: an agent which when applied topically increases local circulation. It is used for the temporary relief of a deep seated painful irritation

Creatine kinase: an enzyme involved in regulation of energy in cells, it uses creatine to store energy from ATP. Levels may be elevated in pathologies like cancer due to increased energy demand so that its inhibition may constitute a therapeutic approach to disease

Cytotoxic: an agent that is toxic to cells causing their death

Demulcent: an agent that is used internally to sooth and protect irritated tissues and surfaces

De-obstruent: an agent that removes obstructions from the body by improving the normal channels of elimination

Depurative: an agent which promotes the natural channels of elimination

Desmutagen: an agent that reduces the damage caused to DNA by a mutagen

Diaphoretic: an agent that increases perspiration and elimination through the skin, often used to reduce temperature in fevers

Diuretic: an agent that increases the production and flow of urine

Dyssomnia: sleep disorder affecting the ability to go to sleep or stay asleep

Dysthymia: defined as a chronic mood disorder, manifesting as depression alternating with feeling normal

Emetic: an agent that induces vomiting

Enterotoxin: an agent that is toxic in the gastrointestinal tract and may cause vomiting, abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea