ACETYLCHOLINE: A neurotransmitter widely distributed in body tissues with a primary function of mediating synaptic activity of the nervous system and skeletal muscles.

ACIDOPHILUS: A microflora (good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping your body fight disease.

ADP: Adenosine diphosphate - an energy storage molecule.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ALFALFA: An herb (Medicago sativa). Alfalfa can be taken as a tablet, capsule, tea or the dried plant itself. It is a perennial member of the family Fabaceae and is one of the most common, cultivated forage plants, being fed to animals either as hay or in a dehydrated form. Alfalfa is present in such states as Nebraska, where it grows on the side of the road and leaves a peculiar green haze and pungent smell in the air.

ALKALOID: Any of a large class of nitrogen-containing organic compounds found especially in seed plants.

ALOE VERA: An herb (Aloe barbadensis). Often used to treat minor skin conditions, aloe vera or aloe gel is obtained from the inner layer of the leaf of the plant. This extract, which comes from the family Liliaceae, may be taken in capsule form or applied to the skin as a gel. This plant may be grown at home as well as cultivated.

ALPHA CAROTENE: A carotenoid found in carrots and certain other vegetables. Its provitamin A activity is weaker than that of beta carotene. Studies have shown that several carotenoids other than beta carotene are potent antioxidants that provide profound health benefits. Because of this, the scientific community has now recognized the importance of natural mixed carotenoids including beta carotene.

ALPHA TOCOPHEROL: A form of vitamin E.

AMINO ACID: The building blocks from which proteins are made. Dietary amino acids are classified as essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied in the diet or ill-health results. The non-essential amino acids are also essential for health, but can be synthesized in the body from the essential amino acids. Arginine, ornithine, cysteine, cystine, taurine and tyrosine are classified as non-essential amino acids but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. A suboptimal intake of the essential amino acids increases the body's need for the non-essential amino acids.

AMP: Adenosine monophosphate - an energy storage molecule.

ANDROGEN: Any steroid hormone that increases male characteristics.

ANTIGEN: A substance, usually a protein, that causes the formation of an antibody and reacts specifically with that antibody.

ANTIOXIDANT: A compound that protects other compounds or tissues from damage caused by oxygen or free radicals.

APOPTOSIS: Developmental or "programmed" cell death characterized by membrane blobs, extensive chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. Plays a role in negative selection of developing T cells and the killing of targets by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

ARGININE: A nonessential amino acid but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional concerns. May promote the release of growth hormone. Involved in creatine synthesis, a compound that stores energy in muscle. Helps to remove ammonia from the body as part of the urea cycle.

ASCORBIC ACID: (Vitamin C) A water-soluble, white crystalline vitamin present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables. It is essential for the formation of collagen and fibrous tissue for normal intercellular matrices in teeth, bone, cartilage, connective tissue and skin, and for the structural integrity of capillary walls. It also aids in fighting bacterial infections and interacts with other nutrients.

ASTRAGALUS ROOT: An herb (Astragalus membranaceous). Astragalus has no known toxicity and is commonly known as Milk Vetch, Locoweed, Yellow Vetch, Chinese Astragalus and Huang Ch'i. This herb is in the family of peas and is a mild restorative and preventive plant. Astragalus is one of the most important Oriental tonic and health-promoting medicinal plants and is often used to increase resistance to disease and infections.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS: A form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are accumulations of fatty deposits in the artery wall.

ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate - a compound consisting of the nucleotide adenosine attached through its ribose group to three phosphoric acid molecules. It serves to store energy in muscles which is released when it is hydrolyzed to adenosine diphosphate.

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