Natural compounds found in plants that have a physiological effect on the human body.
Amino acids are organic compounds that contain an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are the building blocks of proteins and play important roles in many biological processes, including the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and tissues. There are 20 different types of amino acids, each with unique properties, and they can be classified into essential, non-essential, and conditional amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources, while non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body. Conditional amino acids are typically only essential during periods of stress or illness.
Alanine – A non-essential amino acid that helps produce glucose and is involved in energy metabolism.
Arginine – An amino acid involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide, which helps regulate blood flow and blood pressure.
Asparagine – An amino acid that helps to build proteins and is involved in the regulation of the nervous system.
Aspartic Acid – A non-essential amino acid involved in the release of energy from food and the removal of excess nitrogen from the body.
Cysteine – A non-essential amino acid involved in the production of the antioxidant glutathione.
Glutamic acid – A non-essential amino acid involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Glutamine – A non-essential amino acid involved in the maintenance of the immune system and the regulation of acid-base balance in the body.
Glycine – A non-essential amino acid involved in the production of hemoglobin, the regulation of blood sugar levels, and the regulation of muscle contractions.
Histidine – A semi-essential amino acid involved in the regulation of blood pH, the production of red and white blood cells, and the maintenance of healthy skin and eyes.
Isoleucine – An essential branched-chain amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Leucine – An essential branched-chain amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis, wound healing, and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Lysine – An essential amino acid involved in the production of collagen, the absorption of calcium, and the regulation of cholesterol levels.
Methionine – An essential amino acid involved in the removal of excess nitrogen from the body, the production of energy from food, and the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters. Involved in the metabolism of sulfur.
Phenylalanine – An essential amino acid involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the regulation of hunger and mood.
Proline – A non-essential amino acid involved in the formation of collagen and the regulation of blood pressure.
Serine – A non-essential amino acid involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels, the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and the production of energy from food.
Threonine – An essential amino acid involved in the formation of collagen and elastin, the regulation of muscle contractions, and the production of energy from food.
Tryptophan – An essential amino acid involved in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the regulation of sleep, appetite, and mood.
Tyrosine – A non-essential amino acid involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the regulation of mood and appetite, and the production of melanin (the pigment that provides color to skin and hair).
Valine – An amino acid that helps to build proteins and is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism.
Natural compounds found in plants that have a physiological effect on the human body.
Natural compounds found in plants that have a physiological effect on the human body.
Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms to break down and remove environmental pollutants. In agriculture, it involves using microorganisms to replenish soil nutrients and improve crop growth.
A non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that is thought to have a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects.
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that is believed to have several health benefits.Â
A non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that is thought to have potential therapeutic effects for seizures and other neurological conditions.
The precursor to all other cannabinoids, CBGA is converted by the plant into the compounds that make up the majority of its cannabinoid profile.
A non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that is thought to have a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects.
Cannabinoids are a broad class of chemical compounds that can come from plants, be produced by animals or humans, or created in a laboratory. Common cannabinoids include:
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A form of dietary supplement that contains powder, granules, or pellets of an herb or plant.
A COA is a report generated by a quality assurance lab that verifies that a product meets its specified standards.
A subset of edible supplements. A supplement in solid form designed to be consumed by mouth and absorbed through the stomach, specifically by chewing. This often includes tablets made of tightly-compressed powder, with or without additional binders. Chewable supplements are not considered food.
A process that activates compounds found in the hemp or cannabis plant to enhance their therapeutic effects.
The amount of an herb or supplement that is taken at one time.
A supplement in liquid form designed to be consumed by mouth and absorbed through the stomach. Often comes in the form of juices, sodas, sparkling water, tonics, and other items resembling drinks (but is not to be considered or confused with beverages, which are tightly regulated by the FDA in the United States).
A supplement in solid form designed to be consumed by mouth, often by chewing and absorbing through the stomach. Often comes in the form of gummies, cookies, candy bars, and other items resembling food (but is not to be considered or confused with food products, which are tightly regulated by the FDA in the United States).
The synergistic interaction between different compounds in the hemp or cannabis plant that enhances their therapeutic effects.
Flavonoids are plant compounds that contain pigments and possess antioxidant properties.
Hemp is a type of plant that belongs to the same species as cannabis, but contains very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%). It is legal to sell hemp and hemp-based products in the United States.
A product made from plants that is used to support health and wellness. Herbal supplements differ from pharmaceutical drugs and are not regulated by the FDA.
A plant native to the South Pacific that is used to make a traditional beverage and is said to have a relaxing effect.
A tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, the leaves of which are sometimes said to have analgesic and other medicinal effects.
MCT oil is a type of fat found in coconut oil that is metabolized differently from other types of fats.
A substance or activity that enhances or increases the potency or effectiveness of another substance. In the context of the cytochrome P450 system, potentiators can increase the metabolic breakdown of certain substances, leading to increased elimination from the body and reduced potency. Examples of potentiators include certain foods, supplements, and medications that affect the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a role in the metabolic elimination of drugs and other substances from the body. Common potentiators include:
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Alcohol – A colorless, volatile liquid that is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars. Alcohol is commonly used as a solvent, but can also enhance the effects of certain substances.
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Methyl Alcohol: Also known as methanol and ‘rubbing alcohol’, is a toxic alcohol used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze in industry. It is not meant for consumption as it is highly toxic even in small amounts.
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Ethyl Alcohol: Also known as ethanol, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Ethanol is significantly less toxic than methanol and is considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts. It is not recommended to mix ethyl alcohol with kratom or kava.
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Apple Cider Vinegar – A type of vinegar made from fermented apples that is commonly used in cooking, as a natural cleaning agent, and for its potential health benefits, including weight management and blood sugar control.
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Ashwagandha – An herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally believed to help with stress, anxiety, and other health issues.
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Blue Lotus – A water lily plant native to Egypt, commonly used for its calming and relaxing effects and anecdotally for medicinal purposes.
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Black Pepper – A common spice made from dried and ground peppercorns that has been shown to enhance the effects of certain substances, particularly compounds that are metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system.
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Cayenne – A type of chili pepper that is commonly used in cooking, but also has potential health benefits, including pain relief and reducing inflammation.
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Cinnamon – A spice commonly used in cooking and baking, but also used for its potential health benefits, including improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation.
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Citrus Bioflavonoids – A class of compounds found in citrus fruits that have been shown to enhance the effects of certain substances, particularly compounds that are metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system. Commonly used as Citric Acid.
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Damiana – An herb native to Mexico and Central and South America, commonly used for its relaxing and aphrodisiac effects, as well as for medicinal purposes.
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Devil’s Claw – A plant native to Southern Africa, the root of which is commonly used for pain relief, especially in cases of osteoarthritis and low back pain.
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Echinacea – A type of flowering plant native to North America, commonly used as an herbal supplement to help boost the immune system and prevent colds and other infections.
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Ginger – A root commonly used in cooking and for its potential health benefits, including reducing nausea and vomiting, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
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Grapefruit Juice – A type of fruit juice made from freshly squeezed grapefruit that has been shown to enhance the effects of certain substances, particularly compounds that are metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system.
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Magnesium Citrate – A form of magnesium, a mineral, commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
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Milk Thistle – An herbal supplement made from the seeds of the milk thistle plant that has been shown to enhance the effects of certain substances, particularly compounds that are metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system.
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Orange Peel – The outer layer of an orange, commonly used as a natural cleaning agent, as well as for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
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Peppermint – A type of mint plant that is commonly used for its cooling and refreshing flavor and for its potential health benefits, including reducing nausea and improving digestion.
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Shatavari – An herb native to India, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits, including improving hormonal balance, supporting reproductive health, and reducing stress and anxiety.
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Skullcap – A type of flowering plant native to North America, commonly used as an herbal supplement to help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other nervous conditions.
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Slippery Elm Bark – A type of tree native to North America, the bark of which is commonly used as an herbal supplement to help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
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Tongkat Ali – An herb native to Southeast Asia, commonly used as a natural remedy for boosting energy levels, improving athletic performance, and increasing libido.
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Tribulus – A type of plant native to warm climates, commonly used as an herbal supplement to help improve athletic performance, increase energy levels, and boost libido.
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Turmeric – A common spice made from the root of the turmeric plant, a type of plant native to South Asia, that has been shown to enhance the effects of certain substances, particularly compounds that are metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system. Turmeric root is commonly used as a spice and for its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving brain function.
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Valerian Root – An herb native to Europe and Asia, commonly used as a natural remedy for reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing pain.
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Watercress – A type of leafy green vegetable native to Europe and Asia, commonly used for its potential health benefits, including improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
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Wild Lettuce – A type of plant native to Europe, commonly used for its potential health benefits, including reducing pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing anxiety.
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White Willow Bark – A type of tree native to Europe and Asia, the bark of which is commonly used
Refers to drugs that can affect a person’s mental state.
A term used to describe substances that dissolve in a particular solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. A substance that is soluble in a given solvent will dissolve completely and will not form a separate layer or sediment. The solubility of a substance can vary based on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other substances.Â
ÂSolubility can be classified into different categories based on the physical and chemical properties of the substances being dissolved. For example, solubility can be classified based on the nature of the solvent, the concentration of the solution, or the presence of other substances that may affect solubility. For our purposes, some common categories include:
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Acid-soluble – A term used to describe substances that dissolve in acidic environments and can be effectively absorbed into the body through the stomach. Acid-soluble substances may have different effects on the body than those that are not soluble in acid.
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Fat-soluble – A term used to describe substances that dissolve in fats or oils and can be stored in the body’s fatty tissues. Fat-soluble substances are typically better absorbed and utilized by the body than water-soluble substances.
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Water-soluble – A term used to describe substances that dissolve in water and can be easily excreted from the body. Water-soluble substances are typically not stored in the body and have a lower risk of accumulation or toxicity.Refers to a method of administering a substance, such as a drug or supplement, by placing it under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. The sublingual route allows for quick and efficient delivery of a substance without the need for digestion, which is why it is often used for fast-acting products such as tinctures or quick-dissolve tablets.
Terpenes are organic compounds that give plants, including Cannabis, their distinct aroma and flavor.
A compound found in the cannabis plant that is responsible for its psychoactive effects. THC can be present in different forms and is usually referred to by its molecular weight or carbon number.
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THC-8 – Also known as delta-8-THC, this is a less well-known and less psychoactive form of THC compared to delta-9-THC.
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THC-9 – Also known as delta-9-THC, this is the most well-known and most psychoactive form of THC. It is fat-soluble and the primary form of THC present in most strains of marijuana.
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THC-A (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – A non-psychoactive form of THC that is found in the raw cannabis plant. It is the acidic form of THC and must undergo decarboxylation, a process that activates the THC compound, in order to convert it to its psychoactive form, THC-9. THC-A has its own set of therapeutic benefits and is commonly used in the medical marijuana field.
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Activated THC – Refers to THC that has undergone decarboxylation, which is a process that activates the THC compound to enhance its psychoactive effects. When THC is heated, the delta-9-THC is converted from its acidic form (THC-A) to its activated form (THC-9).
A psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that is thought to have potential therapeutic effects for appetite control and weight management.
A liquid extract of an herb or plant that is taken orally.
A product applied directly to the skin for localized effects.