Phyto- Health Dictionary

The British Pharmacopoeia name for vitamin K. (See APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS.)... phytomenadione

Botanical or herbal medicine, often with a heavy emphasis on studies and monographs and their medical implications (with virtually none from North America), and with a philosophy of “little drug” medical uses and the reliance on the European phytopharmaceutical industry (where the studies came from). No judgment here; this approach is of great value to physicians, since it offers clear implications for medical use. This approach is, however, medical and mechanistic, not vitalist and wholistic... phytotherapy

Plant lipids, with little other than dietary value, but often excitedly referred to as “Hormone Precursors” with incorrect but well-meaning pseudo­science. See: STEROIDS, PLANT... phytosterols

Published six-monthly by the School of Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine), edited by Hein Zeylstra. Scientific journal for the professional. Enquiries: School of Phytotherapy, Bucksteep Manor, Bodle Street Green, near Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4RJ, UK. ... british journal of phytotherapy

Oestrogens that occur naturally in plants.... phyto-oestrogens

n. one of a large group of non-nutritive compounds made by plants that have an effect on health. They include *antioxidants, flavonoids, flavanols, flavanones, isoflavones, anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, phyto-oestogens, and others.... phytochemical

(PHA) n. a plant-derived alkaloid that stimulates T lymphocytes to divide in the test tube.... phytohaemagglutinin

n. an eruption of linear blisters occurring after exposure to light in people who have been in contact with certain plants, such as wild parsnip or cow parsley, to which they are sensitive. A particularly dramatic reaction occurs with giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). The skin often appears brown as the blisters resolve.... phytophotodermatitis

n. any poisonous substance (toxin) produced by a plant, such as any of the toxins produced by fungi of the genus *Amanita.... phytotoxin

plant substances that mimic the action of human hormones.... phytohormones