Natural Health Glossary
Medical Terms, Therapies, Accreditation

Don't forget to check the Herbal Remedies/Herbology 101 reference for more definitions!

monoterpenes: Primary alcohols found in plant matter which play a role in the reduction of cholesterol and in stimulating apoptosis. Monoterpenes also increase the levels of liver enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens. This in turn appears to have anti-tumour and anticarcinogenic effects.
See also terpenes, phytochemicals, volatile oils.
find other pages containing: monoterpenes
sesquiterpenes: Common in higher plants, Sesquiterpenes are hydrocarbons (terpenes) with 15 carbon atoms. They are actually naturally occurring alcohols that very rarely exist in as volatile oils (able to evaporate at low temperatures).
When distilled from the plant matter, these compounds stimulate glands and the liver, and have anti-allergen, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
find other pages containing: sesquiterpenes
terpene: An unsaturated hydrocarbon obtained from plants.
Isomeric hydrocarbons of a pleasing aromatic odor, occuring especially in coniferous plants (evergreens). Includes turpentine and certain hydrocarbons found in essential or volatile oils.

Any of many aromatic hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives that are found especially in plant oils, and produce many of the scents and tastes of plant products (such as pine needles).
find other pages containing: terpene