Glossary
Hormone-health terms, defined
Plain-language definitions for the terms you’ll hear from a clinician and read in the journals. Each entry is medically reviewed and links to the deeper articles that explore it.
150 termsA
14 termsACE Inhibitors
Also: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors · ACEi
ACE inhibitors are medicines first approved in 1981 that lower blood pressure and protect the heart and kidneys by blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme.
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Agni
Also: digestive fire
Agni is an Ayurvedic concept for digestive and metabolic “fire,” traditionally described in 13 forms that govern transformation of food and tissues.
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Allergic Rhinitis
Also: hay fever · nasal allergy
Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated nasal allergy that affects about 1 in 6 people and causes sneezing, congestion, itching, and a runny nose.
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Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Also: ALA · thioctic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing antioxidant supplement that is most studied at 600 mg/day for diabetic nerve pain.
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Ama
Also: metabolic toxins
Ama is an Ayurvedic concept describing harmful byproducts of impaired digestion and metabolism, not a modern medical diagnosis.
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Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Also: Indian gooseberry · Emblica officinalis
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) is an Ayurvedic fruit used as food and herbal medicine, with limited human evidence for metabolic and antioxidant effects.
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Amlodipine
Also: Amlong · Norvasc
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker approved in 1987 that lowers blood pressure and treats some forms of angina.
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Anxiety Disorder
Also: generalized anxiety disorder · GAD
Anxiety disorder is a group of mental health conditions marked by excessive fear or worry; WHO estimated 359 million people were affected in 2021.
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ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
Also: angiotensin receptor blockers · ARB
ARBs are blood pressure medicines that block the angiotensin II type 1 receptor and are not safe in pregnancy.
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Arjuna
Also: Terminalia arjuna · arjun
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is an Ayurvedic tree bark herb traditionally used for heart health, but human evidence remains limited.
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Ashwagandha
Also: Withania somnifera · Indian ginseng
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb, Withania somnifera, that may modestly help stress and sleep over about 2 to 3 months.
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Aspirin
Also: acetylsalicylic acid · ASA
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a medicine used in low doses such as 75–100 mg to reduce blood clotting and in higher doses to relieve pain and fever.
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Asthma
Also: bronchial asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affected an estimated 363 million people worldwide in 2023.
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Atorvastatin
Also: Atorva · Lipitor
Atorvastatin is a statin medicine, approved in 1996, that lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces heart attack and stroke risk.
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B
8 termsBCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
Also: branched-chain amino acids · leucine isoleucine valine
BCAAs are the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, a 3-amino-acid group often sold for exercise recovery.
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Berberine
Also: berberine hydrochloride
Berberine is a plant alkaloid supplement; studies often use 1 gram/day or more, but evidence and product quality are variable.
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Beta-Blockers
Also: beta-adrenergic blockers · beta blockers
Beta-blockers are medicines that block beta receptors to slow the heart and lower blood pressure.
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Bhringraj
Also: Eclipta alba · Eclipta prostrata
Bhringraj is an Ayurvedic herb from Eclipta prostrata used traditionally for hair and liver health, but human clinical evidence remains limited.
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Bibhitaki
Also: Terminalia bellirica · baheda
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is an Ayurvedic medicinal fruit used in Triphala, with limited human evidence including a 2016 pilot trial in hyperuricemia.
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Biguanides
Also: metformin class
Biguanides are a drug class for type 2 diabetes; today metformin is the only widely used biguanide.
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Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Also: vitamin B7 · vitamin H
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B vitamin needed for metabolism; adults generally need about 30 mcg per day.
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Brahmi
Also: Bacopa monnieri · water hyssop
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for memory and anxiety, commonly studied at 300 mg/day of extract.
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C
11 termsCalcium
Also: Ca
Calcium is an essential mineral; over 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth.
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Chondroitin
Also: chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin is a cartilage-derived supplement, usually chondroitin sulfate, used mainly for osteoarthritis, but trial results remain inconsistent.
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Chromium
Also: Cr · trivalent chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral sold in supplements, but no RDA or AI has been set for healthy people.
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Chronic Kidney Disease
Also: CKD · chronic renal failure
Chronic kidney disease is kidney damage or an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for at least 3 months.
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Cinnamon
Also: dalchini · Cinnamomum
Cinnamon is the bark of Cinnamomum trees; cassia contains more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon.
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Coenzyme Q10
Also: CoQ10 · ubiquinone
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound that helps mitochondria make ATP and is sold as a supplement in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol.
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Collagen
Also: collagen peptides · hydrolyzed collagen
Collagen is the body’s main structural protein, and hydrolyzed collagen supplements are peptides usually about 3–6 kDa in size.
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Constipation
Also: chronic constipation
Constipation is difficult or infrequent bowel movements, often defined as 3 or fewer stools per week.
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Copper
Also: Cu
Copper is an essential trace mineral; the adult RDA is 900 mcg per day.
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Coronary Artery Disease
Also: CAD · heart disease
Coronary artery disease is narrowing or blockage of the heart’s arteries by plaque; in 2022 it caused 371,506 deaths in the U.S.
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Creatine
Also: creatine monohydrate
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound and supplement, usually taken as creatine monohydrate, that can improve high-intensity exercise performance.
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D
6 termsDengue Fever
Also: breakbone fever · dengue
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes an estimated 100–400 million infections worldwide each year.
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Depression
Also: major depressive disorder · MDD
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness or loss of interest for at least 2 weeks.
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Dhatu
Also: dhatus · body tissues
Dhatu is the Ayurvedic concept of 7 body tissues that support structure, nourishment, and function.
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Dosha
Also: doshas · tridosha
Dosha is Ayurveda’s three-part functional model of the body and mind: vata, pitta, and kapha.
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DPP-4 Inhibitors
Also: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors · gliptins
DPP-4 inhibitors are oral type 2 diabetes drugs that lower HbA1c by about 0.5% to 1% by prolonging incretin hormone action.
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Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol)
Also: high cholesterol · hyperlipidemia
Dyslipidemia is an abnormal blood lipid pattern, often with LDL cholesterol above 190 mg/dL in severe hypercholesterolemia.
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F
3 termsFatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Also: NAFLD · non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD) is excess fat in the liver not mainly caused by alcohol, and it is now the most common liver disease worldwide.
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Fenugreek (Methi)
Also: methi · Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek (methi) is a culinary and medicinal herb whose seeds have been used for about 6,000 years, but human evidence for supplements remains limited.
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Folate Deficiency
Also: folate deficiency anemia · low folate
Folate deficiency is too little vitamin B9 in the body, often causing megaloblastic anemia and raising pregnancy risk for neural tube defects.
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G
9 termsGERD (Acid Reflux)
Also: acidity · acid reflux
GERD is repeated acid reflux that causes troublesome symptoms or complications; about 20% of people in the United States have it.
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Gestational Diabetes
Also: GDM · pregnancy diabetes
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar first recognized during pregnancy, usually screened for at 24–28 weeks.
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Giloy (Guduchi)
Also: guduchi · Tinospora cordifolia
Giloy (Guduchi, Tinospora cordifolia) is an Ayurvedic climbing vine used traditionally as a rasayana, but human evidence is limited and liver injury has been reported.
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Ginger
Also: adrak · Zingiber officinale
Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, used as a food and traditional remedy; its best-supported use is reducing nausea.
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Also: glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists · GLP-1 agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medicines that mimic the gut hormone GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes and, for some drugs, obesity.
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Glucosamine
Also: glucosamine sulfate
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement, often taken as 1,500 mg/day, that is used mainly for osteoarthritis but has mixed evidence.
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Gokshura
Also: Tribulus terrestris · puncture vine
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for urinary and sexual health, but human evidence remains limited.
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Gout
Also: gouty arthritis · high uric acid
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystals, and about 50% of acute flares may occur without high serum uric acid.
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Guggul
Also: Commiphora mukul · Indian bdellium
Guggul is the resin of Commiphora mukul used in Ayurveda; modern evidence for cholesterol or weight loss benefits is limited and mixed.
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H
6 termsH2 Blockers
Also: histamine H2-receptor antagonists · H2 receptor blockers
H2 blockers are medicines that reduce stomach acid by blocking H2 receptors on stomach cells, and they can suppress 24-hour acid output by about 70%.
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Haritaki
Also: Terminalia chebula · chebulic myrobalan
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is an Ayurvedic medicinal fruit used traditionally for digestion and bowel health, but human evidence remains limited.
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Also: autoimmune thyroiditis · chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions.
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Hypertension
Also: high blood pressure · high BP
Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure, commonly defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher on repeated measurements.
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Hyperthyroidism
Also: overactive thyroid · thyrotoxicosis
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid state in which low TSH and high T3 and/or T4 cause excess thyroid hormone effects.
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Hypothyroidism
Also: underactive thyroid · low thyroid
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid; in the U.S., nearly 5 out of 100 people age 12 or older have it.
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I
6 termsInositol
Also: myo-inositol · D-chiro-inositol
Inositol is a sugar-like compound, often sold as myo-inositol or D-chiro-inositol, that is studied most for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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Insomnia
Also: sleeplessness · sleep disorder
Insomnia is a sleep disorder marked by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early despite enough chance to sleep.
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Iodine
Also: I · dietary iodine
Iodine is an essential trace mineral needed to make thyroid hormones; adults need 150 mcg per day.
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Iron
Also: Fe · dietary iron
Iron is an essential mineral; adults contain about 3–4 g, most of it in hemoglobin that carries oxygen in blood.
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Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Also: IDA · anaemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia caused by too little iron to make hemoglobin, and it affects about 1.2 billion people worldwide.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Also: irritable bowel syndrome · spastic colon
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gut-brain interaction disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain with altered bowel habits.
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K
3 termsKalmegh (Andrographis)
Also: Andrographis paniculata · kalonji of fever
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a bitter medicinal herb used in Ayurveda and other Asian traditions, with limited human evidence for some infections.
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Kapha
Also: kapha dosha
Kapha is one of Ayurveda’s 3 doshas and is linked with structure, lubrication, and stability in the body.
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Kutki
Also: Picrorhiza kurroa · katuka
Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is a bitter Ayurvedic herb whose rhizome contains picrosides, compounds studied mainly for possible liver-related effects.
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L
3 termsL-Glutamine
Also: glutamine
L-glutamine is the body’s most abundant free amino acid and a supplement used mainly to support gut and immune function.
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L-Theanine
Also: theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid from tea leaves that is sold as a supplement, often in 200 mg doses for relaxation without strong sedation.
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Levothyroxine (Thyroxine)
Also: levothyroxine · L-thyroxine
Levothyroxine is synthetic thyroxine (T4), a once-daily thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism.
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M
12 termsMagnesium
Also: Mg
Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports over 300 enzyme systems in the body.
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Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is a magnesium salt used as a supplement and laxative; normal serum magnesium is about 0.75–0.95 mmol/L.
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Magnesium Glycinate
Also: magnesium bisglycinate
Magnesium glycinate is a magnesium supplement bound to glycine; the adult upper limit from supplements is 350 mg/day of elemental magnesium.
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Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium oxide is a magnesium salt used as a supplement and osmotic laxative; it has relatively low absorption compared with some other magnesium forms.
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Manganese
Also: Mn
Manganese is an essential trace mineral; adults need about 1.8–2.3 mg/day, and too much can harm the nervous system.
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Manjistha
Also: Rubia cordifolia · Indian madder
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for skin and blood-related disorders; human clinical evidence remains limited.
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Melatonin
Also: sleep hormone
Melatonin is a hormone and supplement that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle over a roughly 24-hour circadian rhythm.
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Metabolic Syndrome
Also: syndrome X · insulin resistance syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of at least 3 risk factors that raises the chances of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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Metformin
Also: Glycomet · Glucophage
Metformin is an oral biguanide diabetes medicine, first approved in 1994, that lowers blood glucose mainly by reducing liver glucose production.
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Migraine
Also: migraine headache
Migraine is a neurologic disorder causing recurrent headache attacks, and about one-third of people with migraine have aura.
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Milk Thistle
Also: silymarin · Silybum marianum
Milk thistle is a herbal supplement from Silybum marianum whose main extract, silymarin, is used for liver-related conditions, but evidence is mixed.
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Moringa (Drumstick)
Also: Moringa oleifera · drumstick
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a nutrient-rich tree used as food and in Ayurveda, but human evidence for supplements remains limited.
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N
3 termsNAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
Also: N-acetylcysteine · N-acetyl cysteine
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a cysteine-derived medicine and supplement active that is almost 100% effective for acetaminophen overdose if given within 8 hours.
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Neem
Also: Azadirachta indica · Indian lilac
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an Ayurvedic medicinal tree whose leaves, bark, and seed oil are used traditionally, but human evidence is limited.
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NSAIDs
Also: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs · painkillers
NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking cyclo-oxygenase enzymes.
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O
5 termsObesity
Also: overweight · high BMI
Obesity is excess body fat that raises health risk; in adults, BMI 30 kg/m² or higher is the usual screening cutoff.
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Ojas
Also: vital essence
Ojas is an Ayurvedic concept of vital essence that supports life, strength, and resilience, traditionally described in 2 forms.
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Omega-3 (Fish Oil)
Also: fish oil · EPA
Omega-3 fish oil is a supplement that provides EPA and DHA, two essential fatty acids that can lower high triglyceride levels.
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Osteoarthritis
Also: OA · degenerative joint disease
Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis, affecting about 528 million people worldwide in 2019 and causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced function.
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Osteoporosis
Also: brittle bones · low bone density
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bone mineral density falls and fracture risk rises; a DXA T-score of -2.5 or lower defines osteoporosis.
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P
16 termsPanchakarma
Also: five actions · detox therapy
Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing system of 5 core procedures used to balance doshas, not a medically proven detox.
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Pantoprazole
Also: Pan · Protonix
Pantoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that lowers stomach acid, with acid suppression lasting about 24 to 48 hours after a dose.
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Paracetamol
Also: acetaminophen · Crocin
Paracetamol is a pain- and fever-relieving drug; in adults, the usual maximum total dose is 4,000 mg per day.
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PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Also: polycystic ovary syndrome · PCOD
PCOS is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting about 10–13% of reproductive-aged women worldwide.
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Peppermint
Also: pudina · Mentha piperita
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a mint herb whose oil may help irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, based on a 2022 review of 10 studies.
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Peptic Ulcer Disease
Also: stomach ulcer · gastric ulcer
Peptic ulcer disease is an acid-related sore in the stomach or duodenum; gastric ulcers are often defined as defects larger than 5 mm.
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Phosphorus
Also: P · phosphate
Phosphorus is an essential mineral; about 85% of the body’s phosphorus is stored in bones and teeth.
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Pitta
Also: pitta dosha
Pitta is one of Ayurveda’s 3 doshas and is the principle linked to digestion, metabolism, heat, and transformation.
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Potassium
Also: K
Potassium is an essential mineral and the main intracellular cation; normal blood potassium is about 3.5–5.0 mEq/L.
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Prakriti
Also: constitution · body constitution
Prakriti is an Ayurvedic concept of a person’s innate constitution, usually described through 3 doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.
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Prebiotics
Also: prebiotic fiber
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components, usually fibers, that selectively feed beneficial gut microbes and are fermented in the colon.
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Prediabetes
Also: borderline diabetes · impaired glucose tolerance
Prediabetes is blood sugar above normal but below diabetes, often defined by an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%.
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Probiotics
Also: good bacteria · gut bacteria supplement
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in adequate amounts, can provide a health benefit to the host.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Also: proton pump inhibitors · PPI
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are acid-suppressing medicines; six PPIs were FDA-approved by 2015 for reflux, ulcers, and related conditions.
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Psyllium Husk
Also: isabgol · ispaghula
Psyllium husk is a soluble, gel-forming fiber from Plantago ovata seeds that is commonly used for constipation and can also lower LDL cholesterol.
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Punarnava
Also: Boerhavia diffusa · spreading hogweed
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for swelling and urinary complaints, but human evidence remains limited.
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R
3 termsRasayana
Also: rejuvenation therapy
Rasayana is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation approach described in classical texts to support healthy aging, vitality, and disease resistance.
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Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol found in grapes and peanuts that has low oral bioavailability despite broad laboratory effects.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Also: RA · autoimmune arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that inflames joints; WHO estimated 18 million people were living with it in 2019.
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S
11 termsSarcopenia
Also: age-related muscle loss
Sarcopenia is age-related loss of muscle strength and mass that can begin as early as the 4th decade of life.
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Selenium
Also: Se
Selenium is an essential trace mineral; the adult RDA is 55 mcg/day and too little or too much can both cause harm.
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SGLT2 Inhibitors
Also: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors · gliflozins
SGLT2 inhibitors are oral drugs that lower blood glucose by blocking kidney glucose reabsorption and are usually taken once daily.
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Shatavari
Also: Asparagus racemosus
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for women’s health, but human evidence remains limited.
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Shilajit
Also: mineral pitch · mumijo
Shilajit is a traditional Ayurvedic mineral pitch; human evidence is limited, and product purity is a major safety concern.
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Sodium
Also: Na · dietary sodium
Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte; WHO advises adults to keep intake below 2,000 mg of sodium per day.
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Spirulina
Also: blue-green algae
Spirulina is a blue-green cyanobacterial supplement that is about 55%–70% protein by dry weight.
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Srotas
Also: body channels
Srotas are Ayurvedic “body channels,” a concept describing pathways that carry substances and support body function; classical texts describe many such channels.
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SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Also: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors · antidepressants
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are antidepressant medicines that raise serotonin signaling; citalopram doses above 40 mg/day are unsafe.
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Statins
Also: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors · cholesterol-lowering drugs
Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that lower LDL cholesterol and reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
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Sulfonylureas
Also: sulphonylureas
Sulfonylureas are oral type 2 diabetes drugs that lower HbA1c by about 1% to 1.25% by increasing insulin release.
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T
7 termsTelmisartan
Also: Telma · Micardis
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure, commonly taken once daily in 20, 40, or 80 mg doses.
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Triphala
Also: three fruits
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic blend of 3 fruits used mainly for digestion, but human evidence remains limited.
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Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Also: holy basil · Ocimum sanctum
Tulsi (holy basil) is an Ayurvedic herb, Ocimum tenuiflorum, studied in small human trials for stress and metabolic effects.
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Turmeric (Curcumin)
Also: curcumin · Curcuma longa
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice and Ayurvedic herb whose main studied compound, curcumin, makes up about 1% to 6% of dried turmeric extract.
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Type 1 Diabetes
Also: T1DM · insulin-dependent diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin, and about 5% to 10% of diabetes cases are type 1.
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Type 2 Diabetes
Also: T2DM · adult-onset diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body resists insulin and insulin production becomes inadequate.
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Typhoid Fever
Also: enteric fever · typhoid
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, with about 9 million cases worldwide each year.
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V
19 termsVacha
Also: Acorus calamus · sweet flag
Vacha (Acorus calamus) is an Ayurvedic herb whose rhizome is traditionally used for digestion and cognition, but human evidence remains limited.
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Vasaka
Also: Adhatoda vasica · Malabar nut
Vasaka is an Ayurvedic herb from Adhatoda vasica used for cough and breathing symptoms; its best-known alkaloid is vasicine.
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Vata
Also: vata dosha
Vata is one of Ayurveda’s 3 doshas and describes movement-related functions; Ayurveda links imbalance to dryness, irregularity, and disturbed sleep.
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Vidanga
Also: Embelia ribes · false black pepper
Vidanga is the Ayurvedic herb Embelia ribes, a fruit-bearing plant used traditionally for intestinal worms and digestion.
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Vitamin A
Also: retinol · beta-carotene
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient needed for vision, immunity, and growth; the adult UL for preformed vitamin A is 3,000 mcg RAE/day.
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Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Also: thiamine · thiamin
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin needed for energy metabolism, with only about 25–30 mg stored in the adult body.
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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Also: cobalamin · methylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin needed for DNA synthesis, red blood cells, and nerve function; adults need 2.4 mcg/day.
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Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Also: cobalamin deficiency · low B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of cobalamin that can cause anemia and nerve damage, and some labs use serum B12 below 200 pg/mL as a cutoff.
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Also: riboflavin
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a water-soluble vitamin needed to make the coenzymes FAD and FMN for energy metabolism.
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Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Also: niacin · nicotinic acid
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin needed to make NAD and NADP, with adult RDAs of 14–16 mg NE per day.
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Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Also: pantothenic acid
Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble B vitamin with an adult adequate intake of 5 mg/day.
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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Also: pyridoxine
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin needed for more than 100 enzyme reactions, especially in protein metabolism.
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Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Also: folate · folic acid
Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation.
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Vitamin C
Also: ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble essential vitamin; the adult RDA is 90 mg/day for men and 75 mg/day for women.
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Vitamin D
Also: cholecalciferol · vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps calcium absorption and bone health; deficiency is often defined as 25(OH)D below 20 ng/mL.
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Vitamin D Deficiency
Also: hypovitaminosis D · low vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a low blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, commonly defined as less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L).
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Vitamin D3 Supplement (Cholecalciferol)
Also: cholecalciferol supplement · vitamin D3 capsule
Vitamin D3 supplement (cholecalciferol) is a form of vitamin D used to prevent or treat deficiency and support calcium balance and bone health.
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Vitamin E
Also: tocopherol · alpha-tocopherol
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient; adults need 15 mg/day of alpha-tocopherol to help protect cell membranes from oxidation.
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Vitamin K
Also: phylloquinone · vitamin K1
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for normal blood clotting and bone-related proteins; adult adequate intake is 90–120 mcg/day.
Reviewed by Nano Health Insights Editorial Team