Glossary from NeuroGenesis, Inc.

Glossary of Terms
- from NeuroGenesis, Inc.

Key Word	Definitions
5HTP	5-Hydroxy Tryptophan is produced from L-tryptophan and is the immediate precursor or building block for serotonin. L-tryptophan is controlled by the FDA, 5HTP is NOT controlled. 5HTP is a natural state product extracted by grinding seeds from the Griffonia plant, separating it from other plant ingredients with enzymes and using the powder as the building block for serotonin. It is not a "synthetic" or manufactured ingredient. Previous Page
Acetylcholine	First chemical found to function as a neurotransmitter. Functions chiefly in the involuntary muscle systems and as part of thought production in the brain. Previous Page
Adenine (A)	A purine base that is a constituent of DNA and RNA and an important energy transport and storage component in cellular metabolism Previous Page
Adrenal medulla	The inner, reddish brown, soft part of the adrenal gland; it synthesizes, stores, and releases catecholamines Previous Page
Adrenaline	A trademark for a preparation of epinephrine Previous Page
Adrenergic	Activated by or capable of releasing epinephrine or an epinephrinelike substance, especially in the sympathetic nervous system. Having physiological effects similar to those of epinephrine. Previous Page
Agonists	Any agent that increases or aids the action of another agent. Previous Page
Amino Acids	The building blocks for protein and precursors for neurotransmitters. There are approximately 22 recognized amino acids in the human body (see amino acid facts) Previous Page
Anhedonia	A condition marked by an inability to experience pleasure. Previous Page
Antagonists	Any agent that slows down, prevents or inhibits oxidation, and helps to check deterioration. Previous Page
Anti-convulsant	An agent that stops or slows involuntary contractions know as convulsions. Previous Page
Anti-inflammatory	Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms Previous Page
Antibodies	An immunoglobulin molecule that reacts with a specific antigen that induced its synthesis and with similar molecules; classified according to mode of action as agglutinin, bacteriolysin, hemolysin, opsonin, or precipitin. Antibodies are synthesized by B lymphocytes that have been activated by the binding of an antigen to a cell-surface receptor. Previous Page
Antioxidant	An agent that slows down, prevents or inhibits oxidation and helps to check deterioration. Previous Page
Antipsychotic medications	Effective in the treatment of psychotic disorders; also, an agent that so acts. Antipsychotics are a chemically diverse but pharmacologically similar class of drugs; besides psychotic disorders, some are also used to treat movement disorders, intractable hiccups, or severe nausea and vomiting. Previous Page
Arginine	An amino acid which acts as an immune stimulator and an important component in tissue generation and regeneration. It is most highly concentrated in the skin and connective tissue and stimulates the pituitary gland into producing growth hormone. Previous Page
Axon	The projection leading from the cell body outward toward connections with other cells. It carries electrical information in the form of chemicals which lead to the release of neurotransmitters. Previous Page
Barbiturates	Any of a group of barbituric acid derivatives that act as central nervous system depressants and are used as sedatives or hypnotics. Previous Page
Benzodiazapines	Any of a group of psychotropic agents used as anti-anxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and hypnotics. Previous Page
Blood-brain barrier	Semi-permeable barrier that regulates the passage of dissolved materials from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. Previous Page
Borage	It is extracted from the seeds of borage; used for the treatment of neurodermatitis and as a food supplement. Previous Page
Brainstem	The portion of the brain, consisting of the medulla oblongata, pons Varolii, and mesencephalon, that connects the spinal cord to the forebrain and cerebrum. Previous Page
Carnitine	An amino acid made from two other aminos, methionine and lysine. Carnitine helps carry fat into the cells where it is burned to release energy. By reducing fat carnitine helps to prevent heart disease. Previous Page
Catacholamine	Refers to the chemicals dopamine, norepinepherine, and epinephrine. Previous Page
Catechol group	A chemical configuration which includes norepinepherine and dopamine. Previous Page
Catecholaminergic	Activated by or capable or releasing the catacholamines dopamine and norepinepherine. Previous Page
Cerebral cortex	The "higher" center of the brain. The cerebral cortex is the seat of perception and logical thinking, as well as of certain aspects of motor activity. Previous Page
ChAT	Choline Acetyl Transferase is an enzyme involved in the production of Acetylcholine. Previous Page
Chloride Channel	An opening in the synaptic membrane of the presynaptic neuron which, when activated by chloride, slows down the release of neurotransmitters. Previous Page
Codons	Sequence of three adjacent nucleotides constituting the genetic code that specifies the insertion of an amino acid in a specific structural position in a polypeptide chain during the synthesis of proteins. Previous Page
Cofactors	Substance, such as a metallic iron or coenzyme, that must be associated with an enzyme for the substance to function. Previous Page
CoQ10 (Coenzyme10)	A coenzyme found in nearly every human cell. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and helps it to preserve Vitamin E. Previous Page
Cortex	The outer layer of an organ or other structure, as distinguished from its inner substance. Previous Page
Cortical structures	Refers to various aspects and areas of brain tissue and functions. Previous Page
Cytosine (C)	A component of ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic aids (DNA). Previous Page
d-Phenylalanine	The "mirror image" amino of L-phenylalanine. Less active in metabolism than the L form d-phenylalananine helps to control enzyme activity within cells and synapses. Previous Page
Decarboxylase	An enzyme that affects the release of carbon dioxide from compounds such as amino acids. Previous Page
Dendrites	The receiving "arms" of cells containing receptor sites for chemicals which communicate information between cells. Previous Page
Depressive Disorders	Included in "Mood Disorders" and characterized by specific symptoms such as depressed mood or loss of interest accompanied by other clinical symptoms. Previous Page
Dissociative Disorders	Refers to a disruption in the usual functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. Previous Page
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)	A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the biological development of a cellular form of life or a virus. All known cellular life and some viruses have DNA. DNA is a long polymer of nucleotides (a polynucleotide) that encodes the sequence of amino acid residues in proteins, using the genetic code. Previous Page
Dopa	Also known as l-dopa or levodopa. L-dopa is in the metabolic line of dopamine and is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Previous Page
Dopamine	A neurotransmitter produced in the adrenal glands and in the brain. This transmitter is important in multiple functions relating to "attachment", "love", "remorse", and fine muscle movement. Excess dopamine activity has been linked to "schizophrenia like" conditions and deficiencies linked to "Parkinson like" conditions. Previous Page
Dopaminergic	Caused or influenced by dopamine. Previous Page
Enantiomer	Mirror image. Previous Page
Endorphins	A morphine like amino peptide. The name has been given to one of three classes of endogenous opioids, and is used to designate the entire group of internal peptides that have morphine-like characteristics. Previous Page
Enkephalin	A "peptide" (five amino acids linked together) important in physical pain management as well as euphoria. Term is interchangeable with "endorphin". Previous Page
Enzymes	Complex proteins that are capable of inducing chemical changes in other substances without themselves being changed. Each enzyme is capable of breaking down only a single specific substance. Previous Page
Essential Amino Acids	Amino acids that cannot be synthesized and are, therefore, essential to be taken in through nutrition (diet or supplement). Previous Page
Essential Fatty Acids	Necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize and must be taken in thru diet or supplementation. Previous Page
Evening primrose oil	Evening primrose oil (EPO) contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is felt to be the active ingredient. EPO has been studied in a wide variety of disorders, particularly those affected by metabolic products of essential fatty acids. Previous Page
Excitatory	Term used to denote when a neuron is "stimulated" to pass chemical message down axon to release neurotransmitters. Usually refers to those neurons producing activity. Previous Page
Federal Drug Administration (FDA)	An agency within the U.S. Public Health Service, which is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. It regulates and enforces safety laws pertaining to food, cosmetics, medicines, nutritional supplements and medical devices and feed and drugs for pets and farm animals. The FDA ensures that all of these products are labeled truthfully with the information that people need to use them properly. Previous Page
Flaxseed oil	Obtained by extracting the oil from flaxseeds; they stimulates the immune system, helps absorb calcium and has anti-tumor properties, anti-oxidant, helps with diabetic conditions, and lowers triglycerides and cholesterol. Previous Page
Folic Acid	Part of the water soluble vitamin B complex which functions as a coenzyme together with vitamins B 12 and C in the breakdown and utilization of proteins. Previous Page
Fulvic Acid	An organic matter considered to be a major antioxidant source that enhances the availability and absorbability of other nutrients. Previous Page
GABA	Stands for Gamma Amino Butyric Acid the major inhibitory or calming transmitter in the brain and body. Works to "slow down" or inhibit the firings of excitatory neurons such as adrenalin and norepinepherine to reduce "anxiety". Previous Page
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)	A form of Omega 6 that helps safeguard immune defenses and is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Previous Page
Glutamic Acid	A non-essential, acidic, genetically coded amino acid. Previous Page
Glutamine	An amino acid that is a major precursor for the neurotransmitter GABA. Previous Page
Gluten sensitive	Intolerance to wheat, rye, oats, barley and other grains. Previous Page
Glycine	An amino acid which functions as an "inhibitory" neurotransmitter in the nerve cells of the spinal cord. Helps to control our motor functions - the way our bodies move. Previous Page
Green Tea Extract	Taken from a decaffeinated source of tea, powerful antioxidant and is primarily used for its free radical fighting capabilities. Previous Page
Griffonia plant	A plant found in Africa. 5HTP is derived from the seeds of this plant. Previous Page
Guanine (G)	A purine base that is an essential constituent of both RNA and DNA Previous Page
Hormones	Substance formed in an organ, gland or part of the body that is carried by a body fluid to another part of the body where it has a specific effect or function. Previous Page
Human Growth Hormone	Acts to burn up excess fat and tone existing muscle. Production and release slows as we age. Previous Page
Hydroxylase	Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the formation of a hydroxyl group on a substrate by incorporation of one atom (monooxygenases) or two atoms (dioxygenases) of oxygen from O2. Previous Page
Hypertension	A condition in which the patient has a higher blood pressure than judged to be normal. Previous Page
Inhibitory	Refers to slowing down or preventing the "excitatory" effect of neurotransmitters. Previous Page
Iron	it is an essential constituent of hemoglobin, cytochrome, and other components of respiratory enzyme systems. Depletion of iron stores may result in iron-deficiency anemia. Previous Page
Limbic area	Refers to several structures lying just beneath the cerebral cortex collectively referred to as the "limbic area" because they form a "ring" around the brainstem. Research suggests these structures are the major regulators of emotional behavior. Previous Page
Lower Brain	Refers to area of brain called "brainstem" which houses human survival instincts as well as respiratory or breathing action. Previous Page
Lysine	A naturally occurring, essential amino acid, necessary for optimal growth in human infants and for maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium in adults. The acetate and hydrochloride salts are used in dietary supplementation. Previous Page
Maladaptive	Term used by Mental Health to describe conditions which are not "normal". Previous Page
Melatonin	A light sensitive, cyclical hormone produced by the pineal gland. It causes us to get sleepy when it gets dark, birds to fly south in winter, bears to know when to hibernate, etc. It is formed from the neurotransmitter serotonin. Previous Page
Methionine	Amino acid found in most dairy products and meat, but is low in vegetables. For this reason vegetarians benefit from supplementing their diets with methionine. This amino works to improve tone and pliability of skin, conditions hair and strengthens nails. Methionine has been found to assist in the reduction of "homocysteine", a chemical linked to heart disease. Previous Page
Mitochondria	Microscopic filaments that serve as the source of energy in the cell an dare involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. Previous Page
Monoamine oxidase (MAO)	A type of antidepressant medication (Marplan, Parnate and Nardil) that can cause serious hypertensive crisis if taken with over-the-counter ingredients, other drugs [prescription or otherwise] or amino acids. Previous Page
Myelin	Fatty-like sheath which surrounds axons to protect and improve electrical activity. Previous Page
Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)	A protein believed to be important in the process of myelinatioin of nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Previous Page
Neurochemicals	An organic molecule that participates in neural activity. Previous Page
Neurons	The cells that facilitate communication within the brain. It is estimated there are about 100 billion neurons in a healthy brain. Previous Page
Neurotransmitters	Chemicals which are released from axons to seek receptors on dendrites or cell bodies much like a key fitting a lock. If the "key" unlocks a receptor the next action is for the neuron (cell) to start a chemical sequence which continues the process and releases transmitters. Certain neurotransmitters are "excitatory" (they stimulate action) and certain are inhibitory (slows or stops cell action). Only a limited number of chemicals have been identified as "neurotransmitters". Previous Page
Niacin	A water-soluble vitamin of the B complex required by the body for the formation of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, important in biochemical oxidations. Previous Page
Nitric oxide	A naturally occurring gas that in the body is a short-lived dilator substance released from vascular endothelial cells in response to the binding of vasodilators; it inhibits muscular contraction and produces relaxation, and is toxic in the central nervous system. Previous Page
Nodes of Ranvier	Small "channels" located on axon which allow entrance and exit of chemicals involved in producing electrical like activity of neuron. Previous Page
Non-Essential Amino Acids	Can be synthesized from nitrogen, carbohydrates and fats. Each amino has its own specific purpose and one can not be substituted for another Previous Page
Noradrenalin	A catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses. Previous Page
Norepinephrine	Term given to adrenalin in the brain. NE is an excitatory or stimulating neurotransmitter which governs "fight or flight", heart rate, BP, all the aspects of high activity. Previous Page
Nucleotides	Any of various compounds consisting of a nucleoside combined with a phosphate group and forming the basic constituent of DNA and RNA. Previous Page
Omega 3	Any of various polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found primarily in fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables, and that seem to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Previous Page
Opiates	Any of various sedative narcotics that contain opium or one or more of its natural or synthetic derivatives. A drug, hormone, or other chemical substance that has sedative or narcotic effects similar to those containing opium or its derivatives. Also called opioid. Previous Page
Ornithine	Manufactured from Arginine and works to stimulate the immune system and support growth hormone release. Previous Page
Oropharangeal motor patterns	Those patterns associated with early "nursing" by the infant including eye contact, touch, cooing, etc. Previous Page
Parkinson's Disease	A progressive nervous disease associated with the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine and characterized by muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture and weakness. Previous Page
Peptide bond	A chemical bond between two molecules usually occurring between two amino acids. Previous Page
Phenylketonuria (PKU)	A rare, inherited metabolic disease caused by a defect that prevents the conversion of the essential amino acid, phenylalanine, into a useful form. Previous Page
Pigmented melanoma	A dark colored usually malignant tumor of the skin. Previous Page
Pineal Gland	A small gland like structure in the brain, shaped like a pine cone. The major site for melatonin synthesis. Previous Page
Polypeptide	A union of two or more amino acids. Previous Page
Post synaptic terminal	Refers to the area adjacent to synapse on receiving dendrite or nerve cell. Previous Page
Presynaptic terminal	Refers to the terminal end of the sending neuron or axon. Previous Page
Receptors	Small areas situated on cell bodies and dendrites and often described as "locks" waiting for "keys" (neurotransmitters) to operate them. If a "key" (transmitter) fits a "lock" and opens the receptor then the cell is stimulated to fire or inhibited from firing depending on which receptor (lock) is used. Previous Page
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)	The amounts of nutrients and calories an individual is recommended to consume daily, especially the amounts of vitamins and minerals recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. Previous Page
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)	A polymeric constituent of all living cells and many viruses, consisting of a long, usually single-stranded chain of alternating phosphate and ribose units with the bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil bonded to the ribose. The structure and base sequence of RNA are determinants of protein synthesis and the transmission of genetic information. Previous Page
Schizophrenia	Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, other biological, and psychosocial factors. Previous Page
Selenium	A trace mineral that works as an antioxidant and provides immune system support. Combined with Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection. Previous Page
Semi-essential amino acid	Some amino acids such as Histidine are "on the edge" of being required essentially in nutrition and non-essential because they can be made from other chemicals. Apparently nutritional intake and availability are important determinants. Previous Page
Serotonin	Critical neurotransmitter in many varied functions in the body and brain. Nutritionally derived from L-tryptophan or 5HTP Serotonin functions in sensory input from our surroundings, helps stabilize emotions, helps control appetite, relaxes blood vessels, helps keep us asleep . Deficiencies occur in females during PMS and menopause which accounts for the value of added 5HTP during these times. Previous Page
Serotonin syndrome	Increased serotonin in the central nervous system usually as a result of therapeutic drug use, intentional self-poisoning, or inadvertent interactions between drugs. These changes are more pronounced following supra-therapeutic doses and overdoses, and they merge in a continuum with the toxic effects Previous Page
Sociopathic	Refers to persons who have an inability to feel remorse about their actions. Previous Page
Somatosensory	Refers to areas of the body which receive and integrate sensory information from the environment, including sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Previous Page
Spasticity	Usually caused by a condition in which there are faulty links between the brain and motor nerves causing jerky or involuntary movements. Previous Page
SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)	A class of drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system, used to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. Previous Page
Sub-lingual	Situated beneath or on the underside of the tongue. Previous Page
Sympathetic Nervous System	The part of the autonomic nervous system originating in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord that in general inhibits or opposes the physiological effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, as in tending to reduce digestive secretions, speeding up the heart, and contracting blood vessels. Previous Page
Sympathomimetic	Derived from the autonomic sympathetic nervous system, also adrenergic. Previous Page
Synapse	Tiny space between the axon of one neuron and the receiving dendrite of next neuron. Neurotransmitters cross this space seeking receptors. Previous Page
Synergistically	The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Previous Page
Synthesizing	To combine so as to form a new, complex product. Previous Page
Taurine	A sulfur containing amino acid. It also functions with glycine and GABA as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body. Previous Page
Thymine (T)	A pyrimidine base that is an essential constituent of DNA. Previous Page
Tocopherols	Any of a group of closely related, fat-soluble alcohols constituting vitamin E and similar compounds. Previous Page
Transcription	The process by which messenger RNA is synthesized from a DNA template resulting in the transfer of genetic information from the DNA molecule to the messenger RNA. Previous Page
Triglyceride levels	Measurement of a naturally occurring ester of three fatty acids and glycerol that is the chief constituent of fats and oils. Previous Page
Tryptophan	An essential amino acid, formed from proteins during digestion by the action of proteolytic enzymes. It is necessary for normal growth and development and is the precursor of several substances, including serotonin and niacin. Previous Page
Tyrosine	A white crystalline amino acid that is obtained from the hydrolysis of proteins such as casein and is a precursor of epinephrine, thyroxine, and melanin. Previous Page
Use-dependent development/organization	The brain develops and organizes its functions depending on how it is influenced by the environment. If a developing brain is constantly under threat then the "threat response" mechanism will be highly developed and dominant. Previous Page
Vitamin B6	B vitamin that is essential for metabolism of amino acids and starch. Previous Page
Vitamin E	Any of several fat-soluble vitamins consisting of tocopherols, especially alpha-tocopherol, that are found chiefly in plant leaves, wheat germ oil, and milk and that act as antioxidants in the body. Previous Page
Withdrawal	The discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance and the physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies such discontinuation. Previous Page
Zinc	An essential mineral that is needed for the metabolism of essential fatty acid and many enzymes. It also provides immune system support and cellular health. Previous Page