Category: P
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Periwinkle
Ornamental subshrub widely cultivated in the tropics. Periwinkle also known as Madagascar Periwinkle. A diminutive marine gastropod exhibiting an attractive black coiled shell, frequently encountered along the shorelines of Scotland and England, and frequently consumed as food. Although a freshwater variety of periwinkle is present in the Mississippi valley, it is not a customary component…
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Peppermint
A perennial mint with dark green leaves and small pink flowers. Peppermint also known as Brandy Mint. A perennial herb, Mentha piperita, cultivated for its aromatic leaves and used as a flavoring agent, carminative, antiemetic, and gastrointestinal antispasmodic. Resembling the familiar garden spearmint, this European plant possesses a more distinct aroma and flavor. It serves…
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Passionflower
A climbing vine with colorful blooms and sweet, edible berries that contain tranquilizing, non-addictive compounds. An herbal remedy from the American shrub or vine Passiflora incarnata, used primarily as a sedative or calming agent. Its effectiveness has not been systematically tested in human beings.
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Papaya
A tropical tree that bears a yellow edible fruit which contains vitamin A and C. Papaya also known as Papaw, Paw-Paw, and Melon Tree. A large herb of the family Caricaceae, native to the American tropics and cultivated for its edible fruit and latex-bearing leaves and stem, which contain digestive enzymes. A tropical fruit that…
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Prodrug
A substance that is converted to its active form within the body. An inert drug that becomes active only after it is transformed or metabolized by the body.
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Prescription drug
A drug that requires a prescription from a physician. Drugs or medicines that can legally be dispensed only by a prescription. A drug available to the public only upon prescription. The availability of such drugs is thus limited because the drug is considered dangerous if used without a physician’s supervision. A drug which can only…
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Premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome; can occur a few days before menstruation with symptoms of anxiety, irritability, changing mood, insomnia, headache, swollen breasts, abdominal pain and oedema. A group of symptoms that appear to result from an accumulation of fluids during the week or so before menstruation occurs. Nervous stress experienced by a woman for one or two…
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Phytotherapy
Application of plant drugs or products derived from them to cure diseases or to relieve their symptoms. The treatment of disease by plants; herbal medicine. The use of plant extracts in the maintenance of health or the treatment of disease.
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Photosensitisation
Increasing sensitivity to sunlight.
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Phosphodiesterase
Enzyme of signal transduction; inactivates cAMP or cGMP. An enzyme critical for the breakdown of cyclic adenosine monophosphate.