Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Pinene
Pinene is a small, volatile compound found in some essential oils such as chamomile, sage, and pine. It has two “isomer” forms—alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Alpha-pinene in the lab is calming (increases GABA), mood- and memory-boosting, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
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Neuroprotection
A compound is neuroprotective if it preserves the structure and function of brain cells, for example by preventing oxidation and inflammation, actions that are also fundamental to maintaining the health of plants and the animals that consume them. Also important is countering protein deposits from cellular degeneration that occur naturally in the aging brain (and…
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Multidrug
A term used to describe the polypharmaceutical nature of plants that contain more than one bioactive chemical constituent.
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Meta-analysis
A review of several independent trials that have shown a plant’s efficacy. This is the highest level of clinical evidence and several meta-analyses provide the most reliable information. It assesses the quality of trials and statistically analyzes those that are deemed methodologically sound for efficacy. A quantitative method of combining the results of independent studies…
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Laboratory
Plants or their chemicals are tested on molecules or cells (in vitro) or in animal models (in vivo). They are significant if independent research groups show similar effects in a variety of different study types for one effect. These studies provide vital information on how, but not if, the plant works on the human brain,…
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Gold
Standard trials. Controlled clinical trials on humans. A soft yellow-coloured precious metal, used as a compound in various drugs, and sometimes as a filling for teeth. Metallic element; gold salts are sometimes used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and radioactive gold isotopes are used to treat some forms of cancer. Any of several compounds…
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Essential
Oils are the highly concentrated aromatic portion of a plant and like dried plant material can contain more than one bioactive ingredient with diverse effects from antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to clinically calming, stimulating or antidepressant. Always source a pure essential oil from a reputable company because oils can be adulterated with other cheaper oils…
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Cochrane
Review is a systematic review that attempts to appraise all the empirical (largely clinical) evidence that meets eligible criteria, of a plant’s or drug’s efficacy.
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Claustrum
A thin structure in the center of the brain that sends information to and from many regions of the cortex and has, among other parts of the brain, been implicated in conscious awareness. Claustra, anatomical part that serves as a barrier, especially a particular gray matter layer in the brain claustral. A thin vertical layer…
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Cannabinoid
The body’s endogenous (inbuilt) cannabinoids such as anandamide are found in the brain as well as other parts of the body and are involved in pain and pleasure as well as immune and other functions. In cannabis, CBD (cannabidiol) is sedative, whereas THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is mind altering. Active chemical components in cannabis that plug into…
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