PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): A B-complex nutrient required for the body's formation of folic acid. see encyclopedia entry

Pancreatin: An extract of pork pancreas.

Pantothenic acid: A nutrient in the B-vitamin complex. see encyclopedia entry

Papain: A protein-digesting enzyme found in papaya.

Papaya: see encyclopedia entry

Passionflower: see encyclopedia entry

Pathogen: Any agent that causes disease.

Pau D'arco: see encyclopedia entry

Pectin: Soluble fiber found in the rinds of various plant foods. see encyclopedia entry

Pellagra: A niacin deficiency disease involving disorders of the skin, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Phenylalanine: An essential amino acid.

Phosphatidylcholine: A choline-based substance that is a key structural component of cell walls.

Phosphatidylserine: see encyclopedia entry

Phosphorus: see encyclopedia entry

Physiology: The study of the functioning of the body and the physical and chemical processes of its cells, tissues, organs and systems.

Phytoestrogens: Hormone-like compounds found in plants, especially soybeans.

Pineal gland: A small gland located in the center of the brain. It produces melatonin and helps regulate many body functions.

Placebo: An inactive substance used to test the efficacy of an another substance.

Platelet aggregation: The clustering of cell components that facilitates blood coagulation.

Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Potassium: see encyclopedia entry

Probiotic: A live bacterial supplement that improves the intestinal microbial balance. Common forms include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

Progesterone: A female steroid hormone used to treat menstrual disorders.

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Prostaglandins: Hormone-like substances made from essential fatty acids.

Prostate cancer: see encyclopedia entry

Prostate gland: A small male gland that surrounds the urethra.

Prostatitis: see encyclopedia entry

Protein: A complex compound made from strings of amino acids.

Pycnogenol^Â: An OPC supplement derived from pine bark. see encyclopedia entry

Pygeum: see encyclopedia entry

Pyridoxine: Vitamin B-6.

Pyruvate: see encyclopedia entry

Q-Gel^Â: A registered trademark of Tishcon Corp. used to identify a preparation of coenzyme Q-10 that has undergone a patented process to make it soluble in water.

Quercetin: An antioxidant flavonoid found in onions.

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Red Clover: see encyclopedia entry

Reishi: see encyclopedia entry

Resveratrol: A flavonoid found in red wine.

Retinitis pigmentosa: A group of eye diseases, frequently hereditary, marked by loss of retinal response, atrophy, and clumping of the pigment, reducing field of vision.

Riboflavin: see encyclopedia entry

Rickets: A bone deformity caused by vitamin D deficiency.

RNA (ribonucleic acid): A complex protein chemical in genes that plays a vital role in the coding of genetic information.

Royal Jelly: see encyclopedia entry

Rutin: An antioxidant flavonoid found primarily in citrus fruits.

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