Ingredient Glossary

NOTE: The information provided in the Glossary is for educational purposes only. Do not use this information to make any health-related claim for any Pharmanex products.

ACEROLA CHERRY EXTRACT supplies bioflavonoids which are excellent antioxidants. The sour variety of acerola cherries is also known for it’s high Vitamin C content.

ALOE VERA is a plant (Aloe barbadensis) which contains many different compounds, including minerals, vitamins, enzymes, mucopolysaccharides, lignin, and saponin, which are all found naturally in the body.

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID is an antioxidant found in the body which assists in the maintenance of healthy nerve structures.

AMINO ACID is a building block protein. More than 20 amino acids are used by the body to manufacture different proteins in muscle, hair, skin, blood and other tissues.

AMYLASE is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into smaller molecules.

ANTHOCYANINS are phytonutrients in the flavonoid family. Pharmanex uses grape seed, grape skin, and bilberry extracts to concentrate the benefits of anthocyanins.

ANTIOXIDANT is a compound which inactivates free radicals or prevents free radical-initiated chemical reactions.

APPLE PECTIN is a soluble fibre which can play an important role in digestion.

ASCORBIC ACID helps the body absorb iron and is a form of Vitamin C, a highly useful antioxidant. Plus, it’s an important factor for the reformation of collagen found in bones, muscles and teeth.

ASTRAGALUS is one of the most restorative and health-promoting tonics in Chinese medicine. B VITAMINS are water-soluble vitamins which provide dietary support for the normal metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein.

BETA CAROTENE is a phytonutrient that displays antioxidant properties. Beta Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A in the body as needed. See Dunaliella Salina.

BIFURCATED ALOE VERA is a patented extraction method where the outer aloe vera leaf and gel are processed separately and then recombined so the best benefits of both parts of the plant can be utilized.

BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM is a friendly strain of bacteria (microorganisms) naturally found in the intestinal tract of the human digestive system. It assists in maintaining the normal development of the digestive tract.

BIOFLAVONOIDS are a family of antioxidant compounds found as pigments in numerous fruits and vegetables.

BIOAVIALABILITY is the degree to which the amount of an ingested nutrient actually gets absorbed and is available to the body.

BIOTIN is an essential nutrient vital for growth and is present in minute amounts in every living cell. It acts as a co-enzyme in the formation of certain essential fat-like substances.

BREWER’S YEAST is a natural source of chromium. Chromium is well-known as an essential nutrient.

BRINDALL BERRY delivers a source of hydroxycitrate which is believed to inhibit the enzyme necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates to fat.

BROMELAIN is an enzyme found in pineapple that is beneficial to the breakdown of proteins.

CABBAGE CONCENTRATE contains phytonutrients naturally occurring in cabbage. These phytonutrients, such as sulforaphane, are believed to have powerful antioxidant and protective capabilities.

CALCIUM is the principle mineral in bones and teeth and contributes to normal muscle contraction and proper nerve functioning. Calcium is also necessary for normal blood clotting.

CARBOHYDRATES are compounds that are known as sugars (simple carbohydrates), starches, and dietary fibres (complex carbohydrates).

CAYENNE PEPPER is the dried ripe fruit of African chilies. Research suggests that cayenne pepper may enhance circulation.

CELERY CONCENTRATE contains natural phytonutrients found in celery.

CELLULASE is an enzyme that makes fibre more beneficial in digestion.

CHAMOMILE FLOWER is a hardy annual herb that grows wild throughout Europe.

CHELATED MINERALS are well-tolerated, absorbable sources of trace minerals. These minerals are covalently bonded to amino acids, unlike conventional salt forms of minerals.

CHOLECALCIFEROL is a form of Vitamin D3 essential for calcium absorption. Cholecalciferol aids in the mineralization of bones.

CHROMIUM helps utilize fat for energy while preserving lean muscle tissue.

CITRUS BIOFLAVONOIDS are a group of compounds that help limber the joints and provide powerful free radical scavenging.

COPPER is an essential mineral which provides dietary support for the synthesis of collagen, a main component of connective tissue.

COWSLIP is a common wildflower native in meadows and pastures throughout England, Europe and Asia.

CRUCIFEROUS CONCENTRATE (extract of Broccoli, Kale and Mustard Seed) contains natural phytonutrients, sulforaphane for example, typically found in these vegetables.

CYANOCOBALAMIN is a form of Vitamin B12 that contributes to the health of the nervous system and to normal red blood cell formation.

D-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE is a form of pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5, a co-enzyme needed for energy metabolism.

DEODORIZED GARLIC is believed to be beneficial for health-related parameters of good cardiovascular health.

DUNALIELLA SALINA is a blue-green algae and a natural form of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Dunaliella Salina contains mixed carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene, betacryptoxanthin, and lutein.

ECHINACEA is a member of the sunflower family.

ENZYMES are a unique class of proteins, naturally found in living cells, that catalyze a broad spectrum of biochemical reactions.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL is a source of gamma linoleic and linoleic acids, which are beneficial fatty acids.

FENNEL SEED and root are soothing to the digestive process and have been used in traditional herbal products to alleviate the symptoms of gas bloating.

FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE is a source of iron that helps in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps carry oxygen in blood through the body and is important in muscle contraction.

FIBRE slows the absorption of fat and sustains the breakdown of carbohydrates.

FLAVONOIDS are a family of antioxidant phytonutrients found in plant-derived foods, such as citrus fruits (bioflavonoids), red grapes and red wine (anthocyanins), bilberries (anthocyanocides), and grape seeds (proanthocyanidins).

FOLIC ACID provides dietary support for normal DNA synthesis, cell division, and development of red blood cells.

FREE RADICALS are unstable molecules in the body that seek, attack, and damage neighbouring molecules, making a continuing chain reaction of free radical formation and molecular damage. This chain reaction can lead to extensive damage of cell membranes, DNA, and tissue proteins.

FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES are short-chain fructose polymers that help keep the intestinal tract slightly acidic. They also aid in the digestion of lactose and help maintain optimal intestinal health.

FRUCTOSE is a six-carbon sugar that can be found in fruits and honey or obtained from the hydrolysis of sucrose.

GINGER is a warming herb with anti-nausea properties that promotes bile flow.

GINKGO BILOBA is a tall hardy deciduous tree, believed to be the world’s oldest living tree species, surviving for 200 million years. It has been widely used for centuries as an herb for mental performance.

GLUCOAMYLASE is an enzyme needed for the digestion of carbohydrates that help sustain energy.

GOLDENSEAL has been an important wellness plant in Native American cultures.

HOPS is a climbing plant which twines around trees. The fruit has been used since Roman times in brewing and as an herbal tea.

INVERTASE is an enzyme acting on a specific kind of carbohydrate.

ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN is a natural source of the antioxidant vitamin E.

KOREAN PANAX GINSENG is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root has been used traditionally for thousands of years in Asia as a tonic and restorative remedy.

LACTASE is an enzyme needed for the digestion of lactose (milk sugar).

LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS helps thwart the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms, by producing both lactic acid and antibiotic compounds. This probiotic also helps digest lactose.

LEMON BALM (MELISSA) is a native herb to southern Europe, used for its natural effects.

LEUCOANTHOCYANIN (Grape Seed Extract) is an excellent source of biologically active flavonoids (polyphenols), which are natural plant compounds. Pharmanex’s grape seed extract provides high concentration of proanthocyanidins (OPC’s), which are potent antioxidant nutrients that help neutralize harmful free radicals and help maintain normal blood platelet function.

LIPASE is an enzyme needed for the digestion of fat.

LIPOTROPIC FACTOR is important to lipid metabolism and accelerates the utilization of fat in the liver.

LYCOPENE is a recognized antioxidant nutrient similar to other carotenoids, such as beta carotene or lutein.

MAGNESIUM is needed for muscle contraction, normal nerve transmissions, enzyme action, and bone mineralization.

MALTODEXTRIN is a hydrolyzed complex carbohydrate made up of glucose polymers.

MARIGOLD EXTRACT with Lutein contains the active ingredient lutein, a carotenoid which is an antioxidant.

MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE is utilized because it contains the main proteins found in milk, but is lactose-free.

N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE supports glutathione production. Glutathione helps maintain glutathione peroxidase, which is an important antioxidant enzyme found in the body.

NIACINAMIDE is a form of niacin or Vitamin B3. This nutrient is essential in the conversion of food into energy and is necessary for healthy skin and proper functioning of the nervous and digestive systems.

OAT BRAN contains the soluble fibre betaglucan, which assists in normal cardiovascular health.

PAPAIN is an enzyme found in papaya which is beneficial to the breakdown of proteins, thus aiding digestion.

PAPAYA EXTRACT is a fruit extract which provides the natural enzyme papain.

PASSION FLOWER is an herb common to ancient Mexicans and Indians and was used for natural remedies.

PHYTONUTRIENTS are non-essential plant compounds that are known to possess beneficial qualities, such as antioxidant properties, unique to the plants they are derived from.

PINEAPPLE EXTRACT is a fruit extract which provides the natural enzyme bromelain.

POTASSIUM is an important electrolyte needed for the transmission of nerve impulses. It also maintains cell integrity and is needed for the contraction of muscles (including the heart).

PROTEASE is an enzyme which leaves peptide bonds in proteins, thus aiding digestion.

PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE or VITAMIN B6, is a co-enzyme that helps in the metabolism of amino acids and fat and in the production of red blood cells.

QUERCETIN is a plant nutrient that interacts positively with Vitamin C to support their antioxidant benefits, and is commonly found in certain vegetables and red wine.

REDUCED GLUTATHIONE is a recognized intra-cellular antioxidant that scavenges free radicals through enzymatic reactions.

ROSE HIPS are the fruits or berries from wild rose bushes and are included in Interior Design products because they’re a rich, natural source of Vitamin C.

ROSEMARY OIL is believed to have antioxidant properties, as well as being a digestive aid.

SCHISANDRA is a thorny climbing vine with pink flowers and red berries that grows in Siberia and northern China. Schisandra has been shown to quicken reflexes and increase work efficiency. This category of plants acts to return the body to normal, helping to support the body’s own healing properties.

SELENIUM is a trace mineral, which provides dietary support for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

SILICA (Silicon) is a trace element, which provides dietary support for normal bone structure. Pharmanex’s silica is derived from springtime horsetail herbal extract.

SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE is unlike other plant-derived proteins, in that the protein quality of soy protein isolates are equal to that of high quality animal-derived proteins such as whey, egg albumin, or casein.

SPIRULINA PACIFICA is a blue-green algae that is an excellent natural source of beta carotene and helps provide protection from free radicals.

SPRINGTIME HORSETAIL is a natural form of the trace mineral silicon, which provides dietary support for normal bone structure and function.

THIAMINE MONONITRATE is a form of Vitamin B1 that promotes normal metabolism in the body and supports a normal appetite and nervous system function.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE is a white pigment found naturally in minerals. It’s used as a natural colouring agent.

TOCOPHEROL is obtained by vacuum distillation of edible vegetable oils. Better known as vitamin E, tocopherol acts as an antioxidant and helps form normal red blood cells, muscles, and other tissues.

TOMATO CONCENTRATE contains the phytonutrient lycopene, which is the dark carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes. It’s believed to act as a powerful antioxidant.

VALERIAN has been used since the times of ancient Greece as a natural remedy.

VITAMIN A PALMITATE is an essential nutrient included in Interior Design products because it’s needed for growth, development, normal vision, and healthy skin.

WHEY is a high-quality protein derived from milk. The ratio of amino acids in whey is close to the ratio that is optimal for human requirements.

ZINC is an essential trace mineral, which promotes normal immune functions and metabolism.