A molecule that the body produces naturally and is important for proper mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. It aids in the transportation of fatty acids inside the mitochondria.To learn more about acetyl-l-carnitine, click here!
Acrylamide
A chemical compound that’s derived from acrylic acid and easily forms polymers. Acrylamide is used in synthetic fibers and sewage treatment and as a medium in electrophoresis, especially to separate macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids. Its chemical formula is C3H5NO.
Adulteration
The intentional action of lowering the quality of a substance by adding another substance to it, natural or synthetic.
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates
Any of a family of organic compounds created by the alkylation of phenols. They’re surfactants widely used as wetting agents, emulsifiers, and dispersants in paints, coatings, cleaning products, pesticides, and textiles.
Allelopathy
The chemical inhibition of one plant (or other organism) by another, due to the release of substances acting as germination or growth inhibitors into the environment.
Alpha-Copaene
A sesquiterpene alkene found in copaiba and other essential oils. It has an earthy and woody aroma and flavor.
Alpha-Humulene
A sesquiterpene alkene and isomer of beta-caryophyllene. It’s often found in essential oils with beta-caryophyllene like copaiba.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid and antioxidant that helps to optimize energy production in and neutralize ROS produced by the mitochondria.
Alpha-Pinene
The monoterpene that provides pine trees with their distinct scent. It isn’t just found in the essence of coniferous plants. Alpha-pinene is also present in rosemary, frankincense, cypress, juniper berry, helichrysum, and wild orange essential oils. Recent research suggests that it may have skin- and oral health–supporting benefits and may help with the proper function of the immune and respiratory systems. To learn more about alpha-pinene, click here!
Alpha-Terpinene
A common monoterpene alkene found in thyme, oregano, and other essential oils. It has a medicinal, herbaceous odor.
Alpha-Terpineol
A monoterpene alkene with a fruity, floral aroma, commonly found in marjoram and other essential oils.
Alpha-Terpinyl Acetate
A monoterpene alkene with a complex herbaceous, spicy, woody, and floral aroma. It’s a major constituent of cardamom oil.
Alpha-Thujene
A monoterpene alkene with a woody, green, and herbaceous aroma. It’s most commonly found in frankincense.
Antioxidant
The term antioxidant is a misnomer, as it refers to a behavior rather than to a substance. At its core, an antioxidant is simply a chemical (natural or synthetic) that can help protect against cell damage by counteracting the destructive action of free radicals—highly reactive molecules with a single unpaired electron in their outer ring. To learn more about antioxidants, click here!
Aromatic
A scent, most often one that is pleasant.
Artificial Sweetener
A sugar substitute and a food additive. It attempts to duplicate the effect of sugar in taste but usually with fewer calories.