Glossary

• Acne
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-tussive
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchitis
• Bronchodilator
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Candida
• Coryza (the common cold)
• Cystitis
• Diuretic
• Dysuria
• Eczema
• Expectorant
• Frequency
• Haematuria
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammation
• Migraine
• Mucolytic
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Psoriasis
• Rebound Headache
• Shingles
• Sinusitis
• Strangury
• Tension Headache
• Urgency

Acne:

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland. Sex hormones (androgens) are responsible for sebum production, which may block the hair follicle and lead to inflammation. It is not caused by an infection, although bacteria may subsequently infect the inflamed lesion. It is most commonly seen in children at the age of puberty, but can also occur in adults. Women may notice an exacerbation of acne with menses. Acne occurs on areas of the skin where there are lots of sebaceous glands. Thus the sites most commonly affected are the face, neck, chest or back. The main features of acne are open comedones (blackheads) or closed comedones (whiteheads), inflammatory papules, and pustules. All forms of acne can cause scarring. Treatment is aimed at reducing sebum production, decreasing bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Treatment is initially slow and may take up to two months for a good response, and may need to be continued for some months or years. Treatment can be topical, such as salicylic acid (to reduce oiliness) or antibiotics (for example erythromycin containing lotions). Oral treatments include antibiotics, hormone therapies and then finally retinoids. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant that is a powerful immune booster, anti-oxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties. When the Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel is applied to the skin in a thin film it aids to relieve acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and analgesic. For further information about acne see www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acne.html, or see www.health24.com.

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Analgesic:

A substance that causes pain relief.

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Anti-inflammatory:

Reduces inflammation.

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Antioxidant:

Any substance that inhibits deterioration by oxidation. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can neutralise free radicals that have accumulated in the body. Free radicals oxidise DNA and other cellular components to contribute to many disease processes.

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Antiseptic:

Any substance that can destroy undesirable microorganisms (including bacteria), that may cause disease.

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Antispasmodic:

A substance that prevents or stops spasms. A smooth muscle relaxant.

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Anti-tussive:

An anti-tussive is a cough-suppresant. These products often contain morphine derivatives (for example codeine or dextromethorphan). It is very rare to prescribe anti-tussives for a cough following colds or flu. Anti-tussives are for coughs from fibrosing alveolitis, lung cancer etc. Suppression of a productive cough causes trapping of the mucous, which can then become secondary infected with bacteria. Side-effects of anti-tussives include constipation, and even respiratory depression in overdose.

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Bronchiolitis:

Inflammation and narrowing of the terminal bronchioles (small airways of the lungs). The bronchioles may become completely blocked leading to the collapse of small areas of the lung. Bronchiolitis usually starts with a fever, coryzal symptoms, followed by respiratory distress, rapid breathing, coughing and wheezing. It can be life threatening, especially in small children. Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup has been scientifically and medically formulated to provide effective, soothing relief for all types of coughs and colds in adults and children over 2 years of age. Although the Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup should not be used alone to treat bronchiolitis, it does act as an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and it provides soothing relief to sore throats and chests. It can thus be taken in conjunction with bronchiolitis medications and antibiotics.

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Bronchitis:

Inflammation of the bronchi (large airways of the lungs), accompanied by fever, cough, and wheezing. Bronchitis is commonly caused by Respiratory Syncitial virus, Para-influenza virus or Adenovirus. Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup has been scientifically and medically formulated to provide effective, soothing relief for coughs and colds in adults and children over 2 years of age. The Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup acts as an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, and it provides soothing relief to sore throats and chests. It can be taken in conjunction with other cough and cold therapies and antibiotics.

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Bronchodilator:

Bronchodilators relax the smooth muscle of the airways, thus dilating them and increasing the removal of mucous. Typically the potent bronchodilators such as beta 2 stimulants and xanthine derivatives are used to treat asthma.

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Cachexia:

Extremely severe and generalized muscle wasting and weight loss. It can be due to a number of causes including malnutrition, cancer, and infections such as TB or AIDS.

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Cancer:

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal body cells divide and grow unchecked. The uncontrolled growth of these cells forms malignant tumours which can invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue (invasion) or by the movement of malignant cells to other tissues (metastasis) via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Cancer is caused by damage to DNA, which alters the genes that control cell growth. The DNA damage can be caused by carcinogens (chemicals and other physical agents), radioactive materials, certain viruses, or even inherited as a genetic predisposition. Some of these factors can be avoided to reduce the risk of developing cancer (for example tobacco smoke, sun exposure, or alcohol), but there is no way to avoid cancer completely. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, which tissue it originated from, its severity, as well as the patient's preference. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is usually used. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia SU1TM is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant historically used for people with internal cancers and wasting. Sutherlandia is a powerful immune booster and anti-oxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties.

In cancer patients Sutherlandia may improve the quality of life, and benefit the patient through improved appetite and weight gain in wasted patients, increase effort tolerance, improve mood and sense of well-being. Although it has anti-cancer properties, Sutherlandia should not be considered a cure for cancer, and its use should be considered depending on the specific circumstances of the individual patient. Consult your doctor or registered healthcare professional first and then make an informed decision about the treatment modalities in your specific case, and if you wish to take Sutherlandia, at which stage you should do so in your planned treatment regimen. For more information on cancer and local support groups contact the Cancer Association of South Africa at www.cansa.org.za/, e-mail info@cansa.org.za, or call the toll free number 0800 226622, or phone +27 (0)11 6167662. Also see www.aicr.org.uk or www.Healthline.com.

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Candida:

Thrush (due to an overgrowth of Candida albicans) is the commonest cause of vaginal discharge, usually described as white, smelly and itchy. The vulva and vagina may be red and sore as well. Common predisposing factors to developing thrush include immunodeficiencies, diabetes, pregnancy, some oral contraceptives and antibiotics. Thrush may be sexually transmitted, but not necessarily. Common medical treatments include Amphotericin B, Clotrimazole, Miconazole and Nystatin. It is advised that any sexual partners be treated at the same time, to prevent reinfection. Warburgia salutaris is the most valuable indigenous South African medicinal tree. Historically the bark and leaves have been used to treat yeast, fungal and bacterial infections. It has two great properties: anti-candida and anti-bacterial. Phyto Nova Warburgia can offer relief from the discomfort of candida. It is effective against vaginal, mouth and throat infections.

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Coryza (the common cold):

The acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. The main symptom is a watery to mucoid, sometimes purulent nasal discharge. The common cold is often preceded by a sore throat and may be accompanied by fever. Headache and a generalised feeling of ill health may occur. Colds can be followed by middle ear involvement (Otitis media) or more serious bacterial infections. Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup has been scientifically and medically formulated to provide effective, soothing relief for all types of coughs and colds in adults and children over 2 years of age. The Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup acts as an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti-oxidant, and it provides soothing relief to sore throats, chests and sinuses. It can be taken in conjunction with other cough and cold therapies and antibiotics.

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Cystitis:

Acute Bacterial Cystitis is a urinary tract infection (bacterial) specifically of the bladder. Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen responsible for causing cystitis. Symptoms may include frequency, dysuria, urgency, strangury, haematuria, fever, or suprapubic pain. Cystitis may be classified as uncomplicated, complicated, recurrent, or relapsed. Treatment for uncomplicated cystitis is usually a course of antibiotics, drinking lots of fluids, and hygiene education. Double voiding and voiding after intercourse can be tried as well. Phyto Nova Warburgia can be used to effectively beat the symptoms of cystitis. Warburgia salutaris is the most valuable indigenous South African medicinal tree. The bark and leaves have been used to treat yeast, fungal and bacterial infections for centuries. Phyto Nova Warburgia can thus be used to ease the burning sensation on passing urine, reduce the feeling of urgency to pass urine, and decrease the frequency associated with acute cystitis. Phyto Nova Warburgia should be taken with plenty of fluids (for example water or juice), and can be taken simultaneously with antibiotics.

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Diuretic:

Increases the rate and volume of urine production.

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Dysuria:

Painful micturition. This is often described as the burning sensation on passing urine.

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Eczema:

A very common, superficial, inflammatory skin condition, sometimes referred to as dermatitis. Eczema may be acute (weeping with vesicles), chronic (dry and scaly), or have features of both. There are many causes of eczema, but often the cause remains unknown or the eczema may be aggravated by a variety of factors. Aggravating factors include strong detergents, some chemicals, house dust mite, woollen clothes, and even severe stress and anxiety. Treatment will depend on the severity of the eczema and the affected site. Precipitating and aggravating factors should be avoided, while topical steroids, emollients, and soap substitutes (aqueous cream) can be used. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant, which is a powerful immune booster, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. When applied as a thin film to affected eczematous skin lesions the Sutherlandia Gel provides relief by acting as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic and anti-bacterial. For more information and local support groups contact The Eczema Society on +27 (0)21 5317613 or c/o Schering (Pty) Ltd, Freepost, JHZ156. Also see the Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA) at www.allergysa.org/

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Expectorant:

Expectorants are widely used for treating coughs, and work by stimulating mucous production and its clearance from the airways.

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Frequency:

The frequent passing of small amounts of urine (for example due to bladder irritation in acute bacterial cystitis), or the increased production of urine (for example due to diabetes).

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Haematuria:

Blood in the urine. This may be visible (macroscopic) or not (microscopic).

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HIV/AIDS:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects certain immune cells (CD4 T lymphocytes). With time the virus replicates itself and weakens the body's immune (defence) system, until it can no longer fight off other infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the late stage of infection caused by HIV. HIV is transmitted from one person to another through body fluids: semen or vaginal secretions in unprotected sexual intercourse, blood or blood products in blood transfusions or sharing contaminated needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. HIV is not transmitted through normal, day-to-day contact. The stages of HIV infection include:

• Acute infection - usually without symptoms
• Seroconversion - often noticed as flu-like symptoms. Fever, tiredness, painful joints, sore throat, or rash. This stage doesn't last long, and is usually followed by another period without symptoms.
• Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy (PGL) - characterized by enlarged lymph nodes and persisting for at least 3 months.
• AIDS-related complex (ARC) - non-specific symptoms of fever, night sweats, diarrhoea and weight loss. Also oral Candida, herpes zoster and other minor opportunistic infections.
• AIDS - the late stage of HIV infection characterized by the presence of an AIDS defining condition (for example: oesophageal candidiasis, HIV-related encephalopathy, Kaposi's sarcoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, recurrent pneumonia, wasting syndrome due to HIV etc). The CD4 count is usually <200 × 106/L.

Treatment is based on prevention of transmission, healthy lifestyle changes, treatment of opportunistic infections and symptoms, and antiretroviral medications. The South African HIV Clinicians Society antiretroviral guidelines suggest that treatment with antiretroviral medications should be started in a symptomatic HIV-positive patient (WHO stage 3 or 4) or in a patient with a CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia SU1TM is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant which is a powerful immune booster and anti-oxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Although Sutherlandia is not a cure for HIV infection, it does have anti-viral properties and immune boosting effects. Sutherlandia has become a popular wellness supplement for people living with HIV. Many patients taking Sutherlandia have achieved markedly increased CD4 counts, decreased viral loads and improved immune function, improved appetite, weight-gain in wasted patients, and improved mood. Sutherlandia may interact with antiretroviaral drugs, so discuss your therapy with your doctor or registered healthcare professional first, before starting Sutherlandia.

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Inflammation:

The body’s reaction to injury or infection. It is characterized by heat, swelling, redness, and pain, of the affected area.

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Migraine:

Migraine is a throbbing headache usually affecting one side of the head and commonly associated with a preceding aura, nausea or vomiting, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to noise or light. It may be triggered by cheese, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, oral contraceptives, anxiety, travel, and even exercise. Treatment is based on avoiding the triggers and preventing migraine attacks. Medication such as pizotifen, sodium valproate, verapamil and sumatriptan can be used. The Phyto Nova Tension Headache natural pain relief product has been researched and formulated to combine the published pharmacological activities of three key South African medicinal plants: Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Harpagophytum procumbens and Xysmalobium undulatum. Although this product was formulated for the relief of simple and tension headache, not for migraine headache, it may provide slight relief to some people during the acute migraine attack through its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. The use of Phyto Nova's Tension Headache product, for migraine sufferers, should be discussed with your doctor or registered healthcare professional before using it, especially if taking other migraine medications. For more information on migraine see www.mymigraine.co.za. The Migraine Patient Organisation can be contacted on the Help Line at 0860 678268 or e-mail: migraine@pharmail.co.za

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Mucolytic:

Mucolytics reduce the viscosity of mucous, making it more fluid, and may enhance ciliary clearance of mucous from the respiratory tract.

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Pharyngitis (sore throat):

This is seen as a general redness of the throat, not just the tonsils, and not necessarily associated with coryza. A fever may be present. Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup has been scientifically and medically formulated to provide effective, soothing relief for all types of coughs and colds in adults and children over 2 years of age. The Phyto Nova Natural Cough and Cold Syrup acts as an expectorant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti-oxidant, and it provides soothing relief to sore throats, chests and sinuses. It can be taken in conjunction with other cough and cold therapies and antibiotics.

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Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a skin condition, usually experienced as a red plaque that is covered with silvery scales, commonly on the knees, elbows or scalp. There are a number of known triggering factors that those people with the genetic predisposition to develop the disease should avoid, such as sunburn, stress and even certain drugs (for example lithium, chloroquine, and oral steroids). Psoriasis is usually first seen in young adults, and then continues persistently or recurrently, and may worsen with time. Psoriasis may be associated with nail changes and arthritis. Treatment involves a combination of topical skin preparations, such as steroids, emollients, dithranol, salicylic acid or a tar preparation. Exposure to natural sunlight will help as well. A dermatologist may use methotrexate, retinoids or ultraviolet therapy. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant, which is a powerful immune booster, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel can be applied to psoriasis lesions to provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief. For more information on psoriasis contact the South African Psoriasis Association at http://psoriasis.blaauwberg.net/ or e-mail psoriasis@blaauberg.net, or phone +27 (0)21 5561141 or +27 (0)21 9811650.

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Rebound Headache:

This may be seen in sufferers of tension headache and migraine who overuse analgesics, hypnotics and tranquilizers.

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Shingles:

Shingles or Herpes zoster is an infection due to the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. With decreased immunity, stress or old age the virus may become reactivated, resulting in an eruption of shingles. The first symptom is usually severe pain, for about a week, before a group of blisters/vesicles erupt in that area of skin. The pain may continue long after the skin lesions have healed. Treatment will include the topical use of silver sulphadiazine cream or povidone-iodine cream with analgesics for pain relief. Antivirals (such as acyclovir) must be used within the first three days to be effective. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel is made from Sutherlandia, an indigenous African medicinal plant, which is a powerful immune booster, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Phyto Nova Sutherlandia Gel can be used on shingles skin lesions to provide pain relief as well as to act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial.

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Sinusitis:

Infection of the sinuses, often associated with coryza. Symptoms include a dull, constant, aching pain over the infected sinus. Pain is exacerbated by bending over and may last for one to two weeks. The facial skin over the affected sinus may feel tender. Phyto Nova’s African Ginger is invaluable for headache, flu, sore throat and sinusitis. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic to ease the pain of sinusitis. African Ginger can be taken in conjunction with other sinusitis therapies and antibiotics.

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Strangury:

The often distressing desire to pass something that will not pass (for example a stone). The person often feels that the bladder is not empty after completed micturition.

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Tension Headache:

The usual cause of a bilateral, non pulsatile headache, sometimes with scalp muscle tenderness, but without vomiting or sensitivity to head movement. It is usually caused by stress and may be associated with a depressed mood. Tension headache is often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. The Phyto Nova Tension Headache Natural Pain Relief product has been researched and formulated to combine the published pharmacological activities of three key South African medicinal plants: Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Harpagophytum procumbens and Xysmalobium undulatum. This product gives very rapid relief in simple headache and tension headache. The Phyto Nova Tension Headache product acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and relaxant.

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Urgency:

The feeling of urgency to pass urine.

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