Milk Thistle
Silymarin
Cimicifuga
Herb-Drug Interactions
Milk, Human
Mushroom Poisoning
Plant Extracts
Echinops Plant
Protective Agents
Milk Proteins
Estrous Cycle
Cirsium
Mutagenicity Tests
Carcinogenicity Tests
Milk thistle, a herbal supplement, decreases the activity of CYP3A4 and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase in human hepatocyte cultures. (1/57)
Milk thistle extract is one of the most commonly used nontraditional therapies, particularly in Germany. Milk thistle is known to contain a number of flavonolignans. We evaluated the effect of silymarin, on the activity of various hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in human hepatocyte cultures. Treatment with silymarin (0.1 and 0.25 mM) significantly reduced the activity of CYP3A4 enzyme (by 50 and 100%, respectively) as determined by the formation of 6-beta-hydroxy testosterone and the activity of uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A6/9) (by 65 and 100%, respectively) as measured by the formation of 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronide. Silymarin (0.5 mM) also significantly decreased mitochondrial respiration as determined by MTT reduction in human hepatocytes. These observations point to the potential of silymarin to impair hepatic metabolism of certain coadministered drugs in humans. Indiscriminate use of herbal products may lead to altered pharmacokinetics of certain drugs and may result in increased toxicity of certain drugs. (+info)Suppression of ethanol and lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by extracts of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium in rats. (2/57)
In female SD rats that were injected with 4 g/kg BW ethanol p.o. followed by a 5 mg/kg BW lipopolysaccharide (LPS) i.v. injection, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminases (GPT) activity increased to about eight times that of normal rats. In this model, rats that had been fed a diet containing 1% Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (HDF) extracts for fifteen days showed significantly lower serum GPT activity (380.0+/-58.2 IU/l) than the control group (3527.0+/-774.1 IU/l). HDF's efficacy was far superior to milk thistle in this model (2950.0+/-915.9 IU/l). When mouse macrophages were treated with HDF extracts at 50 microg/ml, TNF-alpha production induced by LPS was suppressed to about 10% of the control. Rat serum TNF-alpha levels induced by LPS was decreased to 58.7% of the control by administering 1000 mg/kg BW HDF extract p.o. These results indicate that HDF prevents alcohol-induced liver injury through the inhibition of TNF-alpha production. (+info)Epidermal growth factor receptor mediates silibinin-induced cytotoxicity in a rat glioma cell line. (3/57)
Silibinin, derived from milk thistle extract, has been shown to inhibit growth factor receptor-mediated mitogenic and cell survival signaling, and to alter cell cycle regulators. Alteration in pathways regulating cell growth likely account for silibinin's inhibition of tumor growth. Since the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key regulator in cell signaling pathways, in the present study we directly tested the hypothesis that the EGFR plays a key role in mediating silibinin cytotoxicity to cancer cells. We generated a cell line, 9L-EGFR, which stably expressed human EGFR; the parental rat glioma cell line, 9L, does not contain endogenous EGFR message or protein. Our results show that expression of EGFR was both necessary and sufficient for conferring toxicity in response to silibinin in 9L-EGFR cells. Addition of silibinin was shown to inhibit EGFR activation by EGF in 9L-EGFR cells. These studies support the hypothesis that silibinin toxicity to cancer cells involves the EGFR signaling pathway. The findings presented here provide a rationale for understanding the growth inhibition effect of silibinin in cancer cells, and warrant further investigation into the effect of silibinin on specific pathways of cell signaling mediated by the EGF receptor. (+info)Silibinin causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma cells by regulating CDKI-CDK-cyclin cascade, and caspase 3 and PARP cleavages. (4/57)
Bladder cancer is the fourth and eighth most common cancer in men and women in the USA, respectively. Flavonoid phytochemicals are being studied for both prevention and therapy of various human malignancies including bladder cancer. One such naturally occurring flavonoid is silibinin isolated from milk thistle. Here, we assessed the effect of silibinin on human bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cell growth, cell cycle modulation and apoptosis induction, and associated molecular alterations, employing two different cell lines representing high-grade invasive tumor (TCC-SUP) and high-grade TCC (T-24) human bladder cancer. Silibinin treatment of these cells resulted in a significant dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition together with a G(1) arrest only at lower doses in TCC-SUP cells but at both lower and higher doses in T-24 cells; higher silibinin dose showed a G(2)/M arrest in TCC-SUP cells. In other studies, silibinin treatment strongly induced the expression of Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27, but resulted in a decrease in cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins involved in G(1) progression. Silibinin treatment also showed an increased interaction between cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs)-CDKs and a decreased CDK kinase activity. Further, the G(2)/M arrest by silibinin in TCC-SUP cells was associated with a decrease in pCdc25c (Ser216), Cdc25c, pCdc2 (Tyr15), Cdc2 and cyclin B1 protein levels. In additional studies, silibinin showed a dose- and a time-dependent apoptotic death only in TCC-SUP cells that was associated with cleaved forms of caspase 3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Together, these results suggest that silibinin modulates CDKI-CDK-cyclin cascade and activates caspase 3 causing growth inhibition and apoptotic death of human TCC cells, providing a strong rationale for future studies evaluating preventive and/or intervention strategies for silibinin in bladder cancer pre-clinical models. (+info)Oral silibinin inhibits lung tumor growth in athymic nude mice and forms a novel chemocombination with doxorubicin targeting nuclear factor kappaB-mediated inducible chemoresistance. (5/57)
The acute and cumulative dose-related toxicity and drug resistance, mediated via nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), of anthracycline anticancer drugs pose a major problem in cancer chemotherapy. Here, we report that oral silibinin (a flavanone) suppresses human non-small-cell lung carcinoma A549 xenograft growth (P = 0.003) and enhances the therapeutic response (P < 0.05) of doxorubicin in athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice together with a strong prevention of doxorubicin-caused adverse health effects. Immunohistochemical analyses of tumors showed that silibinin and doxorubicin decrease (P < 0.001) proliferation index and vasculature and increase (P < 0.001) apoptosis; these effects were further enhanced (P < 0.001) in combination treatment. Pharmacologic dose of silibinin (60 mumol/L) achieved in animal study was biologically effective (P < 0.01 to 0.001, growth inhibition and apoptosis) in vitro in A549 cell culture together with an increased efficacy (P < 0.05 to 0.001) in doxorubicin (25 nmol/L) combination. Furthermore, doxorubicin increased NFkappaB DNA binding activity as one of the possible mechanisms for chemoresistance in A549 cells, which was inhibited by silibinin in combination treatment. Consistent with this, silibinin inhibited doxorubicin-caused increased translocation of p65 and p50 from cytosol to nucleus. Silibinin also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2, an NFkappaB target, in doxorubicin combination. These findings suggest that silibinin inhibits in vivo lung tumor growth and reduces systemic toxicity of doxorubicin with an enhanced therapeutic efficacy most likely via an inhibition of doxorubicin-induced chemoresistance involving NFkappaB signaling. (+info)Milk thistle and prostate cancer: differential effects of pure flavonolignans from Silybum marianum on antiproliferative end points in human prostate carcinoma cells. (6/57)
Extracts from the seeds of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, are known commonly as silibinin and silymarin and possess anticancer actions on human prostate carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Seven distinct flavonolignan compounds and a flavonoid have been isolated from commercial silymarin extracts. Most notably, two pairs of diastereomers, silybin A and silybin B and isosilybin A and isosilybin B, are among these compounds. In contrast, silibinin is composed only of a 1:1 mixture of silybin A and silybin B. With these isomers now isolated in quantities sufficient for biological studies, each pure compound was assessed for antiproliferative activities against LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cell lines. Isosilybin B was the most consistently potent suppressor of cell growth relative to either the other pure constituents or the commercial extracts. Isosilybin A and isosilybin B were also the most effective suppressors of prostate-specific antigen secretion by androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Silymarin and silibinin were shown for the first time to suppress the activity of the DNA topoisomerase IIalpha gene promoter in DU145 cells and, among the pure compounds, isosilybin B was again the most effective. These findings are significant in that isosilybin B composes no more than 5% of silymarin and is absent from silibinin. Whereas several other more abundant flavonolignans do ultimately influence the same end points at higher exposure concentrations, these findings are suggestive that extracts enriched for isosilybin B, or isosilybin B alone, might possess improved potency in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. (+info)A review of the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of milk thistle phytosome: a silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex (Siliphos). (7/57)
Certain of the water-soluble flavonoid molecules can be converted into lipid-compatible molecular complexes, aptly called phytosomes. Phytosomes are better able to transition from a hydrophilic environment into the lipid-friendly environment of the outer cell membrane, and from there into the cell, finally reaching the blood. The fruit of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum, Family Asteraceae) contains flavonoids that are proven liver protectants. The standardized extract known as silymarin contains three flavonoids of the flavonol subclass. Silybin predominates, followed by silydianin and silychristin. Although silybin is the most potent of the flavonoids in milk thistle, similar to other flavonoids it is not well-absorbed. Silybin-phosphatidylcholine complexed as a phytosome provides significant liver protection and enhanced bioavailability over conventional silymarin. (+info)Silybin and silymarin--new effects and applications. (8/57)
This article aims to review critically literature published mainly within this millennium on the new and emerging applications of silymarin, the polyphenolic fraction from the seeds of Silybum marianum and its main component silybin. Silymarin and silybin used so far mostly as hepatoprotectants were shown to have other interesting activities as e.g., anticancer and canceroprotective. These activities were demonstrated in a large variety of illnesses of different organs as e.g., prostate, lungs, CNS, kidneys, pancreas and others. Besides the cytoprotective activity of silybin mediated by its antioxidative and radical-scavenging properties also new activities based on the specific receptor interaction were discovered--e.g., inhibition and modulation of drug transporters, P-glycoproteins, estrogenic receptors, nuclear receptors and some others. New derivatives of silybin open new ways to its therapeutic applications. Pharmacology dealing with optically pure silybin diastereomers may suggest new mechanisms of its action. (+info)Medical Definition of Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Mediterranean regions. The active compound in milk thistle is silymarin, which is found in the seeds of the plant. Silymarin is a flavonoid complex that contains several components, including silybin, silydianin, and silychristin.
Milk thistle has been traditionally used for its potential benefits in supporting liver health and function. It is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties that may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, viruses, and free radicals. Some studies suggest that milk thistle may also help improve insulin resistance, reduce cholesterol levels, and support brain health.
However, it is important to note that while some research suggests potential benefits of milk thistle for liver health and other conditions, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish recommended dosages. As with any supplement or medication, milk thistle should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Silymarin is not a medical term itself, but it's the active compound found in the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). Medically, silymarin is often referred to as a standardized extract from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. It is a complex mixture of flavonolignans, mainly consisting of silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin.
Silymarin has been reported to have various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. It is commonly used in complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and toxic liver damage due to alcohol or drug abuse. However, its clinical efficacy remains a subject of ongoing research and debate among medical professionals.
Flavanolignans are a type of biologically active compounds that are found in certain plants. They are formed from the combination of flavonoids and lignans, two classes of plant phenolic compounds. One of the most well-known groups of flavanolignans is the one found in milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which includes silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. These compounds have been studied for their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects.
"Cimicifuga" is a genus of plants commonly known as black cohosh or bugbane. It belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is native to North America. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for treating various health conditions, such as menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, and inflammation. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies for medical purposes.
Hydrastis is the genus name for Hydrastis canadensis, also known as goldenseal. It is a perennial herb native to North America, and its roots and rhizomes have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The active compounds in goldenseal include alkaloids such as hydrastine, berberine, and canadine, which are believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.
However, it is important to note that the use of Hydrastis and its preparations as a medicine should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as there may be potential risks and interactions with other medications. Additionally, overharvesting of goldenseal in the wild has led to concerns about its sustainability, so it is recommended to use cultivated sources instead.
Herb-drug interactions (HDIs) refer to the pharmacological or clinical consequences that occur when a patient takes a herbal product concurrently with a prescribed medication. These interactions can result in various outcomes, such as decreased, increased, or altered drug effects due to changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of the drug.
Herbs may contain various bioactive compounds that can interact with drugs and affect their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. For example, some herbs may induce or inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes, leading to altered drug metabolism and potentially increased or decreased drug concentrations in the body.
Similarly, herbs can also affect drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein, which can further alter drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. Moreover, some herbs may have pharmacodynamic interactions with drugs, leading to additive or synergistic effects, or antagonism of the drug's therapeutic action.
Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of potential HDIs when prescribing medications to patients who use herbal products and consider monitoring their patients' medication responses closely. Patients should also be advised to inform their healthcare providers about any herbal products they are taking, including dosage and frequency of use.
Human milk, also known as breast milk, is the nutrient-rich fluid produced by the human female mammary glands to feed and nourish their infants. It is the natural and species-specific first food for human babies, providing all the necessary nutrients in a form that is easily digestible and absorbed. Human milk contains a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components that support the growth, development, and immunity of newborns and young infants. Its composition changes over time, adapting to meet the changing needs of the growing infant.
"Carduus" is a genus of plants commonly known as thistles, which belong to the family Asteraceae. There are many different species within this genus, and they are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Some of these species have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where they can be invasive and cause problems for native plants and animals.
The name "Carduus" comes from the Latin word for "thistle." These plants are often characterized by their prickly leaves and stems, as well as their distinctive purple or pink flower heads. Some species of Carduus have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and skin conditions. However, it is important to note that the use of these plants for medicinal purposes should be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as they can also have toxic effects if not used properly.
Mushroom poisoning refers to the adverse health effects that occur after ingesting toxic mushrooms. These effects can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, to severe neurological and systemic reactions, including hallucinations, organ failure, and even death in serious cases. The severity of the poisoning depends on several factors, including the type and amount of toxic mushroom consumed, the age and health status of the individual, and the time elapsed between ingestion and medical treatment. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if mushroom poisoning is suspected, as some symptoms may not appear until several hours or days after consumption, and delays in treatment can lead to more severe outcomes.
Genitalia, also known as the genitals, refer to the reproductive organs located in the pelvic region. In males, these include the penis and testicles, while in females, they consist of the vulva, vagina, clitoris, and ovaries. Genitalia are essential for sexual reproduction and can also be associated with various medical conditions, such as infections, injuries, or congenital abnormalities.
"Amanita" is a genus of fungi that includes several species commonly known as mushrooms. Some of these species are edible and considered delicacies, while others are highly toxic and can cause serious illness or death if ingested. The most famous toxic species is Amanita phalloides, also known as the "death cap" mushroom.
Here is a medical definition of "Amanita":
"A genus of fungi in the family Amanitaceae, characterized by the production of large fruiting bodies with a universal veil that often leaves a skirt-like ring on the stipe and a volva at the base. Some species are edible and highly prized, while others are poisonous and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, liver damage, or even death. Examples of toxic Amanita species include A. phalloides (the 'death cap'), A. virosa (the 'destroying angel'), and A. muscaria (the 'fly agaric')."
(Source: Medscape Medical Dictionary)
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
Echinops plants, also known as globe thistles, are a genus of prickly, herbaceous plants that belong to the family Asteraceae. The name Echinops comes from the Greek words echinos (hedgehog) and ops (face), which refers to the spiky appearance of the plant's flowers.
Globe thistles are native to Europe, Asia, and eastern Africa, and they typically grow in dry, rocky habitats. The plants can reach heights of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) and have deeply lobed, gray-green leaves that are covered in stiff hairs.
The most distinctive feature of Echinops plants is their large, round flower heads, which are composed of numerous small florets that are surrounded by spiky bracts. The flowers can be blue, purple, or white and appear in the summer and fall.
Echinops plants have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. However, it's important to note that some parts of the plant, particularly the spines, can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, so they should be handled with care.
Phytotherapy is the use of extracts of natural origin, especially plants or plant parts, for therapeutic purposes. It is also known as herbal medicine and is a traditional practice in many cultures. The active compounds in these plant extracts are believed to have various medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or sedative effects. Practitioners of phytotherapy may use the whole plant, dried parts, or concentrated extracts to prepare teas, capsules, tinctures, or ointments for therapeutic use. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of phytotherapy are not always supported by scientific evidence, and it should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In the context of medicine and toxicology, protective agents are substances that provide protection against harmful or damaging effects of other substances. They can work in several ways, such as:
1. Binding to toxic substances: Protective agents can bind to toxic substances, rendering them inactive or less active, and preventing them from causing harm. For example, activated charcoal is sometimes used in the emergency treatment of certain types of poisoning because it can bind to certain toxins in the stomach and intestines and prevent their absorption into the body.
2. Increasing elimination: Protective agents can increase the elimination of toxic substances from the body, for example by promoting urinary or biliary excretion.
3. Reducing oxidative stress: Antioxidants are a type of protective agent that can reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These agents can protect cells and tissues from damage caused by oxidation.
4. Supporting organ function: Protective agents can support the function of organs that have been damaged by toxic substances, for example by improving blood flow or reducing inflammation.
Examples of protective agents include chelating agents, antidotes, free radical scavengers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
"Plant preparations" is not a term with a specific medical definition in the field of medicine or pharmacology. However, it is commonly used to refer to various forms of plant material that have been prepared for medicinal use. This can include dried and powdered plant parts, such as leaves, roots, or flowers, as well as extracts or concentrates made from plants. These preparations may be used in traditional medicine or as the basis for modern pharmaceuticals. It is important to note that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of plant preparations can vary widely, and they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Milk proteins are a complex mixture of proteins that are naturally present in milk, consisting of casein and whey proteins. Casein makes up about 80% of the total milk protein and is divided into several types including alpha-, beta-, gamma- and kappa-casein. Whey proteins account for the remaining 20% and include beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobulins. These proteins are important sources of essential amino acids and play a crucial role in the nutrition of infants and young children. Additionally, milk proteins have various functional properties that are widely used in the food industry for their gelling, emulsifying, and foaming abilities.
The estrous cycle is the reproductive cycle in certain mammals, characterized by regular changes in the reproductive tract and behavior, which are regulated by hormonal fluctuations. It is most commonly observed in non-primate mammals such as dogs, cats, cows, pigs, and horses.
The estrous cycle consists of several stages:
1. Proestrus: This stage lasts for a few days and is characterized by the development of follicles in the ovaries and an increase in estrogen levels. During this time, the female may show signs of sexual receptivity, but will not allow mating to occur.
2. Estrus: This is the period of sexual receptivity, during which the female allows mating to take place. It typically lasts for a few days and is marked by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which triggers ovulation.
3. Metestrus: This stage follows ovulation and is characterized by the formation of a corpus luteum, a structure that produces progesterone to support pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum will eventually regress, leading to the next phase.
4. Diestrus: This is the final stage of the estrous cycle and can last for several weeks or months. During this time, the female's reproductive tract returns to its resting state, and she is not sexually receptive. If pregnancy has occurred, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone until the placenta takes over this function later in pregnancy.
It's important to note that the human menstrual cycle is different from the estrous cycle. While both cycles involve hormonal fluctuations and changes in the reproductive tract, the menstrual cycle includes a shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) if fertilization does not occur, which is not a feature of the estrous cycle.
"Cirsium" is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, also known as the aster or daisy family. These plants are commonly known as thistles and include many species that are native to various parts of the world. They are often characterized by their prickly leaves and stems, and some species are considered invasive due to their ability to spread quickly in new environments.
The medical definition of "Cirsium" is not widely established, as the genus does not contain any plants that are commonly used for medicinal purposes. While some species of Cirsium have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures, there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness or safety. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any plant or herbal remedy for medical purposes.
Mutagenicity tests are a type of laboratory assays used to identify agents that can cause genetic mutations. These tests detect changes in the DNA of organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, after exposure to potential mutagens. The most commonly used mutagenicity test is the Ames test, which uses a strain of Salmonella bacteria that is sensitive to mutagens. If a chemical causes an increase in the number of revertants (reversion to the wild type) in the bacterial population, it is considered to be a mutagen. Other tests include the mouse lymphoma assay and the chromosomal aberration test. These tests are used to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of chemicals and are an important part of the safety evaluation process for new drugs, chemicals, and other substances.
Carcinogenicity tests are a type of toxicity test used to determine the potential of a chemical or physical agent to cause cancer. These tests are typically conducted on animals, such as rats or mice, and involve exposing the animals to the agent over a long period of time, often for the majority of their lifespan. The animals are then closely monitored for any signs of tumor development or other indicators of cancer.
The results of carcinogenicity tests can be used by regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to help determine safe exposure levels for chemicals and other agents. The tests are also used by industry to assess the potential health risks associated with their products and to develop safer alternatives.
It is important to note that carcinogenicity tests have limitations, including the use of animals, which may not always accurately predict the effects of a chemical on humans. Additionally, these tests can be time-consuming and expensive, which has led to the development of alternative test methods, such as in vitro (test tube) assays and computational models, that aim to provide more efficient and ethical alternatives for carcinogenicity testing.
A capsule is a type of solid pharmaceutical dosage form in which the drug is enclosed in a small shell or container, usually composed of gelatin or other suitable material. The shell serves to protect the drug from degradation, improve its stability and shelf life, and facilitate swallowing by making it easier to consume. Capsules come in various sizes and colors and can contain one or more drugs in powder, liquid, or solid form. They are typically administered orally but can also be used for other routes of administration, such as rectal or vaginal.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "vegetables" is not a term that has a medical definition. It is a dietary category that includes various plant-based foods, typically referring to the edible parts of herbaceous plants excluding fruit (but including seeds), such as leaves, stems, roots, tubers, and bulbs.
However, in a nutritional or clinical context, vegetables are often defined by their nutrient content. For example, they may be classified as foods that are high in certain vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and low in calories and fat. Different healthcare professionals or organizations might have slightly different definitions or classifications of what constitutes a vegetable, but there is no single medical definition for this term.