PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes -Lipid Bilayer, Dietary Supplement, Lipophobicity
Document Summary
Drug originally referred to any substance used in chemistry or medicine; gradually restricted to any agent used in medicine or any ingredient in medicine; today used as a synonym for a narcotic agent or an illicit substance. In general, a drug is a chemical that affects one or more biological processes. However, not all chemicals that affect biological processes are considered drugs. Substances that are commonly used for nutritional purposes, such as salt, water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals aren"t generally considered drugs, because they"re necessary for carrying out the normal biological functions of the body. However, certain vitamins and minerals that might be found in our diet, if isolated and used in certain quantities, might also be thought of as drugs. These properties indicate that pharmacologically, one or more ingredients in st. John"s wort would be considered a drug, but until there"s legislation to change its status, the fda can"t regulate it as a drug.