Herbal Wellness Glossary

A class of herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Adaptogens normalize cortisol levels and improve the body's resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors. Examples include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Reishi.

A non-selective dopamine receptor agonist found naturally in Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea). It activates D1-D5 dopamine receptors, producing mood-enhancing and mildly euphoric effects. Not to be confused with the pharmaceutical drug of the same name used for Parkinson's disease.

The primary active compounds in Bacopa Monnieri responsible for its nootropic effects. Bacosides enhance synaptic communication by increasing dendrite growth and modulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine.

The proportion of a supplement's active ingredients that enter systemic circulation and are available for biological activity when introduced into the body. Higher bioavailability means the body can absorb and use more of the active compound. Factors include molecular size, solubility, and delivery method.

A class of chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in hemp. JGO hemp extract products contain naturally occurring cannabinoids that work together through the entourage effect.

Current Good Manufacturing Practice — a set of FDA regulations ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. cGMP covers all aspects of production from raw materials and facilities to equipment and personnel training. All JGO products are manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities.

The body's internal 24-hour clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, hormone release, body temperature, and other important functions. Melatonin is the primary hormone that signals the circadian system that it's time for sleep.

A compound that blocks the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, which produces prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain. Natural COX-2 inhibitors (like those found in turmeric and certain botanicals) provide anti-inflammatory effects similar to NSAIDs but often with fewer GI side effects.

A neurotransmitter associated with reward, pleasure, motivation, and motor function. Blue Lotus contains apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist that produces mood-enhancing effects by activating dopamine pathways.

A widespread neuromodulatory system in the body consisting of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates mood, pain perception, immune function, sleep, appetite, and stress response. Hemp extract compounds interact with this system.

The theory that the full spectrum of compounds in a plant (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work synergistically to produce greater therapeutic effects than any single compound alone. This is why JGO's full-spectrum hemp extract products may be more effective than isolated compounds.

A class of compounds found in the mycelium of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. Along with hericenones, they are the only known natural compounds that stimulate NGF production.

Products that meet the requirements of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (Farm Bill), which legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC at the federal level. All JGO hemp products are Farm Bill compliant.

A hemp extract that contains the complete range of naturally occurring plant compounds — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC (within legal limits). Full spectrum products benefit from the entourage effect.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid — the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA reduces neuronal excitability, producing calming, anti-anxiety, and sleep-promoting effects. Kava, Passionflower, and L-Theanine all enhance GABA activity through different mechanisms.

Bioactive compounds found in Mad Honey, produced when bees pollinate rhododendron flowers. Grayanotoxins bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, producing dose-dependent effects including mild euphoria, warmth, relaxation, and blood pressure modulation. Used in Turkish and Nepalese folk medicine for centuries.

Compounds found in the fruiting body of Lion's Mane mushroom that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Together with erinacines, they make Lion's Mane unique among natural compounds for supporting neuronal health.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — the body's central stress response system. When activated, it triggers cortisol release. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha regulate the HPA axis, reducing chronic cortisol elevation and building stress resilience.

A purified form of a single compound extracted from a plant, removing all other compounds. Hemp Isolate is a 99%+ pure extract with zero THC. JGO offers isolate options for customers who need to pass drug tests.

The primary active compounds in Kava root. There are 18 identified kavalactones, with 6 being pharmacologically significant: kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin. They modulate GABA-A receptors and block sodium/calcium channels for anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing effects.

A hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness that regulates the circadian rhythm and signals the body to prepare for sleep. Supplemental melatonin is one of the most studied natural sleep aids.

A protein critical for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. NGF promotes the formation of new neural connections (neuroplasticity) and supports cognitive function. Lion's Mane mushroom is the only known natural compound that stimulates NGF synthesis.

The brain's ability to form new neural connections, reorganize existing ones, and adapt throughout life. Neuroplasticity is essential for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injury. Lion's Mane, Bacopa, and Ginkgo all support neuroplasticity.

A compound that enhances cognitive function — including memory, focus, creativity, motivation, or mental clarity — without significant side effects. Nootropics can be natural (Lion's Mane, Bacopa, Ginkgo) or synthetic (racetams). JGO focuses exclusively on natural nootropics.

An alkaloid found in Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) that interacts with serotonin receptors and acts as an antispasmodic. It promotes deep relaxation and calms the nervous system, complementing apomorphine's mood-enhancing effects.

A neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being, contentment, and emotional stability. Serotonin also plays roles in sleep, appetite, digestion, and pain perception. Blue Lotus's nuciferine and Kanna's mesembrine both interact with serotonin pathways.

Aromatic compounds found in many plants that contribute to their scent, flavor, and therapeutic effects. In hemp, terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool contribute to the entourage effect and may have independent therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects.

Products that have been tested by an independent laboratory (not the manufacturer) to verify purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination. All JGO products undergo third-party lab testing with results available upon request.

An advanced extraction method that uses high-frequency sound waves to break open plant cell walls, maximizing the release and bioavailability of active compounds. JGO uses ultrasonic extraction for Sea Moss products to ensure maximum mineral bioavailability.

A group of steroidal lactones found in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) responsible for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Withanolides regulate the HPA axis, modulate GABA receptors, and support thyroid hormone production.