https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13872
Qualifier for a substance that provokes any response from a living system.
Note: This definition is derived from "material which has been designed to induce specific biological activity" and is limited to material made bioactive on purpose. However, the concept of bioactivity does not imply beneficial action only, although the term is often used positively, i.e., to reflect a beneficial action.