CINCHONICINE Meaning and
Definition
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Cinchonicine is a noun that refers to a crystalline alkaloid compound derived from the bark of certain species of cinchona trees. It belongs to the class of compounds known as cinchona alkaloids and is specifically categorized as an isomer of quinine. Cinchonicine is commonly found in the bark of the Cinchona pubescens and Cinchona officinalis trees, which are primarily native to South America.
In terms of its chemical structure, cinchonicine is an organic compound with the molecular formula C19H22N2O, which consists of a complex arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. It forms white crystals that are sparingly soluble in water but soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents.
Cinchonicine is known for its medicinal properties and has been historically used in the treatment of malaria due to its antipyretic and antimalarial effects. It works by disrupting the growth and reproduction of the malaria parasite within the human body. Despite being less effective than quinine, it is still considered a valuable alternative treatment option for malaria, especially in regions where resistance to other antimalarial drugs has developed.
Additionally, cinchonicine has also been researched for potential applications in treating other diseases and conditions, including arrhythmias and fever. However, further studies are needed to fully understand its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in these areas.
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An amorphous alkaloid, C19H22N2O, from cinchona.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CINCHONICINE
- cinconidine
- cinchonidine
- cinchonine
- xinchonicine
- vinchonicine
- finchonicine
- dinchonicine
- cunchonicine
- cjnchonicine
- cknchonicine
- conchonicine
- c9nchonicine
- c8nchonicine
- cibchonicine
- cimchonicine
- cijchonicine
- cihchonicine
- cinxhonicine
- cinvhonicine
- cinfhonicine
Etymology of CINCHONICINE
The word "cinchonicine" is derived from the plant genus Cinchona, specifically referring to the Cinchona bark. The term "cinchonicine" is a chemical compound found in the bark of this plant. It is used to refer to a specific alkaloid known as quinine, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The word "cinchona" itself is derived from the surname of the Countess of Chinchón, who is credited with introducing the medicinal properties of the Cinchona bark to Europe in the 17th century.
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