CALISAYA Meaning and
Definition
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Calisaya refers to a type of medicinal plant that belongs to the genus Cinchona within the Rubiaceae family. It is native to South America and is primarily found in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This plant is well-known for its therapeutic properties and has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine for its medicinal compounds.
The calisaya plant is a small evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 15 meters. It has smooth, dark green leaves and produces clusters of white or pale yellow flowers. However, it is the bark of the calisaya tree that is of utmost importance for its medicinal qualities.
The bark of the calisaya plant contains several alkaloids, including quinine, quinidine, cinchonidine, and cinchonine. These alkaloids are renowned for their antimalarial properties and have been vital in the treatment and prevention of malaria. The discovery of quinine, extracted from calisaya bark, revolutionized the treatment of this deadly disease.
Apart from its antimalarial effects, calisaya has also been used traditionally to alleviate fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, and indigestion. Its bitter taste accounts for its common use as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant. Additionally, it has been employed in the production of tonics and liqueurs due to its aromatic properties.
In modern times, calisaya is still cultivated and utilized in various forms such as herbal supplements, tinctures, and teas, often prescribed for their antimalarial and digestive properties. However, further scientific research is required to explore its potential wider applications in the field of medicine.
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Yellow cinchona, the bark of Cinchona flava.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CALISAYA
- xalisaya
- valisaya
- falisaya
- dalisaya
- czlisaya
- cslisaya
- cwlisaya
- cqlisaya
- cakisaya
- capisaya
- caoisaya
- calusaya
- caljsaya
- calksaya
- calosaya
- cal9saya
- cal8saya
- caliaaya
- calizaya
- calixaya
Etymology of CALISAYA
The word "calisaya" is derived from the Quechua language, which is spoken predominantly in the Andean region of South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
The term "calisaya" comes from the Quechuan phrase "qalisaya", which translates to "bark of the good tree". "Qali" means "bark", and "saya" means "good" or "healthy".
The word specifically refers to the bark of the Cinchona tree, which is native to the Andean region. Cinchona bark contains quinine, a compound used to treat malaria. Consequently, the term "calisaya" has come to be associated with the medicinal properties of this tree's bark.
Similar spelling words for CALISAYA
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