CARDANOLIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Cardenolides are a group of naturally occurring organic compounds belonging to the steroid family. They are specifically classified as cardiac glycosides, which are a class of compounds known for their ability to act as a potent cardiotonic.
Cardenolides are typically found in various plants, particularly those belonging to the Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae families, including foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) and milkweeds (Asclepias). These compounds are also synthesized by some insects and marine organisms.
The chemical structure of cardenolides consists of a tetracyclic or pentacyclic aglycone moiety attached to one or more sugar residues. The aglycone portion of the molecule is crucial for its biological activity, as it binds to and inhibits the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase) in cardiac muscle cells. This inhibition increases the concentration of intracellular calcium, leading to enhanced cardiac contractility and increased cardiac output.
Cardenolides have long been used in medicine for their beneficial effects on the heart. They are used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and certain arrhythmias. However, due to their narrow therapeutic index and potential toxicity, their use requires careful monitoring and dosage adjustment.
In addition to their medical applications, cardenolides have also gained attention for their ecological roles. Some plants produce cardenolides as a defense mechanism against herbivores, as they can be toxic when consumed by certain animals. Some insects have evolved the ability to sequester cardenolides from their plant food sources, utilizing them for their own protection against predators.
Common Misspellings for CARDANOLIDES
- xardanolides
- vardanolides
- fardanolides
- dardanolides
- czrdanolides
- csrdanolides
- cwrdanolides
- cqrdanolides
- caedanolides
- caddanolides
- cafdanolides
- catdanolides
- ca5danolides
- ca4danolides
- carsanolides
- carxanolides
- carcanolides
- carfanolides
- carranolides
- careanolides
Etymology of CARDANOLIDES
The word "cardanolides" is derived from the term "cardanol", which refers to an organic compound that was initially discovered in the oil of cashew nut shells. The name "cardanol" itself originates from the botanical name for cashew, Anacardium occidentale. The "-olides" suffix in "cardanolides" indicates that it is a class of organic compounds derived from cardanol. Cardanolides specifically refer to a group of steroid glycosides found in certain plants, primarily in the Apocynaceae family, including the genera Digitalis and Nerium.
Similar spelling words for CARDANOLIDES
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