CINCHONA BIGEMINUM Meaning and
Definition
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Cinchona bigeminum, commonly known as "bigeminal cinchona," is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly found in countries such as Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.
This species of tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties, primarily due to the presence of alkaloids, especially quinine. Quinine extracted from the bark of Cinchona bigeminum has been historically used to treat malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted through infected mosquito bites. The antimalarial properties of cinchona bark were discovered during the 17th century and remained the primary treatment for malaria until the development of synthetic drugs.
Cinchona bigeminum is a relatively tall tree, growing up to 15 meters in height, with a smooth, grayish bark. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green, arranged oppositely on the branches. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are white or pink in color, usually accompanied by a prominent yellow center. These flowers give rise to small green fruit capsules containing numerous seeds.
Due to its medicinal value, the cultivation and conservation of Cinchona bigeminum are of great importance. The species is actively grown in plantations, particularly in areas prone to malaria, as it provides a renewable source of quinine for the production of antimalarial drugs. Moreover, efforts are being made to safeguard its natural habitats to protect the genetic diversity of this invaluable medicinal plant.
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Yellow bark, the name in the U.S.P of 1880 for what is now official as simply cinchona.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CINCHONA BIGEMINUM
- xinchona bigeminum
- vinchona bigeminum
- finchona bigeminum
- dinchona bigeminum
- cunchona bigeminum
- cjnchona bigeminum
- cknchona bigeminum
- conchona bigeminum
- c9nchona bigeminum
- c8nchona bigeminum
- cibchona bigeminum
- cimchona bigeminum
- cijchona bigeminum
- cihchona bigeminum
- cinxhona bigeminum
- cinvhona bigeminum
- cinfhona bigeminum
- cindhona bigeminum
- cincgona bigeminum
- cincbona bigeminum
Etymology of CINCHONA BIGEMINUM
The word "cinchona" originates from the name of a countess, Ana de Osorio, the wife of a Spanish viceroy in Peru in the 17th century. The countess contracted malaria and was successfully treated by native Peruvians using the bark of a local tree, which later became known as "cinchona".
The term "bigeminum" refers to the appearance of the flowers of the Cinchona tree, as they are arranged in pairs or clusters that resemble twins.
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