Dicinchonine is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C19H22N2O, commonly used as an anti-malarial drug. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be spelled as /daɪˈsɪnkəniːn/. The "d" sound is followed by the "ai" sound, sounding like a long "i." The "c" in "cinch" is pronounced as a "k" sound, while "o" is pronounced as "i" sound. The suffix "-ine" is pronounced as "een." Despite being a challenging word to spell and pronounce, dicinchonine is crucial in treating malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by a parasitic infection.
Dicinchonine is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of heterocyclic organic compounds, specifically the indoles. It is derived from the plant Cinchona, particularly from its bark, which is commonly known for its medicinal properties. Dicinchonine possesses a complex molecular structure that consists of two indole rings fused together, resulting in a bicyclic structure.
This compound is characterized by its slightly bitter taste and is often used in pharmaceutical and research applications due to its various pharmacological properties. It is particularly renowned for its antimalarial activity, with studies indicating high efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite responsible for malaria. Dicinchonine is believed to interfere with the replication of the parasite, ultimately suppressing the infection.
Furthermore, dicinchonine has also been found to possess analgesic properties, providing relief from pain by acting on the central nervous system. It is regarded as a potent central analgesic agent due to its ability to bind to specific receptors in the brain.
Despite its therapeutic potential, dicinchonine is notable for its relative scarcity and high cost of production, which limits its widespread application in various industries. However, its unique chemical structure and remarkable medicinal properties make dicinchonine a subject of ongoing research and development, aiming to explore its comprehensive range of applications in healthcare and beyond.
A cinchona alkaloid found chiefly in red bark.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.