Folinic acid is a compound that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair. Its spelling comes from its discoverer, biochemist Lucy Wills, who named it after her mentor, chemist Edwin Joseph Folin. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /foʊˈlɪnɪk ˈæsɪd/, with stress on the second syllable. The "o" in "Folinic" is pronounced like the vowel in "go", while the "i" in "acid" sounds like the "y" in "myth".
Folinic Acid, also known as Leucovorin, is a biologically active form of vitamin B9, or folate. It is typically obtained from dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables, liver, and legumes, or derived from folic acid through metabolic conversion. Folinic Acid plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly in cellular growth, DNA synthesis, and cellular repair.
As a medication, Folinic Acid is frequently used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of certain medical conditions. For instance, it is commonly prescribed to counteract the toxic effects and rescue normal healthy cells from the harmful impact of chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate, which is used in cancer treatment. Folinic Acid helps prevent or reduce the side effects of these drugs on the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and other rapidly dividing cells by supplying a ready source of folate for cellular replication.
Furthermore, Folinic Acid is utilized in the management of specific pathologies resulting from folate deficiency, such as megaloblastic anemia, folic acid antagonist overdose, and malabsorption syndromes.
When administered medicinally, Folinic Acid is available in various forms including tablets, injections, and oral solutions, and dosages may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. However, it is important to note that Folinic Acid is a prescription medication and should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
The word "folinic acid" is derived from "folium", which is the Latin word for "leaf". This is because folinic acid is a derivative or form of folic acid, which was first obtained from spinach leaves. Folic acid itself is derived from the Latin word "folium" due to its abundance in leafy green vegetables.