Gentiopicrin is a compound found in the roots and leaves of the gentian plant. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as dʒɛntiəʊˈpɪkrɪn. The first syllable is pronounced with a soft "j" sound as in "jam," followed by "e" sounds as in "pet." The "o" is pronounced as "oh" and the second syllable has an "i" sound as in "sit." The final syllable is pronounced with a hard "k" sound followed by "rin."
Gentiopicrin is a noun that refers to a bitter, crystalline compound found in the root of the gentian plant (Gentiana lutea) and other related species. This compound belongs to the class of naturally occurring chemical compounds known as iridoids. Gentiopicrin is characterized by its intensely bitter taste and yellow color.
The chemical structure of gentiopicrin consists of a bicyclic lactone fused to a cyclopentane ring. It is known for its potent medicinal properties, primarily as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant. Gentiopicrin is commonly used as a key ingredient in traditional medicine practices, particularly in the European tradition.
In addition to its medicinal properties, gentiopicrin is also known to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties contribute to its potential therapeutic applications for various health conditions, such as rheumatism, liver disorders, and digestive issues. However, it is worth noting that further research is required to substantiate these claims.
Due to its intensely bitter taste, gentiopicrin finds limited use in culinary applications. It is sometimes added to herbal bitters and tonics to enhance digestive functions and stimulate appetite. The bitter taste of gentiopicrin has also been utilized in traditional European liqueurs and aperitifs.
Overall, gentiopicrin is a bitter and yellow compound naturally found in certain gentian plants, widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly as a digestive tonic.
A glucoside, C20H30O12, obtained from gentian.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gentiopicrin" is derived from two different sources: "gentio" and "picrin".
The prefix "gentio-" comes from the Latin word "gentiana", referring to the genus Gentiana, a group of flowering plants commonly known as gentians. Gentian plants typically have vibrant blue flowers and are known for their bitter taste.
The suffix "-picrin" originates from the Greek word "pikros", meaning bitter. This term is used in the context of chemical compounds to denote their intense bitterness.
Therefore, the word "gentiopicrin" combines "gentio-" to signify the source (gentian plants) and "-picrin" to represent the bitter taste of the compound.