Hydrocoturnine is a complex organic compound commonly found in a type of flowering plant called Hydrocotyle. Its English spelling, "hydrocoturnine," represents an unusual challenge for speakers who do not know the word's phonetic transcription. The correct way to pronounce the word is [hʌɪdrəʊkətɜːrnɪn], with emphasis placed on the third syllable, "kət." Due to its non-phonetic spelling, it's worth working to gain familiarity with the IPA transcription to avoid mispronunciation of this or other challenging words.
Hydrocoturnine, also known as hydrocoturnin, is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound found in certain plant species, particularly plants of the genus Hydrocotyle, which is commonly referred to as pennywort or water pennywort. This compound is known for its pharmacological properties and has been of interest in the field of pharmaceutical research.
The chemical structure of hydrocoturnine consists of a bicyclic ring system, consisting of fused cyclopentane and cyclohexane rings. It belongs to the class of organic compounds called tropane alkaloids, which are commonly found in various plant species.
Hydrocoturnine possesses a range of biological activities, including potential anticholinergic and antispasmodic effects. It has been studied for its potential applications in medicine, particularly in the treatment of diseases or conditions associated with smooth muscle spasms, such as gastrointestinal disorders.
Due to its natural occurrence in certain plant species, hydrocoturnine can be isolated and purified using various extraction and separation methods. Its chemical properties make it amenable to analysis and characterization through techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
In conclusion, hydrocoturnine is a natural alkaloid compound found in certain plants, mainly belonging to the Hydrocotyle genus. It possesses various biological activities, and its potential medicinal applications have been a subject of scientific interest.
An alkaloidal principle derived from narcotine by the action of nascent hydrogen, C12H15NO3, occurring in the form of colorless prisms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.