PANAMA BARK Meaning and
Definition
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Panama bark refers to the bark of the Cinchona tree, primarily of the species Cinchona officinalis, which is native to the forests of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia in South America. This tree possesses certain alkaloids, especially quinine, that have been widely utilized for medicinal purposes. The term "Panama bark" is derived from the fact that the bark was first exported from Panama during the colonial era as a critical ingredient for the production of quinine, a potent antimalarial drug.
The bark of the Cinchona tree is characterized by its high alkaloid content, particularly quinine. It has a reddish-brown color and a rough texture. The extraction of quinine from this bark involves a complex process of grinding and steeping it in a solvent, usually alcohol. Once extracted, quinine can be used in the treatment of malaria and other protozoal infections. It has antipyretic and analgesic properties, and historically, it has been extremely valuable in combating the symptoms of malaria.
The use of Panama bark and its derivatives has been a significant milestone in the history of medicine, particularly in the fight against malaria. It played a crucial role in European colonization efforts and preventing the spread of this deadly disease among European settlers. While Panama bark and its quinine content are now less frequently used due to the development of alternative antimalarial drugs, they still hold historical and cultural significance in the field of medicine.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PANAMA BARK
- oanama bark
- lanama bark
- -anama bark
- 0anama bark
- pznama bark
- psnama bark
- pwnama bark
- pqnama bark
- pabama bark
- pamama bark
- pajama bark
- pahama bark
- panzma bark
- pansma bark
- panwma bark
- panqma bark
- panana bark
- panaka bark
- panaja bark
- panamz bark
Etymology of PANAMA BARK
The etymology of the word "Panama bark" can be understood by breaking down the terms:
1. Panama: The word "Panama" refers to a country in Central America, known for its famous Panama Canal. However, in this context, it specifically refers to the Panama hat, a finely woven hat made from the fibers of the toquilla palm, native to Ecuador. These hats became popular in the mid-19th century when they were transported through the port of Panama, giving them their name.
2. Bark: In this context, "bark" refers to the outer protective layer of a tree. It is commonly stripped off and used for various purposes, including medicinal or industrial use.
So, "Panama bark" refers to the bark or outer layer of the toquilla palm tree used in the production of Panama hats.
