PICRACONITINE Meaning and
Definition
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Picraconitine is a highly poisonous substance found in various species of plants belonging to the Aconitum genus, also known as the monkshood or wolfsbane plants. It is a diterpene alkaloid that possesses potent neurotoxic properties.
The chemical structure of picraconitine consists of a cyclohexane ring fused with a dihydropyran ring and an ester group. It is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, meaning it hampers the function of the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for nerve communication.
Exposure to picraconitine can have severe and potentially fatal consequences on the central nervous system. Poisoning can occur through ingestion or contact with the mucous membranes or broken skin. Symptoms of picraconitine poisoning usually manifest rapidly and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, excessive sweating, numbness or tingling sensations, muscle weakness, respiratory distress, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
Due to its highly toxic nature, picraconitine has not found any significant therapeutic application. However, it has been historically used as a poison for criminal purposes or in traditional medicines with extreme caution. It is important to handle and store picraconitine safely to prevent accidental exposure, and medical attention should be sought immediately if poisoning is suspected.
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A white amorphous powder, very bitter but not poisonous, obtained from aconitine by prolonged boiling; by further hydrolysis it is split up into benzoic acid and aconine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PICRACONITINE
- oicraconitine
- licraconitine
- 0icraconitine
- pucraconitine
- pjcraconitine
- pkcraconitine
- pocraconitine
- p9craconitine
- p8craconitine
- pixraconitine
- pivraconitine
- pifraconitine
- pidraconitine
- piceaconitine
- picdaconitine
- picfaconitine
- pictaconitine
- pic5aconitine
- pic4aconitine
- picrzconitine
Etymology of PICRACONITINE
The word "picraconitine" originated from two components: "picra" and "aconitine".
1. The term "picra" is derived from the Greek word "pikros", meaning "bitter". It is often used as a prefix to indicate bitterness, as seen in words like "picric" and "picric acid".
2. "Aconitine" refers to a toxic alkaloid found in plants of the Aconitum genus, commonly known as aconite or monkshood. The name "aconitine" comes from the scientific name of the plant, Aconitum, which has its roots in the Greek word "akónitos", referring to a poisonous plant.
When combined, "picraconitine" refers to a specific compound that is a derivative of aconitine and retains its bitter properties.
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