PICROTOXINE Meaning and
Definition
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Picrotoxin is a term used to refer to a toxic compound naturally derived from the seeds of the Anamirta cocculus plant, which is commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is classified as a noncompetitive antagonist for certain receptors in the central nervous system, notably GABA-A receptors.
Picrotoxin is a crystalline substance that is colorless and odorless. It possesses a highly bitter taste and is often used to deter the consumption of certain substances due to its intensely repulsive flavor. Historically, it has been utilized as an insecticide, an anti-lice treatment, and even as a fish poison (to stun or kill fish for easy collection).
When picrotoxin enters the human body, it disrupts the normal functioning of the GABA-A receptors, which are responsible for inhibitory neurotransmission. By inhibiting this mechanism, picrotoxin induces various central nervous system effects such as excitability, convulsions, and in severe cases, seizures.
Due to its potential neurotoxic properties, picrotoxin is not suitable for human consumption, and its possession and distribution may be regulated in some jurisdictions. However, it has found some application in scientific research to study receptor mechanisms and epileptic phenomena in animal models. Despite its toxicity, picrotoxin's unique properties make it an intriguing substance for investigations into the functioning of the central nervous system.
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The poisonous bitter principle extracted from the berries of the cocculus indicus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PICROTOXINE
- -picrotoxin
- picotoxin
- Pycrotoxin
- piecrotoxin
- oicrotoxine
- licrotoxine
- -icrotoxine
- 0icrotoxine
- pucrotoxine
- pjcrotoxine
- pkcrotoxine
- pocrotoxine
- p9crotoxine
- p8crotoxine
- pixrotoxine
- pivrotoxine
- pifrotoxine
- pidrotoxine
- piceotoxine
- picdotoxine
Etymology of PICROTOXINE
The word "picrotoxine" has its roots in Greek. The Greek word "pikros" means "bitter", and "toxikon" means "poison". Therefore, "picrotoxine" can be translated to mean "bitter poison" in Greek.
