The word "umbelliferon" is spelled with the letter combination "belli," which represents the sound /bɛli/. The "u" is pronounced as /ʌm/ and the last syllable, "-feron," is pronounced as /fɛrən/. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ʌmˈbɛlɪfərən/. Umbelliferon is a chemical compound found in certain plants, known for its medicinal properties. The correct spelling of this word is important in order to accurately communicate its usage in scientific literature and medical research.
Umbelliferon, also known as 7-hydroxycoumarin, is a naturally occurring organic compound belonging to the coumarin family. It presents as a pale yellow crystalline substance with a distinct odor.
Umbelliferon derives its name from the Latin word "umbella," meaning umbrella, due to the structure of its molecular arrangement resembling an open, flat umbrella-like shape. It is commonly found in various plant sources, such as the roots, fruits, and leaves of umbelliferous plants, including parsley, carrot, and celery.
Within the field of biochemistry, umbelliferon plays a significant role due to its various biological activities and medicinal properties. It exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, umbelliferon possesses anti-cancer properties by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, although further research is required to establish its efficacy.
Pharmacologically, umbelliferon is known as a photoprotective agent, as it absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation and prevents skin damage caused by excessive exposure to the sun. It is also utilized in the formulation of sunscreen products due to its ability to absorb UV rays.
Overall, umbelliferon is an organic compound with a distinctive molecular structure, found in various plant sources, and exhibits numerous biological activities, making it a significant compound in the fields of biochemistry and pharmaceuticals.
A crystalline substance, C9H6O3, obtained from galbanum and other gum-resins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "umbelliferon" is derived from two main components: "umbel" and "feron".
1. "Umbel" comes from the Latin word "umbella", meaning "sunshade" or "parasol". In botany, an umbel refers to a specific type of flower arrangement where flowers arise from a common point and radiate outward like the ribs of an umbrella.
2. "Feron" which stems from the Latin word "ferre", meaning "to bear" or "to carry". In the context of chemical compounds, "feron" refers to a compound extracted or derived from a particular source.
Combining these two components, "umbelliferon" refers to a compound that is extracted or derived from a plant belonging to the Umbelliferae family, which includes plants with umbrella-like flower arrangements, such as parsley, fennel, and carrots.