Aconitine
Aconitine
Aconitine (/əˈkɒnɪtiːn/ or /əˈkɒnɪtɪn/) is a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the Aconitum plant, also known as monkshood or wolfsbane.
Etymology
The term "aconitine" comes from the Greek akoniton, which refers to the plant from which it is derived. The suffix "-ine" is commonly used in chemistry to denote a specific type of compound.
Description
Aconitine is a potent neurotoxin that interferes with the function of nerve cells. It is one of the most dangerous toxins found in nature, with a lethal dose for humans estimated to be around a few milligrams. Despite its toxicity, aconitine has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Related Terms
- Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Aconitine is a type of alkaloid.
- Neurotoxin: A type of toxin that affects nerve cells (neurons). Aconitine is a potent neurotoxin.
- Aconitum: A genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. Aconitine is derived from plants in this genus.
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. Aconitine is a subject of study in toxicology due to its high toxicity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aconitine
- Wikipedia's article - Aconitine
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