BRUCINA Meaning and
Definition
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Brucina is a noun derived from the chemical compound strychnine, which belongs to the family of alkaloids. It refers to a highly toxic substance extracted from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree and other related plants, including Strychnos ignatii, Strychnos guatemalensis, and Strychnos toxifera. The compound is named after the Scottish physician and chemist Robert Bruce, who first isolated it.
Brucina is characterized by its bitter taste and is known for its intense toxic effects on the nervous system. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant, particularly affecting the spinal cord and brain. The compound acts by blocking inhibitory neurotransmitters, like glycine, in the spinal cord, leading to increased muscle contractions and twitching. This mechanism of action can result in convulsions and stiffness in the muscles, often leading to death if ingested in high doses.
The compound has a long history of use as a poison, particularly in criminal poisonings and even as an arrow poison in some indigenous cultures. Due to its extremely toxic nature, brucina is now restricted and regulated in many countries. However, it still has limited medicinal applications, such as its inclusion in certain homeopathic remedies and experimental research. Caution should be exercised when handling brucina due to its potent toxicity, and it is advised to avoid any exposure to this compound without proper knowledge and safety precautions.
Common Misspellings for BRUCINA
Etymology of BRUCINA
The word "Brucina" has its etymology rooted in Italian. It is derived from the Italian word "bruciare", which means "to burn". The -ina suffix is a common ending used to denote alkaloids in chemistry. Therefore, "Brucina" is a Latinized form of the Italian term, chosen to represent the specific alkaloid compound it refers to.
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