CANTHARIDATE Meaning and
Definition
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Cantharidate is a term that refers to a specific chemical compound derived from the secretion of certain species of blister beetles, particularly the Spanish fly (Lytta vesicatoria) and the green blister beetle (Hycleus cichorii). These beetles produce cantharidin, a potent toxic substance that acts as a defense mechanism. Cantharidin, in its natural form, is a lactone that is synthesized by the beetles and stored in their hemolymph.
Cantharidate is the salt or ester form of cantharidin, produced by combining this compound with a base or an alcohol, respectively. Cantharidate has been used historically for various purposes, particularly in traditional medicine and folk remedies. It has been employed as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, and even as a treatment for certain medical conditions.
Due to its strong blistering properties, cantharidate has also seen applications in dermatology where it has been utilized for the removal of warts and other skin lesions. However, its usage in medicine has decreased in recent years due to its toxicity and potential side effects.
Cantharidate, when used improperly or in excessive amounts, can cause severe toxic reactions in humans and animals. It can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage, blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, and even death if ingested in significant quantities. Therefore, its use should be strictly regulated and administered under medical supervision to avoid any potential harm.
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A salt of cantharidic acid with an alkali.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CANTHARIDATE
- xantharidate
- vantharidate
- fantharidate
- dantharidate
- czntharidate
- csntharidate
- cwntharidate
- cqntharidate
- cabtharidate
- camtharidate
- cajtharidate
- cahtharidate
- canrharidate
- canfharidate
- cangharidate
- canyharidate
- can6haridate
- can5haridate
- cantgaridate
- cantbaridate
Etymology of CANTHARIDATE
The word "cantharidate" is derived from the noun "cantharides" and the suffix "-ate". The term "cantharides" is derived from the Greek word "kantharides", which refers to a type of blister beetle found in southern Europe. These beetles produce a toxic substance called cantharidin, which is known for its blister-causing properties.
The suffix "-ate" often indicates the formation of a verb or a noun from another word. In this case, it is used to form a noun from the word "cantharides".
Overall, "cantharidate" refers to a substance or compound that is derived from or related to cantharides or cantharidin.
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