RICININE Meaning and
Definition
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Ricinine is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound which belongs to the group of toxalbumins. It is derived from the seeds of the castor plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis. Ricinine is known for its toxic properties and is considered a highly potent poison.
In terms of chemical structure, ricinine is a white, crystalline substance with a chemical formula of C8H8N2O2. It is soluble in various organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform but insoluble in water. Ricinine possesses a bitter taste and has been used historically as a rat poison and rodenticide.
When ingested, even in small amounts, ricinine can have detrimental effects on the human body. It acts by interfering with various physiological processes and inhibiting key enzymes, leading to severe toxicity. Symptoms of ricinine poisoning may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, even cardiac arrest or death.
Due to the toxic nature of ricinine, it is important to handle it with extreme caution and ensure proper safety measures are taken when dealing with castor seeds or any products derived from them. The potential dangers associated with ricinine make it a regulated substance in many countries, and its use is highly restricted.
It is worth noting that while ricinine is a dangerous toxin to humans, it has also attracted scientific interest due to its potential use in forensic toxicology and pharmaceutical research.
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A poisonous principle obtained from the castor-oil bean.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RICININE
Etymology of RICININE
The word "ricinine" is derived from the main component it represents, which is "ricin". Ricin is a highly toxic protein extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). The term "ricin" comes from the scientific name of the plant, Ricinus, which is taken from the Latin word "ricinus" meaning "tick" or "tick related to castor-oil plant". The suffix "-ine" in "ricinine" is a common suffix found in many alkaloids, indicating their identification as a specific type of organic compound.
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