OLEANDRINE Meaning and
Definition
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Oleandrine is a chemical compound and a cardiac glycoside derived from the oleander plant (Nerium oleander). It is a toxic substance found within the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the oleander plant.
The compound is recognized for its potent effects on the cardiovascular system. It acts primarily by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which is responsible for maintaining the balance of sodium and potassium ions in cells. This inhibition leads to an increase in the concentration of intracellular sodium and a subsequent rise in calcium levels, resulting in the stimulation of cardiac muscle contraction. This makes oleandrine highly cardiotoxic, as excess calcium accumulation can cause various cardiac arrhythmias and disrupt normal heart function.
Oleandrine has also been associated with other toxic effects on the body. Consuming or coming into contact with oleandrine can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, seizures, and even coma.
Due to its toxicity, oleandrine has found some applications in medicine, particularly in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Research has shown that the compound may possess antitumor properties by inducing cancer cell death (apoptosis), although further studies are required to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.
In conclusion, oleandrine is a poisonous cardiac glycoside derived from the oleander plant, possessing potent effects on the cardiovascular system and displaying toxicity when consumed or exposed to in significant amounts.
Common Misspellings for OLEANDRINE
- ileandrine
- kleandrine
- lleandrine
- pleandrine
- 0leandrine
- 9leandrine
- okeandrine
- opeandrine
- ooeandrine
- olwandrine
- olsandrine
- oldandrine
- olrandrine
- ol4andrine
- ol3andrine
- olezndrine
- olesndrine
- olewndrine
- oleqndrine
- oleabdrine
Etymology of OLEANDRINE
The word "Oleandrine" is derived from the botanical name of the plant Oleander, scientifically known as Nerium oleander. The term "oleander" itself is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek word "oléandron", which means "olive tree". This is because the leaves of the oleander plant resemble those of an olive tree. The suffix "-ine" is often used to form names of alkaloids or chemical compounds related to plants, hence "oleandrine" refers to a specific alkaloid found in the oleander plant.
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