JEQUIRITOL Meaning and
Definition
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Jequiritol is a noun that refers to a toxic substance derived from the seeds of the Abrus precatorius plant. It is primarily found in Africa, Asia, and other tropical regions where the plant is native. Jequiritol is a glycoprotein toxin that contains a protein called abrin, which is known for its potent toxicity.
The abrin protein present in jequiritol acts as a potent inhibitor of ribosomes, the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. This leads to the disruption of protein production in affected cells, ultimately causing cell death. Due to its toxicity, jequiritol has been known to be used historically as a poison in some cultures.
Although jequiritol in its pure form is extremely toxic and poses a significant risk to human health, it has found some applications in modern medicine. Researchers have been investigating the potential use of jequiritol as a therapeutic agent, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. Due to its ability to inhibit protein synthesis, it is being studied for its potential to halt the growth of cancer cells.
However, it is important to note that the use of jequiritol in medical applications is experimental and not yet widely used. The high toxicity of this substance requires careful handling and rigorous safety precautions to avoid accidental exposure or harm.
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An active principle of jequirity in 50 per cent. sterile glycerin solution.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for JEQUIRITOL
- hequiritol
- nequiritol
- mequiritol
- kequiritol
- iequiritol
- uequiritol
- jwquiritol
- jsquiritol
- jdquiritol
- jrquiritol
- j4quiritol
- j3quiritol
- je1uiritol
- je2uiritol
- jewuiritol
- jeauiritol
- jeqyiritol
- jeqhiritol
- jeqjiritol
- jeqiiritol
Etymology of JEQUIRITOL
The word "jequiritol" is derived from the plant name "jequirity". Jequirity is the common name for the seeds of the Abrus precatorius plant, which is native to tropical regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The plant is also known as the rosary pea or prayer bead vine. The word "jequirity" itself is believed to have originated from the Tupi-Guarani language, spoken by indigenous peoples of Brazil. As for the suffix "-ol" in "jequiritol", it often denotes a chemical compound or substance. Therefore, "jequiritol" likely indicates a compound or substance derived from or associated with jequirity seeds.
