Aminoguanidine

/əˌmiːnoʊɡwænɪˈdiːn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound that is an amino-substituted derivative of guanidine, used in research and as a potential diabetes treatment.

Etymology

From amino- + guanidine (from guano, bird droppings where it was discovered, from Quechua). Synthesized in the 20th century as researchers explored guanidine derivatives.

Kelly Says

Aminoguanidine was being tested to stop diabetes complications by preventing glycation (sugar damage to proteins) before a controversial clinical trial in 2001 halted its development—a reminder that even promising compounds can have hidden dangers.

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