Arecoline

/ˈɛɹɪkəliːn/ noun

Definition

The primary alkaloid compound found in betel nuts that causes stimulating and psychoactive effects.

Etymology

From 'areca' + '-oline' (chemical suffix for nitrogen-containing compounds). The standardized name for this major betel nut alkaloid.

Kelly Says

Arecoline was first isolated in pure form in 1843 and became a key example for studying how plant alkaloids work—it's structurally similar to nicotine but with distinct effects, making it valuable for neuroscience research!

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