Aristolochine

/ˌærɪstəˈloʊkɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxic alkaloid compound found in plants of the genus Aristolochia, historically used medicinally but now recognized as causing serious kidney damage and cancer.

Etymology

From the genus name 'Aristolochia' combined with the chemical suffix '-ine,' indicating an alkaloid compound extracted from these plants.

Kelly Says

Aristolochine is a tragic example of medicine gone wrong—these plants were used for centuries to aid childbirth until scientists discovered they cause permanent kidney damage and tumors!

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