Asarin

/ˈæsərɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxic alkaloid compound found in asarum plants that has been studied for potential biological and pharmaceutical applications.

Etymology

From 'asarum' (the plant genus) plus the chemical suffix '-in' (indicating an alkaloid or active compound), following standard nomenclature for plant-derived chemicals.

Kelly Says

Asarin is toxic enough that eating asarum plants can cause serious poisoning, but researchers are investigating whether tiny doses might help with inflammation—a classic example of 'the poison is the cure' in pharmacy!

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