Cevadine

/ˈsɛvədɪn/ noun

Definition

A highly toxic alkaloid compound found in cevadilla and other plants of the Veratrum genus, historically used in medicine in tiny doses.

Etymology

From 'cevadilla' plus the chemical suffix '-ine', identifying this as a specific alkaloid compound with potent pharmacological effects.

Kelly Says

Cevadine is so poisonous that a dose the size of a few grains of salt can kill, yet medieval doctors thought minuscule amounts could cure gout—they were experimenting with what we'd now call 'homeopathic doses'!

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