Convallamarin

/ˌkɒnvələˈmɑːrɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxic chemical compound found in lily of the valley plants, similar in structure to cardiac glycosides used in heart medicine.

Etymology

From 'Convallaria' (the genus name for lily of the valley) plus the chemical suffix '-in' or '-arine,' following nomenclature conventions for plant-derived compounds.

Kelly Says

Convallamarin is a perfect example of how poison and medicine are often the same molecule—in tiny amounts it helps hearts beat more forcefully, but in larger doses it causes fatal arrhythmias, which is why old herbalists were so careful.

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