Coptine

/ˈkɑptaɪn/ noun

Definition

An alkaloid compound found in plants of the genus Coptis, used in traditional medicine and showing potential antibacterial properties.

Etymology

From 'Coptis,' a genus name for goldthread plants, with the suffix '-ine' (indicating an alkaloid or chemical compound).

Kelly Says

Coptine is becoming interesting to modern pharmaceutical researchers because traditional Chinese medicine identified goldthread for infections centuries ago, and now chemistry is revealing the molecule responsible for its antibacterial power.

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