Erythrophleine

/ɛrɪˈθrɑfliːn/ noun

Definition

A toxic alkaloid compound found in certain plants, particularly in seeds of the Erythroxylum coca plant (coca), that has stimulant properties.

Etymology

From Greek erythro- (red) + phleine (possibly related to red coloration). A chemical compound named for its presence in red-stemmed plants or related to red botanical matter.

Kelly Says

Erythrophleine is one of several alkaloids in coca plants alongside the more famous cocaine, and it shows how plants often protect themselves with cocktails of different poisons rather than relying on just one chemical defense.

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