Guvacoline

/ɡuːˈvækəliːn/ noun

Definition

An alkaloid compound found in betel nuts, chemically similar to guvacine; a natural chemical in the betel nut plant.

Etymology

From guvaca (betel nut plant) plus -oline suffix used for alkaloid compounds, similar to the structure of guvacine.

Kelly Says

Guvacoline and guvacine are two of several alkaloid compounds in betel nuts, and together they show why traditional practices can have hidden health consequences—people didn't know about these chemicals until modern chemistry could detect them.

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