JEQUIRITIN Meaning and
Definition
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Jequiritin refers to a toxic substance that can be derived from the seeds of the jequirity plant (Abrus precatorius), also known as rosary pea or precatory bean. It is an established toxic peptide classified as a toxic lectin or hemagglutinin due to its ability to agglutinate red blood cells. Jequiritin is a powerful poison mainly composed of a protein known as abrin. It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis within cells, leading to cell death. This toxin is found in various parts of the jequirity plant, but the seeds contain the highest concentration of jequiritin.
Due to its toxicity, jequiritin is often considered dangerous and lethal. Ingesting or inhaling amounts as small as a single seed can be fatal. Its toxic nature has led to its consideration as a potential candidate for biological warfare due to its stability and ease of production. Exposure to jequiritin primarily occurs through accidental ingestion or inhalation, especially when the seeds are chewed or crushed. Symptoms of jequiritin poisoning include severe gastrointestinal distress, respiratory difficulties, organ damage, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Although jequiritin possesses toxic qualities, this plant has also found some limited use in traditional medicine for its purported medicinal properties. Despite this usage, it is important to note that the potential risks and dangers associated with jequiritin greatly outweigh any potential benefits.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for JEQUIRITIN
- jequiriuin
- jequirityn
- jequiritan
- jequiritmn
- jequirithn
- jequiritif
- jequiritil
- jequiritio
- j equiritin
- je quiritin
- jeq uiritin
- jequ iritin
- jequi ritin
- jequir itin
- jequiri tin
- jequirit in
- jequiriti n
Etymology of JEQUIRITIN
The word "jequiritin" has its origins in the botanical name of a plant called Abrus precatorius, commonly known as the "rosary pea" or "jequirity bean". The plant is native to tropical areas and is notable for its bright red and black seeds, which resemble beads.
The term "jequiritin" is derived from the word "jequirity", which comes from the Portuguese word "jequiriti". This, in turn, is believed to have roots in the Tupi-Guarani language spoken by indigenous people in Brazil, where the plant is found. The Tupi-Guarani term for the plant is "xequirity", which refers to the distinct seeds of Abrus precatorius.
In medical and pharmacological contexts, "jequiritin" specifically refers to the toxic protein found in the seeds of the jequirity bean.
