Cinchona officinalis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A Peruvian shrub or small tree: A plant species native to South America, characterized by large glossy leaves and clusters of fragrant flowers ranging in color from yellow to green or red.
- A source of medicinal bark: Cultivated primarily for its bark, which is used to produce quinine, a compound historically vital for treating malaria.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The forest contained several specimens of Cinchona officinalis.
- Quinine, derived from the bark of Cinchona officinalis, was a crucial antimalarial drug.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical and pharmacological contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to this specific species within the genus, often in scientific writing.
- The study compared the alkaloid content of Cinchona officinalis to other cinchona species.
Variants and Related Words
- Cinchona (n): The genus name for a group of trees and shrubs, several species of which yield quinine.
- The history of cinchona bark is intertwined with the fight against malaria.
- Quinine (n): A bitter alkaloid extracted from cinchona bark, used as a medication.
- The taste of tonic water comes from quinine.
Synonyms
- Cinchona tree: A general term for trees of the genus.
- Jesuit's bark: A historical name for cinchona bark.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is botanical, identifying a specific plant species.
- Its historical and economic significance stems almost entirely from its medicinal bark, making it a key term in the history of medicine and global trade.
Noun
- Peruvian shrub or small tree having large glossy leaves and cymes of fragrant yellow to green or red flowers; cultivated for its medicinal bark