physostigmine

[fahy-soh-stig-meen, -min]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 1 5 H 2 1 N 3 O 2 , used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to raise the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and also as a miotic in glaucoma.

physostigmine

/ ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmiːn, ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmɪn /

noun

1. Also called: eserine. an alkaloid found in the Calabar bean used esp in eye drops to reduce pressure inside the eyeball. Formula: C 15 H 21 N 3 O 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of physostigmine¹

1860–65; < New Latin Physostigm ( a ) genus of plants yielding the alkaloid ( physo-, stigma ) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of physostigmine¹

C19: from New Latin Physostigma genus name, from Greek phusa bladder + stigma mark

Example Sentences

In the sole example from the vast field of synthetic organic chemistry, he outlines the total synthesis of the alkaloid physostigmine, yet divulges nothing about why it is useful — it's a treatment for glaucoma.

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The final version of today’s Google Doodle for the U.S. shows the chemical structure of cortisone coming from an intermediate in soybean together with physostigmine from the West African Calabar bean.

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An Army video also obtained by the group shows a vervet monkey spasming after a physostigmine injection.

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Of these two have been identified, one called calabarine, and the other, now a highly important drug, known as physostigmine—or occasionally as eserine.

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Army documents show the monkeys were to be anaesthetized, injected with a nerve-blocking agent, physostigmine, and observed by Army medical personnel before receiving an antidote.

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