physostigmine

American  

[fahy-soh-stig-meen, -min] / ˌfaɪ soʊˈstɪg min, -mɪn /

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.

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physostigmine British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of physostigmine

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Forbes • Apr. 11, 2014

Researchers have also tried treating AD with physostigmine, a substance that prevents the breakdown of ACh.

From Time Magazine Archive

Whether administered in the form of the official lamella or by subcutaneous injection, physostigmine causes a contraction of the pupil more marked than in the case of any other known drug.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

The clinical uses of physostigmine are based upon the facts of its pharmacology, as above detailed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

The respiration is at first accelerated by a dose of physostigmine, but is afterwards slowed and ultimately arrested.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various