hydrastine

[ hahy-dras-teen, -tin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 21 H 21 NO 6 , that is extracted from the roots of goldenseal and forms prismatic crystals: used as an astringent and to inhibit uterine bleeding.

hydrastine

/ -tɪn; haɪˈdræstiːn /

noun

1. a white poisonous alkaloid extracted from the roots of the goldenseal: has been used in medicine (in the form of one of its water-soluble salts) to contract the uterus and arrest haemorrhage. Formula: C 21 H 21 NO 6

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrastine¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hydrast(is) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrastine¹

C19: from hydrast ( is ) + -ine ²