picrotoxin

[ pik-ruh-tok-sin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, bitter, poisonous, central nervous system stimulant, C 3 0 H 3 4 O 1 3 , obtained from the seeds of Anamirta cocculus: used chiefly in the treatment of barbiturate poisoning.

picrotoxin

/ ˌpɪkrəˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. a bitter poisonous crystalline compound formerly used as an antidote for barbiturate poisoning. Formula: C 30 H 34 O 13

Other Words From

• picro·toxic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of picrotoxin¹

1865–70; < Greek pikr ( ós ) bitter + -o- + toxin

Example Sentences

He was promptly put on the standard treatment for such cases: an injection of picrotoxin to stimulate the nervous system, and oxygen by mask.

From Time Magazine Archive

It contains a bitter poisonous principle, picrotoxin, used in small doses to control the night sweats of phthisis.

From Project Gutenberg

Cocculus indicus contains picrotoxin, which is an “acrid narcotic poison;” from five to ten grains will kill a strong dog.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, anamirtin is found in the mother water of picrotoxin; it is not bitter, not poisonous, and not reducible by the aforementioned reagents.

From Project Gutenberg

Sixty-six per cent. of picrotoxin consists of another bitter substance, non-poisonous—picrotin, which is insoluble in benzine and is reduced by Fehling’s solution and nitrate of silver.

From Project Gutenberg