CINCHONA ARTICULARIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cinchona articularis is a species of flowering tree in the family Rubiaceae. Commonly known as the Articulate Cinchona, it is native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly found in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This species is renowned for its medicinal properties and has been historically significant in the production of quinine, a treatment for malaria.
Cinchona articularis typically grows up to 10 meters in height and has a dense, bushy crown with elliptical leaves that possess a characteristic "jigsaw-like" pattern of articulated veins. The tree produces small, white or pale yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters, eventually yielding reddish-brown capsules containing numerous seeds.
This species is highly valued for its bark, specifically the inner bark which contains alkaloids such as quinine and cinchonine. Quinine, obtained from Cinchona articularis and other related Cinchona species, was historically used as a powerful antimalarial drug. The bark is collected, dried, and processed to extract the alkaloids, which are further refined for medical use.
Apart from its medicinal significance, Cinchona articularis is also recognized for its cultural and economic importance. It has been cultivated in plantations to meet the demand for quinine, and the tree's wood is occasionally used in construction and furniture making. Furthermore, its appealing appearance makes it an ornamental tree in gardens and botanical collections.
In conclusion, Cinchona articularis is a valuable tree species native to the Andes Mountains, known for its medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of malaria. It possesses distinctive features like its articulate veins and produces alkaloid-rich bark that has played a crucial role in historical medical practices.
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A species yielding a fair amount of alkaloids but not now used to any extent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CINCHONA ARTICULARIS
- xinchona articularis
- vinchona articularis
- finchona articularis
- dinchona articularis
- cunchona articularis
- cjnchona articularis
- cknchona articularis
- conchona articularis
- c9nchona articularis
- c8nchona articularis
- cibchona articularis
- cimchona articularis
- cijchona articularis
- cihchona articularis
- cinxhona articularis
- cinvhona articularis
- cinfhona articularis
- cindhona articularis
- cincgona articularis
- cincbona articularis
Etymology of CINCHONA ARTICULARIS
The word "Cinchona" is derived from the surname of the Spanish Countess of Chinchón, Ana de Osorio, who was greatly influential in popularizing the use of this medicinal bark from South America in Europe during the 17th century. "Articularis" is a Latin term that means "of the joints", as the Cinchona articularis species was traditionally used to treat joint and muscular pain.
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