DECOCTUM Meaning and
Definition
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A "decoctum" refers to a liquid that is obtained by boiling and reducing the concentration of a substance, typically a medicinal plant, in order to extract its active constituents. It is a term primarily used in the field of pharmacy and herbal medicine. The decoction process is performed by simmering the plant material in water or another suitable solvent, usually for an extended period of time.
The purpose of creating a decoction is to extract the therapeutic compounds from the plant matter, which may include various medicinal properties like vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds. By boiling the plant material, the active constituents are released into the liquid and form a concentrated solution.
The resulting decoctum can be then ingested orally, applied topically, or used in various preparations such as lotions, creams, or syrups, depending on its intended purpose. The decoction method is particularly beneficial for plants whose beneficial compounds are not easily extracted through methods like infusion or maceration.
Additionally, decoction allows for a more efficient extraction of certain plant compounds that are insoluble or less soluble in water. This process enables the body to better assimilate and utilize the therapeutic properties of the botanical substance. Overall, decoction is a widely employed technique in traditional and alternative medicine for obtaining potent plant extracts that can be used to treat various ailments and promote overall well-being.
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Decoction; the pharmacopeial name for preparations made by boiling crude vegetable drugs, and then straining, in the proportion of 50 gm. of the drug to 1000 c.c. of water, approximately 12 1/2 drams to the ounce. There are no official decoctions in the U.S.P.; in the B.P. decoctions of aloes, of pomegranate root, and of hematoxylon are official.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DECOCTUM
- decoctiom
- decocton
- secoctum
- xecoctum
- cecoctum
- fecoctum
- recoctum
- eecoctum
- dwcoctum
- dscoctum
- ddcoctum
- drcoctum
- d4coctum
- d3coctum
- dexoctum
- devoctum
- defoctum
- dedoctum
- decictum
- deckctum
Etymology of DECOCTUM
The word "decoctum" originates from Latin. It is the neuter singular form of the Latin adjective "decoctus", which means "cooked" or "boiled down". The noun form "decoctum" refers to a decoction, which is a liquid obtained by boiling or simmering a substance to extract its active principles or components. Furthermore, "decoctus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "decoquere", which combines "de" (indicating intensive action) and "coquere" (meaning "to cook"). Overall, the etymology of "decoctum" emphasizes the concept of boiling or cooking down substances to create a concentrated liquid.
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