BIOL 423: Medicinal Botany

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Medicinal Botany lecture.

Alkaloids

Organic compounds containing basic nitrogen atoms, produced by plants as secondary metabolites.

Secondary Metabolites

Compounds not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism.

Quinine

An alkaloid used for the treatment of malaria, first used by indigenous people of Peru.

Caffeine

A central nervous system stimulant found in various plants, used medically for migraines and headaches.

Cinchona

A genus of plant from which quinine is derived; known as Peruvian Bark.

Mechanism of Action: Opioids

Opioids bind to mu, delta, kappa, and nociceptin receptors, inhibiting neurotransmitter release and minimizing pain.

Opioid Epidemic

A significant increase in the use and overdose of opioids over recent years, leading to public health concerns.

Tension headaches

A type of headache that can be treated with caffeine.

Morphine

A potent opioid used as an analgesic for moderate to severe pain, known for its addictive properties.

Terpenes

A large class of organic compounds produced by plants, often with strong odors, used as essential oils.