Gelsemine

Gelsemine is a highly toxic compound that is found in the Gelsemium genus of flowering plants, specifically in Gelsemium sempervirens (yellow jessamine) and Gelsemium rankinii. It is an indole alkaloid and is structurally related to other plant alkaloids such as strychnine.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Gelsemine has a complex molecular structure that includes four rings. It is an indole alkaloid, which means it contains a structure derived from indole, a compound made up of a benzene ring fused to a pyrrole ring. Gelsemine's structure also includes a pyridine ring and a piperidine ring.

Toxicity[edit | edit source]

Gelsemine is highly toxic and can cause death in humans and animals. Symptoms of gelsemine poisoning include dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis of the respiratory system. The lethal dose for humans is estimated to be around 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Medical use[edit | edit source]

Despite its toxicity, gelsemine has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been investigated for potential use in the treatment of certain types of cancer and anxiety disorders.

See also[edit | edit source]

Gelsemine Resources
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