genus physostigma Synonyms
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
genus physostigma Meaning
Wordnet
genus physostigma (n)
African woody vines: calabar beans
genus physostigma Sentence Examples
- The genus Physostigma includes two species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae.
- Physostigma plants are native to tropical Africa and are characterized by their climbing habit and showy red flowers.
- The seeds of Physostigma venenosum, known as calabar beans, contain the alkaloid physostigmine.
- Physostigmine is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and has been used as a treatment for glaucoma and other eye conditions.
- The extract of Physostigma venenosum seeds has also been used traditionally in West African medicine.
- The other species in the genus, Physostigma cylindrospermum, is less well-known but also contains physostigmine.
- Both species of Physostigma are potentially toxic due to the presence of physostigmine, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
- Despite their toxicity, Physostigma plants are of interest for their medicinal properties and are being studied for potential therapeutic applications.
- The genus Physostigma is closely related to the genus Erythrina, which includes the coral tree species.
- The evolution of the genus Physostigma is still not fully understood, but it is believed to have diverged from Erythrina around 10 million years ago.
FAQs About the word genus physostigma
African woody vines: calabar beans
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
The genus Physostigma includes two species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae.
Physostigma plants are native to tropical Africa and are characterized by their climbing habit and showy red flowers.
The seeds of Physostigma venenosum, known as calabar beans, contain the alkaloid physostigmine.
Physostigmine is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and has been used as a treatment for glaucoma and other eye conditions.
