Sparteine
/ˈspɑːr.tiː.aɪn/noun
A bitter quinolizidine alkaloid found chiefly in broom plants, especially species of Spartium.
Did you know?Sparteine was historically investigated as a medicinal agent because it can affect cardiac rhythm and stimulate uterine muscle, though its medical use is now limited.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σπάρτον (spárton)
“A plant used for making cordage or rope, probably a type of broom or fibrous grass.”
Classical Latin
Latin
spartum
“Esparto or other fibrous plant material used for ropes and woven goods.”
18th Century
New Latin
Spartium
“The botanical genus name for broom plants, derived from the ancient Greek and Latin rope-plant terms.”
19th Century
French
spartéine
“An alkaloid obtained from Spartium plants.”
19th Century
English
sparteine
“The alkaloid associated especially with Spanish broom and related plants.”
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