harmine
1
9.9
A natural substance in some plants that affects the mind and can be used as medicine
- noun
- /ˈhɑːrmiːn/
- Specialized
:
harmina
- The harmine extracted from the ayahuasca plant is known to produce vivid altered states of consciousness.
Examples
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Researchers have discovered that harmine has potential medicinal properties that could benefit mental health.
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Some studies suggest that harmine may help in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
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And this vine contains harmine, which is a psychoactive substance in itself.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word harmine comes from the plant name harmal plus the chemical ending -ine, seen in words like caffeine and morphine, which marks a 'chemical'. So, harmine means 'a chemical from the harmal plant', which is why the name is used for the natural compound in that plant that can affect the mind and has medicinal uses.