hecogenin

noun

hec·​o·​gen·​in

ˌhekōˈjenə̇n

: a crystalline steroid sapogenin C₂₇H₄₂O₄ obtained from a desert herb (Hechtia texensis) and many agaves and used in a synthesis of cortisone

Word History

Etymology

heconin saponin found in the juice of agaves (from hec- —from New Latin Hectia, genus name of Hectia texensis—+ -onin —as in saponin) + -genin

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