1. A bitter alkaloid compound derived from ipecac root, formerly used as an emetic and in the treatment of dysentery and amebiasis.
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical; largely historical; less commonly used in modern medicine

Examples

• Emetine was historically administered to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning.
• The alkaloid emetine is extracted from the roots of the ipecac plant.
• Emetine proved effective against certain parasitic infections in the early 20th century.
• Modern medicine has largely replaced emetine with safer alternatives for treating dysentery.