Catha - ț̢
A plant genus of the family CELASTRACEAE. The leafy stems of khat are chewed by some individuals for stimulating effect. Members contain ((+)-norpseudoephedrine), cathionine, cathedulin, cathinine & cathidine.
Catharanthus - ț̢
A plant genus of the family Apocynaceae. It is the source of VINCA ALKALOIDS, used in leukemia chemotherapy.
Synonyms : Catharanthus roseus
Catharsis - ț̢
The release of ideas, thoughts, and repressed material from the unconscious, accompanied by an emotional response and relief. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
Synonyms : Catharses
Cathartics - ț̢
Agents that promote and/or ease defecation by accelerating the passage of feces through the large intestine, by influencing the consistency and amount of stool, and by facilitating the elimination of feces from the rectum. The terms laxative and cathartic reflect the typical intensity and latency of effect. A cathartic usually produces prompt fluid evacuation, while a laxative usually produces a soft formed stool over a protracted period; the same drug may act as a laxative or a cathartic depending on the dose administered or individual patient sensitivity. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p941)