lecithin

(les‘ith-in) (Gr. λέκιθος yolk of egg]. A fatty principle, C,.HpNPOy,, found in animal ti ues, especially nerve-ti ue, semen, yolk of egg, and in smaller amount in bile and blood. It isa colorle , crystalline compound, soluble in alcohol, and is chemically the distearylglycerin phosphate of cholin. Other substances of similar constitution are grouped as lecithins. The lecithins, whether of animal or plant origin, are said to be anti venomous. Lecithins are said to have the therapeutic properties of phosphorus, and have been given in rickets, dyspepsia, neurasthenia, diabetes, anemia, and tuberculosis. 1.-albumin, the name of a series of compounds of Iccithin with proteins developed in the stomach, kidney, liver, lungs, etc.