The Medicinal Brain Limited Edition Print A2

Hand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards.

Size is A2 (420 x 594mm or 16.5 x 23.4 inches).

This is a limited edition with only 200 available.

Shipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in glassine acid-free paper.

If you would like this item framed in a solid oak, glass fronted frame with a custom made mount, then please select this option at checkout for an additional £60. Please allow additional time for dispatch as the mounts are made to order and frames ordered as required.

COLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.

EXPLANATION 

The third organ in this series is the brain, a fundamental organ in the human body, which makes us who we are. In this instance, the roots represent the arterial supply to the cerebrum and the neurological pathways of the cerebellum. 

Galanthus nivalis, commonly known as snowdrops, contains a compound called galanthamine. Galanthamine increases the level of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine in the brain, helping to improve brain function. This compound is used in the drug galantamine, which is a prescription medication for Alzheimer’s disease. Galantamine can be extracted from the leaves or the bulb. The bulb here represents the medulla oblongata, which forms the part of the hindbrain, connecting the spinal cord to the pons.

Second from the left, is rye ears (Secale cereale), but the drug derived from this plant is actually extracted from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which grows on it. This fungus contains ergot alkaloids, which are used to make the drug ergometrine. Ergometrine is best known as a life-saving treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, but ergot alkaloids also form the basis for other treatments, including ergotamine, for migraines. The synthetic derivative sumatriptan is now a frequently prescribed migraine medication.

As mentioned above, galantamine, was first extracted from snowdrops. It was later extracted from Narcissus (daffodils) and continues to be the source of galantamine production to this day. Synthetic production still remains expensive, so it was important to demonstrate its place in current prescription medication production. The bulb of the daffodil represents the pons, an important structure in the brainstem connecting different parts of the brain, housing nuclei of cranial nerves and controlling breathing, sleep and movement. 

The final plant is the delicate branching Valeriana officinalis.  This plant has been recognised as having medicinal properties for centuries. It was documented as helping treat epilepsy, as early as, 1592. The plant contains valeric acid. When derivatives of this are converted into salts, the modern prescription medication, sodium valproate is formed. Not only is this effective at reducing seizures, but can also be used as a preventative for migraines and a treatment for mood disorders and chronic nerve pain.

Care Advice

Please keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection to avoid deterioration in pigments.

Please make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.