Poisoning from “Spanish fly” (cantharidin)

Karras, David J.; Farrell, Susan E.; Harrigan, Richard A.; Henretig, Frederick M.; Gealt, Laura

doi:10.1016/s0735-6757(96)90158-8

Cited by 120 publications

(74 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…These observed in vitro variations are consistent with the in vivo observations reported by Karras et al (1996) that cantharidine is related to acute tubular necrosis. In contrast, nor-cantharidin has no effect on enzyme release and although cell viability is decreased, this decrease remains significantly higher than with cantharidin-treated cells.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

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In vitro Assessment of Renal Toxicity and Inflammatory Events of Two Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors Cantharidin and Nor‐Cantharidin*

Massicot

Dutertre-Catella

Pham‐Huy

et al. 2005

Basic Clin Pharma Tox

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In China, cantharidin has been reported to be active against various human cancers, but with severe side effects such as nephrotoxicity. In order to reduce this toxicity, its demethylated analogue nor-cantharidin has been synthesized and used in cancer therapy, but with only few data regarding safety assessment. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro effects of cantharidin and nor-cantharidin on renal toxicity and on inflammatory events associated with tumoural process where protein phosphatases could be involved (energy status, prostanoid production, glutathione and nitrite contents) on RAW 264.7 and LLC-PK 1 cells. In macrophages, both cantharidin and nor-cantharidin decreased cell viability, in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. However, IC 50 was lower with cantharidin than with norcantharidin. These two drugs significantly decreased the ATP level after 24 hr incubation. However, ATP decreased much more with cantharidin (up to 4 times) than with nor-cantharidin. When control macrophages were activated with lipopolysaccharideπinterferon-g for 24 hr a significant increase in nitrite content and in prostanoids were observed. Addition of either drug decreased nitrite generation and prostanoids, however these decreases were greater with cantharidin than with nor-cantharidin. In LLC-PK 1 cells, incubated with either cantharidin or nor-cantharidin, our results show significant differences between the two drugs, similar to those observed in peritoneal macrophages, except for GSH content with opposite variations in both cells. We provide a better understanding of the various mechanisms of cantharidin side effects, allowing an easier comparison with nor-cantharidin which could be an attractive therapeutic potential in cancer chemotherapy in western countries.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Moreover, severe nephrotoxicity has been observed (Wang 1989;Polettini et al 1992). Renal dysfunction is common and related to acute tubular necrosis and glomerular destruction (Karras et al 1996). Despite many studies on the physiological and biochemical effects of cantharidin, there is limited information on its mechanism of action.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro Assessment of Renal Toxicity and Inflammatory Events of Two Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors Cantharidin and Nor‐Cantharidin*

Massicot

Dutertre-Catella

Pham‐Huy

et al. 2005

Basic Clin Pharma Tox

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“…For example, cantharidin has been used for illegal abortions anecdotally (e.g., cases 10 and 11), to treat irregular menstruation (e.g., case 12), and to treat swollen lymph nodes (e.g., case 13) and has been reportedly used in cancer treatment [24]. Additionally, because cantharidin was reported to stimulate genital congestion, it may be used as an aphrodisiac, which could lead to poisoning and death [25,26]. The ingestion of a whole, raw fish gallbladder to cure eye diseases is mentioned in folklore; this practice often causes gallbladder poisoning, such as what happened in case 2 with the ingestion of herring bile.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Poisoning by toxic animals in China—18 autopsy case studies and a comprehensive literature review

Chen

Huang

2013

Forensic Science International

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“…6) is a chemical with vesicant properties derived from blister beetles, which have been used for millennia as a sexual stimulant by both sexes [22]. Its mode of action is by inhibition of phosphodiesterase and protein phosphatase activity and stimulation of 13-receptors, inducing vascular congestion and inflammation.…”

Section: Substances That Enhance Sensory Experience During Coitusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aphrodisiacs past and present: A historical review

Sandroni

2001

Clinical Autonomic Research

124

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The drug Viagra (sildenafil) has drawn public attention to aphrodisiacs. The search for such substances dates back millennia. Aphrodisiacs can be classified by their mode of action into 3 types: those that increase (1) libido, (2) potency, or (3) sexual pleasure. Various substances of animal and plant origin have been used in folk medicines of different cultures; some have been identified pharmacologically, allowing for understanding of their mechanisms of action. For increasing libido, ambrein, a major constituent of Ambra grisea, is used in Arab countries. This tricyclic triterpene alcohol increases the concentration of several anterior pituitary hormones and serum testosterone. Bufo toad skin and glands contain bufotenine (and other bufadienolides), a putative hallucinogenic congener of serotonin. It is the active ingredient in West Indian "love stone" and the Chinese medication chan su. The aphrodisiac properties are likely of central origin, as are the other effects of the drug. For increasing potency, Panax ginseng used in traditional Chinese medicine, works as an antioxidant by enhancing nitric oxide synthesis in the endothelium of many organs, including the corpora cavernosa; ginsenosides also enhance acetylcholine-induced and transmural nerve stimulation-activated relaxation associated with increased tissue cyclic guanosine monophosphate, hence the aphrodisiac properties. For increasing sexual pleasure, cantharidin ("Spanish fly") is a chemical with vesicant properties derived from blister beetles, which have been used for millennia as a sexual stimulant. Its mode of action is by inhibition of phosphodiesterase and protein phosphatase activity and stimulation of beta-receptors, inducing vascular congestion and inflammation. Morbidity from its abuse is significant. The ingestion of live beetles (Palembus dermestoides) in Southeast Asia and triatomids in Mexico may have a basis similar to cantharidin. It is of paramount importance for the physician to be aware of the options available to help his or her patients, and to advise them in using the correct drugs while avoiding "miracle" remedies that could be potentially harmful.

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Poisoning from “Spanish fly” (cantharidin)

Cited by 120 publications

References 15 publications

In vitro Assessment of Renal Toxicity and Inflammatory Events of Two Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors Cantharidin and Nor‐Cantharidin*

In vitro Assessment of Renal Toxicity and Inflammatory Events of Two Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors Cantharidin and Nor‐Cantharidin*

Poisoning by toxic animals in China—18 autopsy case studies and a comprehensive literature review

Aphrodisiacs past and present: A historical review

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