Bufadienolide
Bufadienolide (pronounced boo-fa-die-en-oh-lide) is a type of steroidal compound that is found in certain species of plants and animals, particularly in the skin and parotid glands of toads. The term "bufadienolide" is derived from the Latin "bufo", meaning toad, and "diene", referring to the two double bonds in its chemical structure, and "olide", a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a cyclic ester.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Bufadienolides are characterized by a 14-membered lactone ring and a five-membered unsaturated lactone ring. They are part of the larger class of cardiac glycosides, which are known for their ability to increase the force of heart contractions and regulate heart rhythm.
Biological Role and Medical Use
In nature, bufadienolides serve as a defense mechanism for toads against predators. When ingested, they can cause severe cardiac toxicity, leading to heart failure and death.
In medicine, bufadienolides have been studied for their potential use in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Some bufadienolides, such as digoxin and ouabain, are already used in the treatment of heart conditions such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Toxicity
Due to their potent effects on the heart, bufadienolides can be highly toxic if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of bufadienolide poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bufadienolide
- Wikipedia's article - Bufadienolide
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