Helenalin

Synonyms

(3aS)-3,3aalpha,4alpha,4a,7aalpha,8,9,9aalpha-Octahydro-4-hydroxy-4abeta,8 alpha-dimethyl-3-methyleneazuleno(6,5-b)-furan-2,5-dione; 6alpha,8beta-Dihydroxy-4-oxoambrosa-2,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid 12,8-lactone; Ambrosa-2,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid, 6alpha,8beta-dihydroxy-4-oxo-, 12,8-lactone; Azuleno(6,5-b)furan-2,5-dione, 3,3a,4,4a,7a,8,9,9a-octahydro-4-hydroxy-4a,8-dimethyl-3-methylene-, (3aS-(3aalpha,4alpha,4abeta,7aalpha,8alpha,9aalpha))-; PF 56; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Toxins

Description

Solid; [Merck Index] White solid; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Extremely toxic sesquiterpene lactone found in Helenium microcephalum (smallhead sneezeweed); [HSDB]

Comments

Causes seizures at lethal doses in mice; Intraperitoneal LD50 (mouse) = 10 mg/kg; [RTECS] Especially toxic in flowering stage; may cause paralysis of voluntary and cardiac musculature and fatal gastroenteritis; Emergency treatment: "Plants- sesquiterpene lactones"; Sesquiterpene lactones are in many plants. They cause toxicity mainly in livestock that eat the plants. Human poisoning cases are extremely rare. Possible symptoms after ingestion include irritation of mucous membranes, dyspnea, pulmonary hemorrhage, tremors, seizures, abdominal pain, and liver injury. [HSDB] Sesquiterpene lactones are a common cause of allergic dermatitis in florists. See "Sesquiterpene lactones."

Biomedical References

4.69E-09 mm Hg

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic