Hymenovin

Synonyms

5,7-Dihydroxy-4a,9-dimethyl-3-methylenedecahydrofuro(2',3':5,6)cyclohepta(1,2-c)pyran-2(3H)-one; Furo(2',3':5,6)cyclohepta(1,2-c)pyran-2(3H)-one, decahydro-5,7-dihydroxy-4a,9-dimethyl-3-methylene-; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Plant Toxins

Sources/Uses

Toxic component of the poisonous range plant Hymenoxys odorate; [ChemIDplus] A sesquiterpene lactone; Also found in 2 poisonous range plants: Hymenoxys richardsonii (Pingue) and Dugaldia hoopesii (orang sneezeweed); A major constituent of western bitterweed (Hymenoxys odorata DC); [HSDB]

Comments

Oral LD50 (mouse) = 150 mg/kg; [RTECS] Lethal to sheep at doses of 100 mg/kg; Toxic action may be due to alkylating sulfhydryl groups of enzymes in the body; 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

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