Anisatin

Anisatin is a potent, naturally occurring insecticide and neurotoxin found in the bark of the tree Illicium anisatum, commonly known as the Japanese star anise. It is a member of the family Illiciaceae and is native to Japan and China.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Anisatin is a sesquiterpene lactone with a unique and complex structure. It is a bicyclic compound with a lactone ring and an isopropenyl group. The chemical formula of anisatin is C15H20O3. It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and chloroform.

Toxicity

Anisatin is a potent neurotoxin that acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the GABA receptor, a type of neurotransmitter receptor in the central nervous system. By blocking the action of GABA, anisatin causes severe convulsions and, in high doses, can be lethal. Symptoms of anisatin poisoning include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific antidote for anisatin poisoning. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, focusing on maintaining vital functions and preventing further absorption of the toxin. Prevention of anisatin poisoning involves avoiding consumption of the Japanese star anise, particularly in its raw form.

See Also

• Illicium verum
• Neurotoxin
• GABA receptor