Ichthyothereol
Ichthyothereol is a toxic chemical compound found in certain plants of the genus Ichthyothere. It is known for its potent ichthyotoxic properties, meaning it is highly toxic to fish. This compound has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples in South America for fishing purposes.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Ichthyothereol is a type of sesquiterpene lactone, a class of naturally occurring organic compounds. The molecular structure of ichthyothereol includes a lactone ring, which is responsible for its biological activity. The exact chemical formula and structure of ichthyothereol are complex and have been the subject of various chemical studies.
Sources[edit | edit source]
The primary source of ichthyothereol is the plant species Ichthyothere terminalis, which is native to the Amazon rainforest. Other species within the Ichthyothere genus may also contain this compound, but I. terminalis is the most well-documented.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin have utilized ichthyothereol for its ichthyotoxic properties. By crushing the leaves and stems of Ichthyothere plants and dispersing them in water, they can stun or kill fish, making them easier to catch. This traditional fishing method is both effective and sustainable, as it allows for selective harvesting of fish.
Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Ichthyothereol is highly toxic to fish, affecting their nervous system and leading to paralysis or death. The compound is less toxic to humans and other mammals, but it can still cause adverse effects if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin. Proper handling and usage are essential to avoid accidental poisoning.
Research[edit | edit source]
Scientific research on ichthyothereol has focused on its chemical properties, potential applications, and ecological impact. Studies have explored its potential use in pest control and its effects on non-target species. The compound's unique properties also make it a subject of interest in the field of natural product chemistry.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Categories[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
