Cantharidin: Difference between revisions
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'''Cantharidin''' is a [[poison]]ous [[chemical compound]] secreted by many species of [[blister beetle]], and most notably by the [[Spanish fly]], ''Lytta vesicatoria''. |
'''Cantharidin''' is a [[poison]]ous [[chemical compound]] secreted by many species of [[blister beetle]], and most notably by the [[Spanish fly]], ''Lytta vesicatoria''. |
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It was first isolated by [[Pierre Robiquet]] in 1810. Cantharidin plays a significant role in the survival of insects that produce and use it as a defense to protect their eggs from predators. It is an odorless and colorless solid at the room temperature. |
It was first isolated by [[Pierre Robiquet]] in 1810. Cantharidin plays a significant role in the survival of insects that produce and use it as a defense to protect their eggs from predators. It is an odorless and colorless solid at the [[room temperature]]. |
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It is one of the world’s most famous [[aphrodisiac]]s. In [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times Emperor [[Nero|Nero's]] wife would slip it into food, hoping to inspire her guests to some indiscretion with which she could later [[blackmail]] them. In 1772 the notorious [[Marquis de Sade]] gave aniseed sweets laced with cantharidin to some prostitutes, hoping to make them lusty, but instead it [[poison]]ed them. |
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It is considered an aphrodisiac because male [[Spanish fly (insect)|blister beetles]] give it to the females as a mating gift, but actually the female uses this poison to protect her eggs from [[predator]]s. If cantharidin is ingested by human males, as it is excreted by the [[kidneys]], it irritates the [[urinary tract]] causing spectacular swelling, called [[priapism]], but this is quite painful and does not result in arousal. |
It is considered an aphrodisiac because male [[Spanish fly (insect)|blister beetles]] give it to the females as a mating gift, but actually the female uses this poison to protect her eggs from [[predator]]s. If cantharidin is ingested by human males, as it is excreted by the [[kidneys]], it irritates the [[urinary tract]] causing spectacular swelling, called [[priapism]], but this is quite painful and does not result in arousal. |
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Revision as of 20:37, 16 February 2006
Cantharidin is a poisonous chemical compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, and most notably by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria.
It was first isolated by Pierre Robiquet in 1810. Cantharidin plays a significant role in the survival of insects that produce and use it as a defense to protect their eggs from predators. It is an odorless and colorless solid at the room temperature.
It is considered an aphrodisiac because male blister beetles give it to the females as a mating gift, but actually the female uses this poison to protect her eggs from predators. If cantharidin is ingested by human males, as it is excreted by the kidneys, it irritates the urinary tract causing spectacular swelling, called priapism, but this is quite painful and does not result in arousal.
Diluted it can be used to remove warts and tattoos. However, when ingested 10 mg is usually a fatal dose.