Indospicine: Difference between revisions

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'''Indospicine''' is a [[non-proteinogenic amino acid]] that is found in the plant ''[[Indigofera spicata]]'', also known as creeping indigo. It is toxic to some animals, including dogs, and has been implicated in cases of [[hepatotoxicity]] and [[neurotoxicity]].
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Indospicine}}


== History ==
==Indospicine==
Indospicine was first identified in the 1960s in Australia, where it was found to cause [[liver damage]] in livestock that had consumed ''Indigofera spicata''. The compound was named after the plant in which it was discovered.
[[File:Indospicin.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Indospicine]]
'''Indospicine''' is a naturally occurring non-proteinogenic amino acid found in certain plants, particularly those belonging to the genus ''[[Indigofera]]''. It is known for its hepatotoxic effects in animals, especially in livestock that consume these plants as part of their diet.


== Structure and properties ==
==Chemical Structure==
Indospicine is a [[guanidino]] compound that is structurally similar to the [[amino acid]] [[arginine]]. It is a [[non-proteinogenic amino acid]], meaning it is not used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
Indospicine is structurally similar to the amino acid [[arginine]], but it contains a unique side chain that distinguishes it from other amino acids. The presence of this side chain is responsible for its biological activity and toxicity.


== Toxicity ==
==Sources==
Indospicine is toxic to some animals, including dogs, and has been implicated in cases of [[hepatotoxicity]] and [[neurotoxicity]]. The mechanism of toxicity is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the inhibition of [[arginase]], an enzyme involved in the [[urea cycle]].
Indospicine is primarily found in plants of the ''Indigofera'' genus, which are native to various regions around the world. These plants are often used as forage for livestock, which can lead to the accumulation of indospicine in the tissues of animals that consume them.


== Treatment and prevention ==
==Toxicity==
There is currently no specific antidote for indospicine poisoning. Treatment is supportive and may include [[fluid therapy]] and [[liver support]]. Prevention involves avoiding consumption of ''Indigofera spicata'' and other plants that contain indospicine.
Indospicine is known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause damage to the [[liver]]. Animals that ingest significant amounts of indospicine-containing plants may develop liver damage, which can lead to a range of health issues. The toxicity of indospicine is a concern in agricultural settings where ''Indigofera'' plants are prevalent.


== See also ==
==Mechanism of Action==
* [[Non-proteinogenic amino acids]]
The toxic effects of indospicine are believed to result from its incorporation into proteins in place of arginine. This substitution can disrupt normal protein function and lead to cellular damage, particularly in the liver.
 
==Impact on Livestock==
Livestock that graze on ''Indigofera'' plants may accumulate indospicine in their tissues. This can pose a risk not only to the health of the animals but also to humans who consume meat from these animals. Monitoring and managing the presence of indospicine in animal feed is important to prevent potential health risks.
 
==Prevention and Management==
To prevent indospicine toxicity, it is important to manage grazing practices and ensure that livestock do not have access to large quantities of ''Indigofera'' plants. In areas where these plants are common, alternative forage options should be provided to reduce the risk of toxicity.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Amino acid]]
* [[Hepatotoxicity]]
* [[Hepatotoxicity]]
* [[Neurotoxicity]]
* [[Livestock management]]
 
* [[Indigofera]]
[[Category:Non-proteinogenic amino acids]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
[[Category:Veterinary medicine]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Toxic amino acids]]
[[Category:Livestock diseases]]

Latest revision as of 03:54, 13 February 2025


Indospicine[edit]

Chemical structure of Indospicine

Indospicine is a naturally occurring non-proteinogenic amino acid found in certain plants, particularly those belonging to the genus Indigofera. It is known for its hepatotoxic effects in animals, especially in livestock that consume these plants as part of their diet.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Indospicine is structurally similar to the amino acid arginine, but it contains a unique side chain that distinguishes it from other amino acids. The presence of this side chain is responsible for its biological activity and toxicity.

Sources[edit]

Indospicine is primarily found in plants of the Indigofera genus, which are native to various regions around the world. These plants are often used as forage for livestock, which can lead to the accumulation of indospicine in the tissues of animals that consume them.

Toxicity[edit]

Indospicine is known to be hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause damage to the liver. Animals that ingest significant amounts of indospicine-containing plants may develop liver damage, which can lead to a range of health issues. The toxicity of indospicine is a concern in agricultural settings where Indigofera plants are prevalent.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

The toxic effects of indospicine are believed to result from its incorporation into proteins in place of arginine. This substitution can disrupt normal protein function and lead to cellular damage, particularly in the liver.

Impact on Livestock[edit]

Livestock that graze on Indigofera plants may accumulate indospicine in their tissues. This can pose a risk not only to the health of the animals but also to humans who consume meat from these animals. Monitoring and managing the presence of indospicine in animal feed is important to prevent potential health risks.

Prevention and Management[edit]

To prevent indospicine toxicity, it is important to manage grazing practices and ensure that livestock do not have access to large quantities of Indigofera plants. In areas where these plants are common, alternative forage options should be provided to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Related pages[edit]