Bufadienolide: Difference between revisions

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'''Bufadienolide''' is a type of [[steroid]] that is often found in the skin and parotid venom glands of some [[toad]] species. It is also present in a variety of plants. Bufadienolides have a similar structure to [[cardiac glycosides]] and have been used in traditional medicine for their cardiotonic properties. They have also been investigated for their potential anti-cancer effects.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Bufadienolide}}


==Chemical Structure==
== Bufadienolide ==
Bufadienolides are a type of [[cardenolide]], a class of steroids that have a 5-membered lactone ring at the C17 position. They are distinguished from other cardenolides by the presence of a double bond between C-1 and C-2 in the steroid nucleus.


==Sources==
[[File:Bufanolide_structure.png|thumb|right|Chemical structure of a bufadienolide]]
Bufadienolides are found in certain species of toads, particularly those in the genus ''[[Bufo]]''. They are also present in a variety of plants, including ''[[Digitalis]]'' (foxgloves), ''[[Helleborus]]'' (hellebores), and ''[[Strophanthus]]''. Some species of insects, such as the monarch butterfly, are able to sequester bufadienolides from the plants they eat and use them as a defense mechanism against predators.


==Medical Uses==
Bufadienolides are a class of [[steroid]] compounds that are characterized by their unique chemical structure, which includes a six-membered lactone ring. These compounds are a type of [[cardiac glycoside]], similar to [[cardenolide]]s, and are known for their potent effects on the [[cardiovascular system]].
Bufadienolides have been used in traditional medicine for their cardiotonic properties. They work by inhibiting the [[Na+/K+-ATPase]] pump, which increases the concentration of intracellular calcium and strengthens heart muscle contractions. This makes them useful in the treatment of certain heart conditions, such as [[congestive heart failure]] and [[atrial fibrillation]].


In addition to their cardiotonic effects, bufadienolides have also been investigated for their potential anti-cancer properties. Some studies have found that they can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth.
== Chemical Structure ==


==Safety==
Bufadienolides are derived from the steroid nucleus and contain a lactone ring at the C-17 position. The presence of the double bond in the lactone ring distinguishes bufadienolides from other types of cardiac glycosides. The basic structure of bufadienolides can be seen in the image to the right, which shows the core steroid structure with the lactone ring.
While bufadienolides can have beneficial effects, they can also be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of bufadienolide poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
 
== Sources ==
 
Bufadienolides are primarily found in the skin and parotid gland secretions of certain species of toads, particularly those in the genus [[Bufo]]. These compounds are also present in some plants, such as members of the family [[Crassulaceae]].
 
== Biological Activity ==
 
Bufadienolides exert their effects by inhibiting the [[sodium-potassium pump]] (Na_/K_-ATPase) in [[cardiac muscle]] cells. This inhibition leads to an increase in intracellular sodium concentration, which indirectly increases intracellular calcium concentration through the sodium-calcium exchanger. The increased calcium concentration enhances cardiac contractility, making bufadienolides useful in the treatment of certain heart conditions.
 
== Toxicity ==
 
While bufadienolides have therapeutic applications, they are also highly toxic and can cause severe [[cardiac arrhythmias]] if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of bufadienolide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and potentially fatal heart disturbances.
 
== Uses ==
 
In traditional medicine, bufadienolides have been used for their cardiotonic properties. However, due to their narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity, their use is limited and requires careful medical supervision.
 
== Related Pages ==


==See Also==
* [[Cardiac glycoside]]
* [[Cardiac glycoside]]
* [[Digitalis]]
* [[Steroid]]
* [[Na+/K+-ATPase]]
* [[Bufo]]
* [[Sodium-potassium pump]]


[[Category:Bufadienolides]]
[[Category:Steroids]]
[[Category:Steroids]]
[[Category:Toxins]]
[[Category:Cardiac glycosides]]
[[Category:Traditional medicine]]
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
[[Category:Anti-cancer drugs]]
 
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Latest revision as of 11:08, 15 February 2025


Bufadienolide[edit]

Chemical structure of a bufadienolide

Bufadienolides are a class of steroid compounds that are characterized by their unique chemical structure, which includes a six-membered lactone ring. These compounds are a type of cardiac glycoside, similar to cardenolides, and are known for their potent effects on the cardiovascular system.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Bufadienolides are derived from the steroid nucleus and contain a lactone ring at the C-17 position. The presence of the double bond in the lactone ring distinguishes bufadienolides from other types of cardiac glycosides. The basic structure of bufadienolides can be seen in the image to the right, which shows the core steroid structure with the lactone ring.

Sources[edit]

Bufadienolides are primarily found in the skin and parotid gland secretions of certain species of toads, particularly those in the genus Bufo. These compounds are also present in some plants, such as members of the family Crassulaceae.

Biological Activity[edit]

Bufadienolides exert their effects by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump (Na_/K_-ATPase) in cardiac muscle cells. This inhibition leads to an increase in intracellular sodium concentration, which indirectly increases intracellular calcium concentration through the sodium-calcium exchanger. The increased calcium concentration enhances cardiac contractility, making bufadienolides useful in the treatment of certain heart conditions.

Toxicity[edit]

While bufadienolides have therapeutic applications, they are also highly toxic and can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of bufadienolide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and potentially fatal heart disturbances.

Uses[edit]

In traditional medicine, bufadienolides have been used for their cardiotonic properties. However, due to their narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity, their use is limited and requires careful medical supervision.

Related Pages[edit]