Gigactonine: Difference between revisions

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'''Gigactonine''' is a [[diterpene]] [[alkaloid]] that is found in the [[Aconitum]] genus of plants, specifically in the species ''[[Aconitum gigas]]''. It is a member of the [[aconitine]] family of alkaloids, which are known for their potent [[neurotoxin|neurotoxic]] effects.
==Gigactonine==
 
[[File:Gigactonine.svg|Chemical structure of Gigactonine|thumb|right]]
 
'''Gigactonine''' is a naturally occurring [[diterpenoid alkaloid]] found in certain species of the [[Aconitum]] genus, particularly in ''[[Aconitum gigas]]''. This compound is part of a larger group of alkaloids known for their complex chemical structures and significant biological activities.


==Chemical Structure==
==Chemical Structure==
Gigactonine has a complex chemical structure, with a [[molecular formula]] of C34H45NO11. It is a diterpene alkaloid, meaning it is composed of two [[isoprene]] units and contains a basic [[nitrogen]] atom. The structure of gigactonine is similar to that of other aconitine alkaloids, with a characteristic [[ester]] linkage and a [[cyclic]] structure.
 
Gigactonine is characterized by its intricate [[diterpenoid]] framework, which includes multiple rings and a variety of functional groups. The chemical structure of gigactonine is depicted in the adjacent image, highlighting its unique arrangement of atoms that contribute to its biological properties.
 
==Sources==
 
[[File:Aconitum_gigas_var._hondoense_01.jpg|Aconitum gigas var. hondoense|thumb|left]]
 
Gigactonine is primarily isolated from the plant ''[[Aconitum gigas]]'', a member of the [[Ranunculaceae]] family. This plant is native to certain regions in Asia and is known for its striking appearance and toxic properties. The presence of gigactonine and other alkaloids in ''Aconitum'' species contributes to their traditional use in herbal medicine, albeit with caution due to their potential toxicity.


==Biological Activity==
==Biological Activity==
Gigactonine, like other aconitine alkaloids, is a potent neurotoxin. It acts by binding to [[voltage-gated sodium channels]], causing them to remain open and leading to a continuous influx of [[sodium ions]]. This results in continuous [[nerve impulse]] transmission, which can lead to symptoms such as [[numbness]], [[tingling]], [[paralysis]], and in severe cases, [[death]].
 
As a diterpenoid alkaloid, gigactonine exhibits a range of biological activities. These compounds are often studied for their potential pharmacological effects, including [[analgesic]], [[anti-inflammatory]], and [[cardiotonic]] properties. However, the toxicity of these alkaloids necessitates careful handling and thorough research to understand their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.


==Toxicity==
==Toxicity==
The toxicity of gigactonine is high, with a reported [[LD50]] in mice of 0.23 mg/kg when administered intravenously. Symptoms of gigactonine poisoning can include numbness and tingling, paralysis, and in severe cases, death. Treatment for gigactonine poisoning typically involves supportive care and the administration of [[antidote]]s that block the action of the toxin.


==See Also==
Gigactonine, like many alkaloids from the ''Aconitum'' genus, is known for its toxic effects. The toxicity is primarily due to its ability to interfere with [[sodium channel]] function in nerve cells, leading to symptoms such as [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[diarrhea]], and in severe cases, [[cardiac arrest]]. Proper identification and handling of plants containing gigactonine are crucial to prevent accidental poisoning.
 
==Research and Applications==
 
Research into gigactonine and related alkaloids continues to explore their potential medicinal uses, despite their inherent risks. Advances in [[pharmacology]] and [[toxicology]] aim to harness the beneficial properties of these compounds while mitigating their adverse effects. Studies focus on understanding the precise molecular interactions and developing derivatives with improved safety profiles.
 
==Related Pages==
 
* [[Aconitum]]
* [[Aconitum]]
* [[Aconitine]]
* [[Diterpenoid alkaloid]]
* [[Diterpene]]
* [[Toxicology]]
* [[Alkaloid]]
* [[Pharmacology]]
* [[Neurotoxin]]


[[Category:Alkaloids]]
{{Alkaloids}}
[[Category:Diterpenes]]
 
[[Category:Neurotoxins]]
[[Category:Diterpenoid alkaloids]]
[[Category:Plant toxins]]
[[Category:Plant toxins]]
 
[[Category:Aconitum]]
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Gigactonine.svg|Gigactonine.svg
File:Aconitum_gigas_var._hondoense_01.jpg|Aconitum gigas var. hondoense 01
</gallery>
==Gigactonine==
<gallery>
File:Gigactonine.svg|Gigactonine
File:Aconitum_gigas_var._hondoense_01.jpg|Aconitum gigas var. hondoense
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 19:00, 23 March 2025

Gigactonine[edit]

Chemical structure of Gigactonine

Gigactonine is a naturally occurring diterpenoid alkaloid found in certain species of the Aconitum genus, particularly in Aconitum gigas. This compound is part of a larger group of alkaloids known for their complex chemical structures and significant biological activities.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Gigactonine is characterized by its intricate diterpenoid framework, which includes multiple rings and a variety of functional groups. The chemical structure of gigactonine is depicted in the adjacent image, highlighting its unique arrangement of atoms that contribute to its biological properties.

Sources[edit]

Aconitum gigas var. hondoense

Gigactonine is primarily isolated from the plant Aconitum gigas, a member of the Ranunculaceae family. This plant is native to certain regions in Asia and is known for its striking appearance and toxic properties. The presence of gigactonine and other alkaloids in Aconitum species contributes to their traditional use in herbal medicine, albeit with caution due to their potential toxicity.

Biological Activity[edit]

As a diterpenoid alkaloid, gigactonine exhibits a range of biological activities. These compounds are often studied for their potential pharmacological effects, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic properties. However, the toxicity of these alkaloids necessitates careful handling and thorough research to understand their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.

Toxicity[edit]

Gigactonine, like many alkaloids from the Aconitum genus, is known for its toxic effects. The toxicity is primarily due to its ability to interfere with sodium channel function in nerve cells, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Proper identification and handling of plants containing gigactonine are crucial to prevent accidental poisoning.

Research and Applications[edit]

Research into gigactonine and related alkaloids continues to explore their potential medicinal uses, despite their inherent risks. Advances in pharmacology and toxicology aim to harness the beneficial properties of these compounds while mitigating their adverse effects. Studies focus on understanding the precise molecular interactions and developing derivatives with improved safety profiles.

Related Pages[edit]