Derris powder

Rotenone is a complex flavonoid found in the plant Derris ellyptica. It acts by inhibiting electron transport in the mitochondrion. Derris powder is an insecticidal preparation made from the plant, which is highly toxic to hsh. 

Other natural products in the group are built up by ring fusions of several types of ring systems. They include the garden insecticide rotenone (sometimes sold in the crude form as derris powder, the pulverized bark of the plant Derris elliptica). 

Rotenone, the active ingredient of derris powder, an insecticide prepared from the roots of the leguminous plant Lonchocarpus nicou. It is an inhibitor of complex I (NADH — ubiquinone reduction). The same effect is seen in the presence of amytal (amobarbital), a barbiturate sedative drug, which again inhibits complex I. These two compounds inhibit oxidation of malate, which requires complex I, but not succinate, which reduces ubiquinone directly. The addition of the uncoupler... 

Rotenone thus provides an excellent biodegradable insecticide, and is used as such either in pure or powdered plant form. Roots of Derris elliptica or Lonchocarpus species are rich sources of rotenone. 

Although this natural substance is present in a number of plants, the sonrce of most rotenone nsed in the United States is the dried derris root imported from Central and South America. It is formulated as dusts, powders, and sprays (less than 5% active ingredient) for use in gardens and on food crops. Many prodncts contain piperonyl butoxide as synergist, and other pesticides are inclnded in some commercial products. Rotenone degrades rapidly in the enviromnent. Emulsions of rotenone are applied to lakes and ponds to kill fish. 

Numbness of oral mucous membranes has been reported in workers who got dust in their mouths from the powdered derris root. Dermatitis and respiratory tract irritation have also been reported in occupationally exposed persons. 

Synonyms Barbasco Mexide Ro-Ko Fish-Tox Chem Fish Cube Derrin Derris root Nicoulins Nusyn Nox fish Prentox Noxfish Rotenone dust Timbo powder... 

Another class of i. are rotenoids derived from the roots and seeds of Derris (Deguelia) elliptica and Derris malaccensis (Leguminosae) and over 60 other plant species. A most active compound is ro-tenone [83-79-4], a polycylic compound that can be applied to food crops shortly before use, due to its rapid degradation after exposure to sunlight. Rotenone-containing i. are applied as dust, powder or emulsions. 

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