Derris root

J. T. Martin, The Problem of the Evaluation of Rotenone-Containing Plants. VI. The Toxicity of 1-Elliptone and of Poisons Applied Jointly, with Further Observations on the Rotenone Equivalent Method of Assessing the Toxicity of Derris Root, Ann. Appl. Biol. (1942), 29 69-81. 

Insecticide Rotenone. Principal insecticidal constituent of derris root. Toxic to humans at high dose-levels due to respiratory paralysis... 

Rotenone (689) is the principal active component of derris root and is used in commercial insecticidal preparations and as a fish poison. 

Ground derris roots are extracted with chloroform or carbon tetrachloride and the solvent evaporated, leaving a mixture of rotenone and some other less toxic substances, which are not separated. 

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... 

Tephrosin. A rotenoid from Derris roots, Tephrosia, Lonchocarpus, and Millettia species. 

Saponins are also present in Derris roots. But, contrary to those of Sapindaceae, they are devoid of toxicity. They do contribute, as dispersants, to suspend the rotenoids, which by themselves are insoluble in water (4). Figure 1 shows examples of the two types. 

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