Spanish fly

Erectile dysfunction in men has long been the subject of research (by both amateur and professional scientists). Among the substances used in the past and generally discredited are "Spanish Fly" (a bladder and urethral irritant), yohimbine (an a2... 

Cantharidin, a bicyclic head-to-head" monoterpene (Section 30-3A) that is the irritant principle of the Spanish fly, would seem to be easy to synthesize by hydrogenation of the Diels-Alder adduct of dimethylbutenedioic anhydride and oxa-cyclopentadiene (furan) ... 

Cantharidin (Figure 13), isolated from Spanish fly (Lylta vesicatoria L.), inhibits the growth of very young lupin (Lupinus albus L.) seedlings, Medico sativa L., Raphanus sativus L. and Brassica napus L. and Brassica napus L. seed germination at 20 ppm. It also inhibits the growth of wheat coleoptiles, com, tobacco and bean plants (241, 242). 

Sierra J. R., Woggon W.-D. and Schmid H. (1976) Transfer of cantharidin during copulation from the adult male to the female Lytta vesicatoria (Spanish flies). Experientia 32, 142-144. 

The infamous aphrodisiac or passion-stimulator called Spanish Fly is not made of flies, but rather of dried and crushed beetles from several different genera. The resulting powder contains cantharidin, a compound that causes a strong burning sensation when taken orally or if rubbed on the skin. The increased blood flow caused by this irritation can prolong sexual stimulation. Similar effects have been obtained with mixtures of sugar, paprika, ginseng, licorice root, and various peppers. 

Like acid chlorides, anhydrides are activated acid derivatives, and they are often used for the same types of acylations. Anhydrides are not as reactive as acid chlorides, and they are occasionally found in nature. For example, cantharidin is a toxic ingredient of Spanish fly, which is used as a vesicant ( causing burning and blistering ) to destroy warts on the skin. 

Cantharides (Spanish fly) This beetle, when pulverized, produced a poultice that caused blistering and was considered a counterirritant. Used topically for cutaneous eruptions, obstinate herpes, erysipelas, and other local inflammations. 

Cerate of Spanish flies may be spread for blisters by means of a spatula slightly warmed. Perhaps the best substance to spread it upon is ordinary adhesive plaster, spreading the cerate so that a margin of half an inch is left uncovered. This will serve to keep the blister in its place. 

But the reaction is also subject to steric hindrance, especially when the difference between the electron-withdrawing and donating characters of the two reactants is not great. When Woodward tried to synthesize cantharidin, the active ingredient in Spanish fly, by the Diels-Alder condensation of furan with dimethylmaleic anhydride, the reaction did not work. The reaction possesses - A V (it proceeds with a net decrease in volume). High pressure should overcome this problem, but this reaction will not proceed even at 600,0(X) Ib/in. A closely related reaction will proceed at 300,OCX) Ib/in and has been used to synthesize this molecule. Cantharidin is a powerful vesicant (blister-former). 

Later, while resting in my hotel room, I realized I was quite ill. Fortunately, a friend came by to check on me who had an emergency homeopathic treatment kit and surmised that what I needed was Cantharis, or Spanish fly It helped tremendously and immediately alleviated my symptoms. 

Is commonly known as Spanish fly and is derived from blister beetles. Karras speculates that it may be a more common cause of morbidify than is recognized [12]. It is used as a sexual stimulant and is an ingredient in some wart removal remedies [13]. Poisoning is noteworthy for its dramatic effect on the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, as well as occasionally inducing cardiac abnormalities and seizures [12,13]. The patient... 

Karras DJ, Earrell SE, Harrigan RA, Henretig EM, Gealt L. poisoning from "Spanish fly (cantharidin) 1996 14(5) 478-483. 

Spanish Fly cantharides. spantide I [DArg, oTrp -, Leu ] Pl-ll. sparfloxacin [ban. inn. usan] fluoroquinolone, is a broad-spectrum ANTIBACTERIAL which can be used as an ANTILEPROTIC and ANTITUBERCULAR AGENT. 

Cantharidin is a natural PP2A inhibitory compound, secreted by blister beedes and the Spanish fly. Despite its potential as a less selective inhibitor of PP2A (it equally well inhibits PPl), its clinical use is prohibited due to high nephrotoxicity. However, its demeth-ylated analogue, Norcantharidin, is less toxic and has anticancer properties in many tumor cell types (reviewed in reft. 55, 117, 160). Several other Cantharidin analogues have been described, some of which are more selective for PP2A (Table 3). 

Spanish fly Cantharis vesicatoria. Allegedly aphrodisiac. Active component - cantharadin. Encountered also as the powdered insect. Effects blistering of skin and corrosive effect on mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood passed in vomit and urine. Early increase in WBC. Severe illness recovery likely but deaths recorded. Lethal dose 60 mg cantharadin, 162 mg Spanish fly. 

Is commonly known as Spanish fly and is derived from blister beetles. Karras speculates that it may be a more common cause of morbidity than is recognized... 

Others are used d, and reduced to powder, such as Cantharides (Spanish flies) capsicums dried chamomile flowers fenugreek se s marsh-mallow root mudar bark opium pelhtoiy root black pepper, Ac. 

Liniment of Cantharides, Powdered Spanish flies, 1 drachm cil of turpentine, 1 fluid ounce digest 2 hours and filter. Or Tincture of cantharides and soap liniment (5ca Ab. 4669), equal parts mix. Both iho above are irritant and Btimulont, but should be used cautiously, le.st they produce strangury. 

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