Cantharidin

USDailyMed:Cantharidin US:℞-only DB12328 DTXSID7041752 CantharidinSpanish flyYcanth 56-25-7N Interactive image CHEBI:64213 ChEMBL48449N 2297293Y 200-263-3 C16778N 5944 IGL471WQ8PY DTXSID7041752 InChI=1S/C10H12O4/c1-9-5-3-4-6(13-5)10(9,2)8(12)14-7(9)11/h5-6H,3-4H2,1-2H3/t5-,6+,9-,10+YKey: DHZBEENLJMYSHQ-YUMGAWCOSA-NY O=C2OC([C@@]1(C)[C@@H]3CC[C@@H](O3)[C@]12C)=O NZ:Class AUS:℞-only Cantharidinis an odorless, colorless fatty substance of theterpenoidclass, which is secreted by many species ofblister beetles.Its main current use in pharmacology is treatingmolluscum contagiosumandwartstopically.It is a burn agent,poisonousin large doses. It has been historically used as anaphrodisiac(in preparations sold under the name "Spanish fly"). In its natural form, cantharidin is secreted by the male blister beetle, and given to the female as a copulatory gift during mating. Afterwards, the female beetle covers her eggs with it as a defense against predators. Poisoning from cantharidin is a significant veterinary concern, especially in horses, but cantharidin can also be poisonous to humans if taken internally (where the source is usually experimental self-exposure). Externally, cantharidin is a potentvesicant(blistering agent), exposure to which can cause severechemical burns. Properly dosed and applied, the same properties have also been used therapeutically, for instance, for treatment of skin conditions, such asmolluscum contagiosuminfection of the skin. Cantharidin is classified as anextremely hazardous substancein theUnited States, and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities that produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.