A skin irritant phorbol ester from Euphorbia cooperi N E Br.
From the fresh latex of Euphorbia cooperi N E Br was isolated by partition and chromatographic methods, a diterpene ester 12-deoxyphorbol-16-isobutyrate-13-tigliate. The phorbol ester exhibited highly irritant activity on the mouse ear. Since skin irritancy is an indication of possible tumour promotion, the use of this plant as a medicine should be discouraged.
Gundidza
M
M
Department of Pharmacy University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare.
Sorg
B
B
Hecker
E
E
D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D003436:Croton Oil / Q000737:chemistry*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D051379:Mice; D010703:Phorbol Esters / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D010947:Plants, Toxic / Q000737:chemistry*; D015030:Zimbabwe
D002273:Carcinogens; D010703:Phorbol Esters; D003436:Croton Oil