A skin irritant phorbol ester from Euphorbia cooperi N E Br

Cent Afr J Med. 1992 Dec;38(12):444-7.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogens / analysis
  • Carcinogens / chemistry
  • Croton Oil / chemistry*
  • Dermatitis, Contact / etiology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Medicine, African Traditional*
  • Mice
  • Phorbol Esters / adverse effects*
  • Phorbol Esters / analysis
  • Phorbol Esters / chemistry
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Plants, Toxic / chemistry*
  • Zimbabwe

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Phorbol Esters
  • Croton Oil