Therefore, it is used worldwide in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac 8 or as an anti-inflammatory agent 9. Exposure to large amounts of toxin may cause cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, such as paralysis and seizures, increased salivation, vomiting, hyperkalemia, cyanosis, and hallucinations 10. Toxins from toads have long been known to bufotoxin effects on humans contain rich chemicals with great pharmaceutical potential. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), processed toad toxins have been used for treating various diseases for hundreds of years. Modern studies, including both experimental and clinical trials, have also revealed the molecular mechanisms that support the development of these components into medicines for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers.
What are the potential symptoms and effects of a common toad’s poison on a human?
Their coloration can vary from light brown to olive green, blending in perfectly with their natural desert habitat. The Cane toad also known as the Bufo, Marine Toad or Giant Toad is a large amphibian that is considered an invasive species to Florida. The body of a Cane Toad is usually 4 to 9 inches in size and is tan, reddish-brown to grayish-brown. It’s back is marked with spots and will have large, triangular parotoid glands on the shoulders.
Bufo toads (Bufo marinus -commonly known as the cane toad, marine toad, giant toad, or neotropical toad) are toads that are common to South Florida, especially in areas of low lying swampland and near bodies of water. This toad is a non-native species that was introduced to Florida for the purpose of controlling pests such as the white grub in sugar cane fields. These toads secrete a toxin from small glands behind their ears, yes they have ears. When a larger animal, such as a dog, bites down on a bufo toad the toxin that is on the surface of the toad gets into the mouth of the predator animal (in this case a dog). This toxin is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes (gums and tongue) and causes illness or toxicosis. Note that frogs found in Florida are non-toxic and there is an important distinction between frog and toad.
Antimalarial efficacy of Duttaphrynus melanostictus skin extract via inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ ATPase
For example, some individuals have been known to combine the secretions with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription drugs, which can have dangerous interactions. In other cases, individuals may have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to the toxic effects of the secretions. After all, wouldn’t it make sense for predators to evolve the ability to tolerate the toxins and make a meal out of the toads? While it is true that some predators have developed resistance to the toxins found in California toads, many predators are unable to consume these toads without suffering ill effects. California toads are known for their bright coloring and loud croaking, but they also possess a unique defense mechanism that helps protect them from predators.
Ocular Hypotonia and Transient Decrease of Vision as a Consequence of Exposure to a Common Toad Poison
The common toad, or European toad (Bufo bufo), is an amphibian found in almost all of Europe (with the exception of Iceland, Ireland, and some Mediterranean islands) and in parts of North Asia and North-west Africa. It can live up to 50 years in captivity, and its age is counted by growth rings on their phalanges 1. It has green-gray-brown skin covered with lumps that produce bufadienolides. These toxic compounds are potent inhibitors of Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and toads use these as a natural repellent against predators and also as an immune defence against pathogens 3, 4.
Wildlife officials issue warning about toxic toads spreading across US region — here’s what you need to know
Although a number of in vitro studies have been done by researchers on Chansu, Huachansu, and single compounds, regarding their effects and mechanisms, the in vivo and clinical studies are still very limited. Thus, it is important to perform more animal studies to decode the potential of toad toxins in treating various diseases, such as cancer. Additionally, digitalis toxicity has always been a main concern for scientists in using toad medicines in patients 87. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study the toxicities and the maximum tolerated dose of toad toxins. Beyond that, how to reduce the side effects is the next step to be considered.
- Trim grass short and cut the bottom branches of hedges to leave a gap above the ground.
- Bufotoxins are a class of compounds that contain several chemicals, including bufotenine and bufoginins.
- While not usually deadly to humans, the toxin can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by animals.
- Currently, several fundamental questions remain to be resolved to fully reveal the potential use of toad secretions.
- Furthermore, the overall amount of bufadienolides per unit dry mass of parotoid secretion was higher in adult toads from agricultural habitats, suggesting that their toxin secretion was more potent.
The Development of Toad Toxins as Potential Therapeutic Agents
Trim grass short and cut the bottom branches of hedges to leave a gap above the ground. Bufotoxin is a toxic cardiac glycoside, which is dried and used as a preparation in Chinese medicine. High levels of BUTN and its precursor, N-methylserotonin are shown for the first time to occur and to accumulate mainly in the brain during the degradation of serotonin in the central nervous system of the toad, Bufo bufo japonicus. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that cinobufagin inhibited the growth of colon, prostate, skin, and lung cancers, in vitro.
- This is often followed by redness, swelling, and itching of the affected area.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water thoroughly to remove any traces of the toxic secretion.
- Direct contact with the toad’s skin is not the only way to be exposed to bufotoxin.
- They occur in the parotoid glands, skin and venom of many toads (genus Bufo) and other amphibians, and in some plants and mushrooms.
- Most exposures to fire-bellied toads occur in people’s homes from their “pet” fire-bellied toads; typically, the secretions get into the eyes or on the skin.
- The Cane toad also known as the Bufo, Marine Toad or Giant Toad is a large amphibian that is considered an invasive species to Florida.
More recently, there have been studies that demonstrated the therapeutic potential of toxins from other species of toads, such as Australian cane toads. Previous reviews mostly focused on the pharmaceutical effects of the whole extracts from parotoid glands or skins of toads. A further important question is whether the elevated levels of chemical defence are costly in terms of fitness.
Further studies, including computer simulations and Western blot analysis, have revealed that gamabufotalin interacted with the ATP-binding sites of VEGFR-2 using molecular docking. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated that the inhibitory effect of gamabufotalin for angiogenesis was due to the suppression of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway 60. Arenobufagin has also been shown anti-angiogenic activity through inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced viability, migration, invasion, and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Computer simulations suggested that arenobufagin interacted with the ATP-binding sites of VEGFR-2 by docking. Furthermore, arenobufagin inhibited VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 autophosphorylation, and suppressed the activity of VEGFR-2-mediated signaling cascades 59.
He was resuscitated and given respiratory support, but his pupils were dilated and fixed. A brain study confirmed that he had no brain function, and he was pronounced dead later the same day (from Bradley & Klika, 1981). Synthetic antiestrogens include methyltestosterone, fluoxymesterone, norethindrone (norethisterone), and norgestrel. Since estrogens block the release of the pituitary hormone responsible for ovulation, a potent antiestrogen can stimulate ovulation by inhibiting this action of estrogens.
If one comes across a cane toad in their vicinity, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance and prevent any pets or curious children from approaching the toad. Domestic animals are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cane toad toxins, and contact with or ingestion of a toad can have severe consequences, including sickness or even death. The introduction of cane toads (Rhinella marinus) to various countries, including Australia, has raised concerns about the potential long-term health effects these invasive species may have on humans. This article seeks to explore the scientific evidence and anecdotal experiences to determine if cane toads can cause any lasting health issues in humans.