Bufonin

Bufonin, bufotalin, a component of the secretions of the skin glands of toads. When irritated by touch, toads secrete a skin secretion that has the consistency and color of plant latex; this secretion is poisonous and serves as a protective mechanism for toads. In studying the secretion, Professor Faust isolated pure crystalline bodies—bufonin and bufotalin—which are cardiac poisons, similar to digitalin and digitoxin: they cause changes in blood circulation and depression of the central nervous system. 0.005 grams of bufotalin per kilogram of body weight (dog, rabbit) is a lethal dose. Bufonin, however, acts more weakly than bufotalin. These poisons and the secretion containing them act as irritants when they come into contact with animal skin and mucous membranes and when introduced into the stomach. For inflammation of mucous membranes, conventional treatment methods are applied.