ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

GC/MS Comparison of the West Indian Aphrodisiac “Love Stone” to the Chinese Medication “Chan Su”: Bufotenine and Related Bufadienolides
Petzinger, G
Mass spectrometrist, Mass Spectrometry Service Center, Northeast Regional Laboratory, US Food and Drug Administration, NY

William Zito, S
Professor and chair, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, St. John's University, NY

Barry, TL
Mass spectrometrist, Mass Spectrometry Service Center, Northeast Regional Laboratory, US Food and Drug Administration, NY

(Received 13 October 1995; accepted 19 March 1996)

Abstract

The death of a 23-year-old man resulting from digoxin-like toxicity and heart failure was attributed to ingestion of a West Indian aphrodisiac known as “Love Stone.” GC/MS analyses identified bufotenine, a controlled substance under both US and New York State statutes. In addition, a series of bufadienolides, namely resibufogenin, bufalin, and cinobufagin, were also identified. Bufadienolides, which are derived from toad venom or secretions, are cardiotonic steroids that cause symptoms similar to digoxin. GC/MS analyses of the Chinese medication “Chan Su,” a product derived from toads, produced a highly similar elution profile and contained the same compounds as “Love Stone.” The data demonstrate that the aphrodisiac was also derived from toads.

Keywords:
forensic science, Love Stone, Chan Su, GC/MS, bufotenine, bufadienolides, resibufogenin, bufalin, cinobufagin, street drugs, chemistry

Paper ID: JFS14052J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14052J
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