Journal Published Online: 01 November 1996
Volume 41, Issue 6

GC/MS Comparison of the West Indian Aphrodisiac “Love Stone” to the Chinese Medication “Chan Su”: Bufotenine and Related Bufadienolides

CODEN: JFSCAS

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.

Author Information

Barry, TL
Mass Spectrometry Service Center, Northeast Regional Laboratory, US Food and Drug Administration, Brooklyn, NY
Petzinger, G
Mass Spectrometry Service Center, Northeast Regional Laboratory, US Food and Drug Administration, Brooklyn, NY
William Zito, S
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS14052J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14052J