Chemicals and Drugs

Cantharidin

A toxic compound, isolated from the Spanish fly or blistering beetle (Lytta (Cantharis) vesicatoria) and other insects. It is a potent and specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A). This compound can produce severe skin inflammation, and is extremely toxic if ingested orally.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A toxic compound, isolated from the Spanish fly or blistering beetle (Lytta (Cantharis) vesicatoria) and other insects. It is a potent and specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A). This compound can produce severe skin inflammation, and is extremely toxic if ingested orally.

Chemical Identity

Chemical Information

Molecular Formula
C10H12O4
Molecular Weight
196.20 g/mol
CAS Registry No.
56-25-7
IUPAC Name
(1S,2R,6S,7R)-2,6-dimethyl-4,10-dioxatricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane-3,5-dione
InChIKey
DHZBEENLJMYSHQ-XCVPVQRUSA-N
SMILES
C[C@@]12[C@H]3CC[C@@H]([C@@]1(C(=O)OC2=O)C)O3
MeSH Unique ID
D002193
Source
PubChem CID 5944

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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Drug Class

Pharmacological Action

MeSH Record

Synonyms

2 entry terms
  • Cantharidine
  • Cantharides

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

19 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, analysis, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity.

MeSH Record

History Note

79; was CANTHARIDES 1963-78

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Cantharidin. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D002193. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D002193
  2. Cantharidin. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharidin
  3. Cantharidin. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q410884
  4. Cantharidin. In: PubChem Compound. CID 5944. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5944