Abstract

BUFO SKIN-SECRETIONS ARE SOURCES OF PHARMACOLOGICALLY AND THERAPEUTICALLY SIGNIFICANT COMPOUNDS

Dr. Bishnu Charan Pradhan* and Shakti Prasad Pradhan

Abstract

Amphibians have been occupying a wide range of habitats since they evolved around 363 million-years-ago. Along with legs and lungs, skin played an important role in survival of amphibians and made it possible for them to exploit diverse ecological conditions. Amphibian skin not only helps in avoiding desiccation but also helps in imposing defense against predators as well as pathogens. Amphibian skin possesses wide variety of chemical compounds, which have potential significance in pharmacology and therapeutics. Toads especially those belonging to genus Bufo, are outstanding source of useful granulargland secretions. Compounds derived from toad skin-secretions can be used as analgesics, painkillers and as medicine against cardiacproblems, multi-drug resistant bacteria, HIV and Cancer.

Keywords: Bufadienolides, pharmacology, Bufo skin-secretions, toxins.