Persin

For an island in Bulgaria, see Persin Island

Persin

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Names
IUPAC name (R, 12Z,15Z)-2-Hydroxy-4-oxohenicosa-12,15-dienyl acetate
Identifiers
CAS Number	60640-59-7 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	6365563
SMILES CCCCCC=CCC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)CC(COC(=O)C)O
Properties
Chemical formula	C23H40O4
Molar mass	380.57 g·mol−1
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Persin is a fungicidal toxin present in the avocado. It is generally harmless to humans, but when consumed by domestic animals in large quantities it is dangerous.

Persin is an oil-soluble compound structurally similar to a fatty acid, and it leaches into the body of the fruit from the pits. Negative effects in humans seem to be primarily in allergic individuals.

Pathology

Consumption of the leaves and bark of the avocado tree, or the skin and pit of the avocado fruit have been shown to have the following effects:

• In birds (which are particularly sensitive to the avocado toxin), the symptoms are: increased heart rate, myocardial tissue damage, labored breathing, disordered plumage, unrest, weakness, and apathy. High doses cause acute respiratory syndrome (asphyxia), with death approximately 12 to 24 hours after consumption.
• Lactating rabbits and mice: non-infectious mastitis and agalactia after consumption of leaves or bark.
• Rabbits: cardial arrhythmia, submandibular edema and death after consumption of leaves.
• Cows and goats: mastitis, decreased milk production after consumption of leaves or bark.
• Horses: Clinical effects occur mainly in mares, and includes noninfectious mastitis, as well as occasional gastritis and colic.
• Cats, Dogs: vomiting, diarrhea.
• Hares, pigs, rats, sheep, ostriches, chickens, turkeys and fish: symptoms of intoxication similar those described above. The lethal dose is not known; the effect is different depending upon the animal species.

Additional pharmacology

Animal studies show that exposure to persin leads to apoptosis in certain types of breast cancer cells. It has also been shown to enhance the cytotoxic effect of tamoxifen in vitro. Persin is however highly insoluble in aqueous solutions and more research will be needed to put it into a soluble tablet form.