# Rotenone **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rotenone **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Derris extract, Cube extract, Tubatoxin, Barbasco extract, Nicouline, Paraderil, Rotacide, Fish berry extract, Lonchocarpus extract, Tephrosia extract, Roh-ten extract ## Overview Rotenone is a highly toxic isoflavonoid compound derived from plants that acts as a potent [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) poison. The WHO classifies rotenone as moderately toxic to humans with no documented therapeutic benefits. ## Health Benefits • No therapeutic health benefits documented - research shows rotenone is classified as moderately toxic to humans by WHO • Historical use limited to insecticidal applications since 1848, not human health • Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, earthworms, and honeybees • No clinical trials or meta-analyses found evaluating therapeutic use in humans • Absence of evidence for any medicinal applications in the provided research ## Mechanism of Action Rotenone inhibits Complex I of the [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) electron transport chain by blocking NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity. This disruption prevents ATP synthesis and leads to cellular energy depletion and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). The compound specifically targets mitochondrial respiration, causing cell death in exposed organisms. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials exist investigating rotenone for human health benefits due to its established toxicity profile. Research focuses primarily on its role as a toxicological model for Parkinson's disease in laboratory settings. Environmental and occupational exposure studies demonstrate significant health risks including neurological damage. The compound has been banned as a pesticide in many countries due to safety concerns. ## Nutritional Profile Rotenone is a naturally occurring isoflavonoid (rotenoid) compound extracted primarily from the roots of Derris elliptica, Lonchocarpus species, and Tephrosia vogelii — it has no nutritional value and is not consumed as a food or dietary supplement. Molecular formula: C23H22O6, molecular weight: 394.42 g/mol. It is a lipophilic crystalline solid, poorly soluble in water (<1 mg/L at 20°C) but highly soluble in organic solvents. Rotenone contains no meaningful macronutrients (zero protein, carbohydrates, or dietary fiber in functional sense), no vitamins, and no essential minerals. Its bioactive profile is defined entirely by its toxicological properties: it is a potent inhibitor of [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) Complex I (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase) in the electron transport chain, with an IC50 of approximately 4–20 nM in isolated mitochondria. It also inhibits microtubule polymerization. Typical insecticidal formulations contain 1–5% rotenone by weight. Oral LD50 in rats is approximately 132–1500 mg/kg (varies by formulation and solvent). Dermal absorption is limited but inhalation exposure is considered more hazardous. No bioavailability data exists in a nutritional context, as ingestion constitutes a toxicological exposure, not a nutritional one. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinical dosage information is available in the research. The sources do not specify studied dosage ranges for human use, standardized extract concentrations, or formulation specifications for therapeutic applications. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Rotenone exposure can cause severe neurological symptoms, respiratory depression, and potential Parkinson's-like effects. The compound is highly toxic to aquatic life and beneficial insects including honeybees. Occupational exposure may lead to dermatitis, nausea, and tremors. Pregnant women should avoid all exposure as rotenone can cross the placental barrier and cause developmental toxicity. ## Scientific Research The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses evaluating rotenone for therapeutic use. The available sources focus exclusively on rotenone's chemical properties, insecticidal applications, and toxicology rather than clinical efficacy studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context Rotenone was first isolated in 1895 by Emmanuel Geoffroy from Lonchocarpus nicou, with Japanese chemist Kazuo Nagai isolating it from Derris roots in 1902 and naming it based on 'roh-ten,' the Japanese word for the plant. Its earliest recorded use dates to 1848 as an insecticide for controlling leaf-eating caterpillars, with no documented traditional medicinal applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Not applicable - no synergistic compounds identified due to toxicity ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is rotenone safe for human consumption? No, rotenone is classified as moderately toxic to humans by the WHO and has no safe consumption level. It can cause serious neurological damage and has been linked to Parkinson's disease development. ### What plants contain rotenone naturally? Rotenone occurs naturally in the roots and stems of plants in the Fabaceae family, particularly Derris and Lonchocarpus species. These plants have been traditionally used as fish poisons and insecticides, not for human health purposes. ### Can rotenone cause Parkinson's disease? Research suggests rotenone exposure may increase Parkinson's disease risk by damaging dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Laboratory studies show rotenone can reproduce Parkinson's-like symptoms in animal models through mitochondrial dysfunction. ### Is rotenone still used as a pesticide? Rotenone has been banned or heavily restricted as a pesticide in many countries including the US and EU due to toxicity concerns. Limited use may still occur in some regions for specific applications like invasive fish control. ### What are the symptoms of rotenone poisoning? Acute rotenone poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, tremors, and skin irritation. Chronic exposure may lead to neurological damage, particularly affecting motor function and potentially causing parkinsonian symptoms. ### Why is rotenone found in some supplements if it has no proven health benefits? Rotenone is not intentionally added to human supplements due to its lack of documented therapeutic benefits and known toxicity. Any presence of rotenone in supplements would be accidental contamination from botanical sources rather than a deliberate ingredient choice. Regulatory agencies do not recognize rotenone as a safe or beneficial ingredient for human consumption in dietary supplements. ### How does rotenone compare to other natural pesticides in terms of human safety? Unlike some natural pesticides with potential therapeutic applications at low doses, rotenone offers no health benefits while maintaining consistent toxicity to humans at very low exposures. Rotenone is classified as moderately toxic by the WHO with no established safe consumption level, making it distinctly different from natural compounds like berberine or curcumin that have both pesticidal and medicinal properties. Other plant-derived pesticides such as pyrethrin have been more thoroughly studied for potential human applications, whereas rotenone research has remained focused solely on its insecticidal effects. ### What environmental concerns should I know about rotenone use? Rotenone is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, earthworms, and honeybees, causing significant ecological damage in environments where it accumulates. Its persistence in soil and water systems poses long-term risks to non-target species and beneficial insects critical for pollination and soil health. These environmental hazards are a primary reason rotenone use has been restricted or banned in many countries despite its historical pesticide applications. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*