Ethamivan is a phenol that has been found in M. esculenta and has antioxidant and analeptic properties.1,2,3 It scavenges 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS radicals with EC50 values of 0.374 and 0.05 mg/ml, respectively, in cell-free assays.1 Ethamivan (0.25 mg/kg, i.v.) increases the respiratory rate of anesthetized cats, an effect that can be blocked by cervical vagotomy.2 Intravenous infusion of ethamivan (19.4-25.2 mg/kg) induces convulsions in conscious cats.3
1.Yi, B., Hu, L., Mei, W., et al.Antioxidant phenolic compounds of cassava (Manihot esculenta) from HainanMolecules16(12)10157-10167(2011) 2.Hirsh, K., and Wang, S.C.Respiratory stimulant effects of ethamivan and picrotoxinJ. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.193(2)657-663(1975) 3.Luscombe, D.K., and Nicholls, P.J.Relationship between respiratory stimulant and convulsant activity of doxapram hydrochloride in conscious animalsPharmacol. Res. Commun.3(4)369-376(1971)