Cantharidin: A Multiporpuse Beetlejuice

Abstract

Cantharidin is produced by beetles of two families, Meloidae (true blister beetles) and Oedemeridae (false blister beetles). Nevertheless, it is mainly members of the meloid family that have been widely studied in the traditional medicines and pharmacology of different cultures and countries. The meloids cantharidin’s role is going to be reviewed in this paper, including the cantharidin discovery, its adaptative function and worldwide uses. Finally, we recovered information on the implementation of this compound in South American civilizations in different therapeutic treatments as well as sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs.