Effect of parthenin on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

The sesquiterpene lactone, 'parthenin' the toxic principle of the allergenic weed Parthenium hysterophorus, inhibited 'state 3' respiration and stimulated 'state 4' respiration in rat liver and kidney mitochondria as well as ATPase activity in the presence of Mg2+ ions. These properties indicate that the toxic action of parthenin may be related to its interference with oxidative phosphorylation.