Euphorbia Research – Domestic Production of Resinferatoxin

Background

Our research on plants in the genus Euphorbia is focused on certain succulent African species that may contain resiniferatoxin (RTX), a compound of great contemporary interest as an investigational or orphan drug for addressing intractable pain from chronic conditions such as arthritis and cancer, and burns, and other unspecified heath conditions.  Its use may also eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and amounts of opioid use in pain treatment.  Refer to our webpage on Euphorbia resinfera, currently the primary source of RTX, for additional information on the status of drug development.

Demand for euphorbia sap (latex) or the dried sap resin (euphorbium) from which RTX is extracted has increased significantly to meet the near term needs of research in progress.   Potential approvals of RTX for use as a licit drug could greatly increase demand.  We have recently received inquiries from several domestic and international chemical and pharmaceutical companies intending to purchase very large amounts of sap or RTX. These amounts far exceed the known supplies.

Currently, sources for Euphorbia resinifera sap and RTX, and other species that may contain it, are located in areas of Africa that are politically sensitive, unstable or in civil war.  Unfortunately, these situations may not be resolved favorably for a long period of time.  International trade in these succulent African Euphorbia plants and materials derived from them are also restricted under Appendix II of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).  In our opinion a new, sustainable and reliable domestic source of euphorbia sap needs to be developed for production of RTX and related compounds.

 

Research Objectives

The objectives of this project are to identify Euphorbia species that contain RTX and related compounds, select species and cultivars suitable for sustainable mass propagation and cultivation in Hawai`i, and develop methods for safe, efficient sustainable collection and processing of sap.  Some of these species may also have applications as for bee forage, and as ornamental plants for xeriscaping.

 

Species of Research Interest

The following Euphorbia species were in our research collection in September 2023:

  1. E. antisyphilitica (Wax plant, candelilla)
  2. E. canariensis (Canary Island spurge, Hercules club or cardón)
  3. E. ingens (Candelabra tree)
  4. E. makellenis = (Sausage plant, hamat kolkwal)
  5. E. officinarum
  6. E. officinarum subsp. echinus = E. echinus (Tikiout, Zaggoum, or Daghmus)
  7. E. poissonii = (Candle plant, cylindrical euphorbia)
  8. E. polyacantha
  9. E. resinfera (Resin spurge or Moroccan mound)
  10. E. subspina = (Candle plant)
  11. E. sudanica
  12. E. trapaeifolia
  13. E. unispina (Candle plant)
  14. E. venenifica = (Candle plant, cylindrical euphorbia)

 

Research Partners Needed

We are seeking a long term research partner that can provide funds for planting and growing the euphorbia crops, and developing methods and equipment for harvesting sap.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about this unique opportunity.

 

Potted Euphorbia resinifera Plant

Potted Euphorbia resinifera
At Starr Pass Resort, Tucson, Arizona
Photo © Edward Rau, Sustainable Bioresources, LLC
Use licensed per CC BY-NC 4.0

 

This page was last updated on September 4, 2023.

 
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