What is Rotenone?

Rotenone is a natural plant product and when extracted is known as derris root or cubé resin dependent on the plant source. Further refinement leads to the white crystalline powder form called rotenone, which is often used in clinical research as 95% pure rotenone. Formulations for fisheries management practices typically contain between 5% - 10% rotenone in the less pure form. Rotenone acts in a similar mechanism to cyanide by inhibiting mitochondrial function. The molecule itself is hydrophobic and in known to be able to cross the blood brain barrier (bbb), move into the enteric nervous system, and pass into the olfactory bulb...all of which are highly concerning in relation to the onset of Parkinson's disease.

Rotenone specifically inhibits action of complex I of the electron transport chain, thus preventing electron flow and blocking production of ATP, the cells source of energy. The cells, tissues and entire organsim die from lack of energy production at the cellular level. The end result is equivalent to suffocating from the lack of oxygen, as can be witnessed with fish poisoned with rotenone apparently "gulping" at the surface attempting to oxygenate their gill tissue.