Bufotoxins comprise a range of toxic substances, including bufotenine, bufotalin, and bufogenins. These compounds are steroidal in nature and share structural similarities with cardiac glycosides, which are known for their effects on heart function. The primary role of bufotoxins is to serve as a defense mechanism against predators, but their effects can be highly toxic or even lethal to humans and other animals if ingested or absorbed through mucous membranes.
