Cycloheximide

Cycloheximide (IUPACdesignation 4-{(2R)-2-[(1S,3S,5S)-3,5-dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexyl]-2-hydroxyethyl}piperidine-2,6-dione) is an inhibitor of protein biosynthesisin eukaryotic organisms, produced by the bacterium Streptomyces griseus. Cycloheximide exerts its effect on protein synthesis by blocking translational elongation. Because of significant toxic side effects, including DNA damage, teratogenesis, and other reproductiveeffects (including birth defectsand toxicity to sperm), cycloheximide is generally used only in in vitro research applications, and is not suitable for human use as a therapeutic antibioticcompound. Although it has been used as a fungicidein agricultural applications, this application is now decreasing as the health risks have become better understood.

Cycloheximide is degraded by alkali (pH > 7), decontamination of work surfaces and containers can be achieved by washing with an non-harmful alkali solution such as soap.

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