Bibliometric Analysis and Systemic Review of Cantharidin Research Worldwide.

BACKGROUND: Cantharidin (CTD), a natural toxic compound from blister beetle Mylabris, has been used for cancer treatment for millenary. CTD and its analogs have become mainstream adjuvant drugs with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in clinical applications. However, the detailed pharmacology mechanism of CTD was not fully elucidated. METHODS: Publications of CTD were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 1991 to 2023 using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica software. RESULTS: A total of 1,611 publications of CTD were mainly published in China and the United States. The University of Newcastle has published the most researches. Mcclusey, Adam, Sakoff, Jennette, and Zhang, Yalin had the most CTD publications with higher H. Notably, CTD researches were mainly published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Cluster profile results revealed that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), human gallbladder carcinoma, Aidi injection, and cell apoptosis were the hotspots. Concentration on the pharmacology function of PP2A subunit regulation, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity mechanism should be strengthened in the future. CONCLUSION: Bibliometric analysis combined with a systemic review of CTD research first revealed that PP2A and CTD analogs were the knowledge base of CTD, and PP2A subunit regulation and toxic mechanism could be the frontiers of CTD.

A Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Gene Is Expressed in Fat Body Regulates Cantharidin Synthesis in Male Epicauta impressicornis Blister Beetle.

Blister beetles of Epicauta impressicornis have attracted attention because they contain a large amount of cantharidin (CTD). To date, however, the synthesis and transfer of CTD in adults of E. impressicornis are largely unknown. Here, we showed that the larvae E. impressicornis are capable of synthesizing CTD and they consume CTD during pupation. Before sexual maturity, both male and female adults synthesized a small amount of CTD, while after sexual maturity, males produced larger amounts of CTD, but females did not. The newly synthesized CTD in males first appeared in the hemolymph and then accumulated in the reproductive system. During the mating, the males transferred CTD to the reproductive system of females. In addition, a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene was identified in male E. impressicornis. RNA-seq analysis, quantitative RT-PCR, and RNA interference analyses were conducted to investigate expression patterns and the functional roles of E. impressicornis FPPS (EiFPPS). Our results indicate that EiFPPS is highly expressed in the fat body of males. Moreover, the knock-down of EiFPPS led to a significant decrease in CTD synthesis. The current study indicates that EiFPPS is expressed in the fat body to regulate CTD synthesis in male E. impressicornis blister beetles.

Network toxicology, molecular docking technology, and experimental verification revealed the mechanism of cantharidin-induced testicular injury in mice.

As a protein kinase inhibitor, cantharidin (CTD) exhibits antitumor activities. However, CTD is highly toxic, thereby limiting clinical applications. Moreover, relatively few studies have investigated CTD-induced reproductive toxicity, thus the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the toxic effects of CTD on mouse testis were confirmed in vivo and the potential mechanism was predicted by network toxicology (NT) and molecular docking technology. Proteins involved in the signaling pathways and core targets were verified. The results showed that different concentrations of CTD induced weight loss increased the testicular coefficient, and caused obvious pathological damage to testicular cells. The NT results showed that the main targets of CTD-induced testicular injury (TI) included AKT1, Caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax. The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that CTD-induced TI was closely related to apoptosis and the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Molecular docking methods confirmed high affinity between CTD and key targets. Western blot analysis showed that CTD inhibited expression of PI3K, AKT, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while promoting expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase 3. These results suggest that CTD-induced TI involves multiple targets and pathways, and the underlying mechanism was associated with inhibition of the apoptosis-related PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome due to high-dose cantharidin poisoning: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This report delves into the diagnostic and therapeutic journey undertaken by a patient with high-dose cantharidin poisoning and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Particular emphasis is placed on the comprehensive elucidation of the clinical manifestations of high-dose cantharidin poisoning, the intricate path to diagnosis, and the exploration of potential underlying mechanisms. CASE SUMMARY: A patient taking 10 g of cantharidin powder orally subsequently developed MODS. The patient was treated with supportive care, fluid hydration and antibiotics, and hemoperfusion and hemofiltration therapy for 24 h and successfully recovered 8 d after hospital admission. Cantharidin poisoning can cause life-threatening MODS and is rare clinically. This case underscores the challenge in diagnosis and highlights the need for early clinical differentiation to facilitate accurate assessment and prompt intervention. CONCLUSION: This article has reported and analyzed the clinical data, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a case of high-dose cantharidin poisoning resulting in MODS and reviewed the relevant literature to improve the clinical understanding of this rare condition.

Dissecting the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase Hog1 in yeast flocculation.

Living organisms are frequently exposed to multiple biotic and abiotic stress forms during their lifetime. Organisms cope with stress conditions by regulating their gene expression programs. In response to different environmental stress conditions, yeast cells activate different tolerance mechanisms, many of which share common signaling pathways. Flocculation is one of the key mechanisms underlying yeast survival under unfavorable environmental conditions, and the Tup1-Cyc8 corepressor complex is a major regulator of this process. Additionally, yeast cells can utilize different mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to modulate gene expression during stress conditions. Here, we show that the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) MAPK pathway is involved in the regulation of yeast flocculation. We observed that the HOG MAPK pathway was constitutively activated in flocculating cells, and found that the interaction between phosphorylated Hog1 and the FLO genes promoter region increased significantly upon sodium chloride exposure. We found that treatment of cells with cantharidin decreased Hog1 phosphorylation, causing a sharp reduction in the expression of FLO genes and the flocculation phenotype. Similarly, deletion of HOG1 in yeast cells reduced flocculation. Altogether, our results suggest a role for HOG MAPK signaling in the regulation of FLO genes and yeast flocculation.

In vitro immune-depression and anti-inflammatory activities of cantharidin on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) leucocytes activated by λ-carrageenan.

Cantharidin is a natural compound with known therapeutic applications in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of cantharidin on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) head kidney leucocytes (HKL) stimulated with λ-carrageenan. HKLs were incubated for 24 h with cantharidin (0, 2.5 and 5 µg mL-1) and λ-carrageenan (0 and 1000 µg mL-1). The results showed that HKL viability only decreased by 15.2% after incubated with 5 µg mL-1 of cantharidin and λ-carrageenan. Cantharidin increased the peroxidase activity of HKLs only when incubated in combination with λ-carrageenan. Besides this, cantharidin inhibited the respiratory burst and phagocytic activities. Furthermore, cantharidin induced morphological changes in HKLs (apoptotic and vacuolization signs) that were enhanced when incubated with λ-carrageenan. Considering the analysis of the selected gene expression studied in HKLs [NF-κB subunits (rela, relb, crel, nfkb1, nfkb2), proinflammatory cytokines (il1b, tnfa), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il10, tgfb) and caspases (casp1, casp3, casp8, casp9)], although λ-carrageenan up-regulated the expression of the proinflammatory gene il1b, λ-carrageenan and cantharidin down-regulated its expression in HKLs. In addition, cantharidin up-regulated casp3 and casp9 expression. The casp3 and casp9 gene expression was down-regulated while casp1 gene expression was up-regulated in HKLs incubated with both cantharidin and λ-carrageenan. All the effects of cantharidin are related to its inhibitory effect on protein phosphatases, which induce apoptosis at long exposure times, and minimize the effects of λ-carrageenan. The present results provide detailed insight into the immune-depressive and anti-inflammatory properties of cantharidin on immune cells, which could be of interest to the aquaculture sector.

Integrative approach using network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental methods to explore the mechanism of cantharidin in treating colorectal cancer.

Cantharidin, a terpenoid produced by blister beetles, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments and cancers. However, its biological activity, impact, and anticancer mechanisms remain unclear. The Cantharidin chemical gene connections were identified using various databases. The GSE21815 dataset was used to collect the gene expression information. Differential gene analysis and gene ontology analyses were performed. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to assess the activation of disease pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differential analysis were used to identify illness-associated genes, examine differential genes, and discover therapeutic targets via protein-protein interactions. MCODE analysis of major subgroup networks was used to identify critical genes influenced by Cantharidin, examine variations in the expression of key clustered genes in colorectal cancer vs. control samples, and describe the subject operators. Single-cell GSE188711 dataset was preprocessed to investigate Cantharidin's therapeutic targets and signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. Single-cell RNA sequencing was utilized to identify 22 cell clusters and marker genes for two different cell types in each cluster. The effects of different Cantharidin concentrations on colorectal cancer cells were studied in vitro. One hundred and ninety-seven Cantharidin-associated target genes and 480 critical genes implicated in the development of the illness were identified. Cantharidin significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCT116 cells and promoted apoptosis at certain concentrations. Patients on current therapy develop inherent and acquired resistance. Our study suggests that Cantharidin may play an anti-CRC role by modulating immune function.

A novel approach combining network pharmacology and experimental validation to study the protective effect of ginsenoside Rb1 against cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Cantharidin (CTD) is a widely used anticancer compound, but its clinical use is mainly limited due to hepatotoxicity. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) shows potential hepatoprotective effects. Nonetheless, the protective effect and underlying mechanism of GRb1 against CTD-induced hepatotoxicity in mice have not been investigated. This study aims to elucidate the effect and mechanism of GRb1 on CTD-induced hepatotoxicity using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments. Network pharmacology studies have shown that 263 targets were the main mechanisms by which GRb1 alleviates CTD-induced hepatotoxicity. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that 75 hub genes were mainly enriched in TNF, IL-17 and apoptosis signalling pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that GRb1 exhibited high affinity with Akt1, Tnf, Il6, Bcl2 and Caspase3. In addition, results from animal studies demonstrated that GRb1 could ameliorate CTD-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting protein expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bcl-2/Bax, GRP78, ATF6, ATF4, CHOP, IRE1α and PERK. This research revealed the mechanism of GRb1 against CTD-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and it may provide a scientific rationale for the potential use of GRb1 in the treatment of hepatotoxicity induced by CTD.

Analysis of cantharidin-induced kidney injury and the protective mechanism of resveratrol in mice determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabonomics.

Cantharidin (CTD) is the main active component in the traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris and an effective anti-tumor agent. However, it is relatively toxic and exhibits nephrotoxicity, which limits its clinical use. However, its toxic mechanism is not clear. The toxic effects of CTD exposure on the kidney and the protective effect of resveratrol (RES) were studied in a mouse model, by determination of serum biochemical and renal antioxidant indicators, histopathological and ultrastructural observation, and metabonomics. After CTD exposure, serum uric acid, creatinine, and tissue oxidative stress indicators increased, and the renal glomerular and tubular epithelial cells showed clear pathological damage. Ultrastructure observation revealed marked mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum dilation, and the presence of autophagy lysosomes in glomerular epithelial cells. RES ameliorated the renal injury induced by CTD. Metabonomics analysis indicated that CTD can induce apoptosis and oxidative damage in kidney cells, mainly by disrupting sphingolipid and glutathione metabolism, increasing sphingosine and sphingomyelin levels, and decreasing glutathione levels. RES counteracts these effects by regulating renal cell proliferation, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, by improving the levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC), LysoPC, and lysophosphatidyl glycerol in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, thereby reducing CTD-induced nephrotoxicity. The mechanisms of CTD-induced renal injury and the protective effect of RES were revealed by metabonomics, providing a basis for evaluating clinical treatment regimens to reduce CTD-induced nephrotoxicity.

Application of cantharidin, retinoic acid cream and salicylic acidy in multiple palmoplantar warts.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple palmoplantar warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, were investigated for clinical efficacy using cantharidin, retinoic acid cream, and salicylic acid cream. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with multiple palmoplantar warts were enrolled. The experimental group (54 cases) received a 1:1:1 combination (CRS) of 0.25% cantharidin, 0.1% retinoic acid cream, and 5% salicylic acid, applied with pressurized encapsulation for 8 h every night, three times per week. The control group (56 cases) underwent conventional liquid nitrogen freezing. Monthly follow-ups assessed cure rate, effective rate, dermatological life quality index (DLQI), visual analog scale (VAS), and cost, with evaluations conducted after 3 months. RESULTS: The treatment group exhibited a cure rate of 85.19% and a total effective rate of 96.30%, surpassing the control group with rates of 39.29% and 51.79%, respectively (p < 0.05). The treatment group's DLQI score (1.84 ± 1.06) was significantly lower than the control group's score (6.04 ± 1.78) (p = 0.0005). Additionally, the treatment group's VAS score (1.84 ± 1.06) was notably lower than the control group's score (8.56 ± 1.07) (p < 0.0001). The treatment group's total cost (43.20 ± 2.85) was markedly lower than the control group's cost (206.38 ± 90.81), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The combination of cantharidin, retinoic acid cream, and salicylic acid with local encapsulation is a safe, effective, economical, and convenient treatment method for multiple palmoplantar warts, exhibiting few side effects and showing promise.

Avoiding cantharidin through ionotropic receptors.

The discernment and aversion of noxious gustatory stimuli profoundly influence homeostasis maintenance and survival of fauna. Cantharidin, a purported aphrodisiac, is a monoterpenoid compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, particularly by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Although the various advantageous functions of cantharidin have been described, its taste analysis and toxic properties in animalshave been rarely explored. Our study using Drosophila melanogaster examines the taste properties of cantharidin along with its potential hazardous effect in the internal organs of animals. Here, we find that cantharidin activates bitter taste receptors. Our findings show that specific ionotropic receptors (IR7g, IR51b, and IR94f) in labellar bitter-sensing neurons, along with co-receptors IR25a and IR76b, are responsible for detecting cantharidin. By introducing the IR7g and IR51b in sweet and bitter neurons, naturally expressing IR76b and IR25a, we show that these genes are sufficient for cantharidin perception. Moreover, we witness the deleterious ramifications of cantharidin on survival and visceral integrities, shedding light on its hazardous effect.

Preparation of high-drug-loading cantharidin polymer micelle delivery system and its anti-breast cancer activity / 中国药科大学学报

@#Abstract: The aim of this study was to prepare a high drug-carrying capacity micellar drug delivery system (CTD@Sol) of the polymer zebra tetracycline and to preliminarily investigate the feasibility of this drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer. Firstly, CTD@Sol was prepared using sol as the carrier material and CTD as the model drug, and its pharmacological properties such as appearance and morphology, particle size, potential and in vitro release were evaluated. The growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of CTD@Sol on breast cancer (4T1) cells were investigated by MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay; the uptake efficiency of 4T1 to this delivery system was investigated by flow cytometry; and the in vivo tissue distribution of the delivery system and the targeting of tumour tissues were investigated by small animal in vivo imaging technique. The results showed that CTD@Sol appeared as a light pale blue creamy white colour, with an average particle size of (159.73 ± 1.96) nm, a PDI of 0.198 ± 0.006, Zeta potential of –(47.60 ± 1.77) mV, an encapsulation rate of (90.29 ± 1.69)% and a drug loading capacity of (45.00 ± 0. 84)%; the in vitro release and haemolysis experiments showed that the drug release rate of CTD@Sol in acidic environment (pH 5.5) was significantly faster than that in neutral environment (pH 7.4), suggesting that the system is acid-sensitive and has good biosafety under endocytosed pH conditions. Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and apoptosis experiments showed that CTD@Sol was more lethal to 4T1 cells, and the sol-gel polymer micelles as a drug delivery vehicle could significantly improve the cellular uptake efficiency of the drug; in vivo experiments showed that the delivery system had a significant targeting effect on tumour tissues.In conclusion, this study has successfully produced a CTD@Sol drug delivery system with high drug loading capacity (>45%), good pharmacological performance, strong targeting and biosafety, which has the potential to be used in the treatment of breast cancer.

Regulation of platelet function by cantharidin via PI3K/Akt/PKC pathway / 中国药理学通报

To investigate the effect of cantharidin ( CTD) on platelet function and the mechanism of anti-platelet aggregation. Methods Washed platelets were collected from the venous blood of healthy volunteers. The effect of CTD on platelet aggregation and release was determined by aggregometer. The CTD concentration was 2.5 ,5 ,10 μmol • L

Research Progress on Multiple Organ Damage and Mechanism of Cantharidin Poisoning / 法医学杂志

Cantharidin poisoning has been proven to cause multiple organ damage. Acute circulatory failure, acute renal failure, and multiple organ failure resulting from cantharidin poisoning are the main causes of death for patients with cantharidin poisoning. However, research on the damage of main target organs and mechanism of cantharidin poisoning is not clear. This paper reviews the latest toxicological and pathological research literatures at home and abroad related to cantharidin poisoning and comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress on the toxicological and pathological damage and mechanism of the digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system, urinary system, reproductive system, skin mucosa, immune system, and nervous system after cantharidin poisoning, to provide reference for improving the molecular toxicological mechanism of cantharidin poisoning and decision-making in the clinical intervention of cantharidin poisoning.

Mechanism of Cantharidin-induced Morphological Changes and Dissociation of HCT116 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of cantharidin(CTD) in inducing morphological changes and dissociation in human colon cancer HCT116 cells, in order to study the correlation with tumor metastasis and provide a new basis for clinical use of cantharidin. Method:Different concentrations of CTD (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 μmol·L-1) were added to each hole to culture for 7 to 10 days, so as to determine the inhibitory effect of CTD on HCT116 cells; and changes of F-actin cytoskeleton and integrin in HCT116 cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analysis of protein expressions of RhoA,RhoB,RhoC,Cdc42 and Rac1/2/3 of Rho family were performed before and after cantharidin treatment. overexpression of RhoA was constructed by plasmid transient transfection, and effect of 10 μmol·L-1 cantharidin on the morphology and adhesion of overexpressing cells was also observed. Result:Cantharidin induced cytoskeletal remodeling and decreased integrin content in HCT116 colon cancer cells. RhoA protein was a member of Rho enzyme family with the greatest variation after cantharidin action. The proportion of transfected RhoA cells with green fluorescence was about 60%, the expression of RhoA protein in constructed RhoA overexpression cells was significantly increased, compared with wild-type HCT116 cells (PPConclusion:Cantharidin can inhibit the expression of RhoA protein, induce the morphological changes of HCT116 cells and weaken the adhesion to the basement, thereby inhibiting cell migration.

Optimization of prescription process of cantharidin nanostructured lipid carrier by central composite design-response surface methodology / 中草药

Objective: To integrate the toxic component of cantharidin (CTD) into a novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) and optimize the cantharidin nanostructured lipid carrier (CTD-NLC) formulation process to reduce the toxicity of CTD and enhance its targeting. Methods: CTD-NLC was prepared by emulsified ultrasonic dispersion method. The encapsulation efficiency was determined by dialysis method. The average particle size, particle size distribution (polydispersity index, PDI), Zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading were taken as indicators. Univariate investigation and central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) were used to optimize the prescription process of CTD-NLC. Multivariate quadratic fitting was used to evaluate the model equation between indicators and factors. The fitted equation was analyzed by the variance analysis and the optimal prescription was predicted by the resonse surface. Results: The optimized CTD-NLC prescriptions were as follow: mass of total lipid was 453.66 mg, solid to liquid lipid ratio of 1:2, total stable dose of 16.9 mg/mL, ratio of Pluronic F68 to egg yolk lecithin (Lipoid E PC S) of 3.88:1, with ultrasound for 30 min (working 2 s, stopping 2 s). The prepared CTD-NLC was clear clarification in appearance with light blue opalescence, the average particle size was (85.99 ± 0.49) nm, PDI was 0.280 ± 0.002, Zeta potential was (-8.21 ± 0.24) mV, encapsulation efficiency was (98.57 ± 0.05)%, and drug loading was (0.65 ± 0.01)%. Conclusion: The fitting model established by CCD-RSM is accurate and reliable. The optimized CTD-NLC distribution is concentrated, with high encapsulation efficiency and good physical stability. It lays a foundation for the subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies of CTD-NLC.

Research progress on derivative cantharidin bioactivities and toxic regulations / 中草药

Cantharidin is the main active component of traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. Cantharidins received increasing attentions for having bioactivities such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and enhancing leukocytes, meanwhile, many researches were reported about cantharidin bioactivities, structure modifications, and synthesis methods. In this review, structures of derivative cantharidins were summarized and bioactivity and toxic regulations were developed, which can provide reference for cantharidin compound researches and modernizations of Mylabris.

Content Determination of Cantharidin in Lytta caraganae by HPLC / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for content determination of cantharidin in Lytta caraganae,and to use the result as the extract screening evidence of L. caraganae source material. METHODS:Ultrasonic extraction method was used to extract cantharidin from L. caraganae using acetone as solvent. HPLC method was adopted to determine the content of cantharidin. The determination was performed on C18column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-water(23:77)at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set 230 nm,the column temperature was set at 35 ℃,and sample size was 10 μL. The content of cantharidin in L. caraganae was determined and compared with the results of content determination by the method stated in Chinese Pharmacopeia(using chloroform as extraction solvent). RESULTS:The liner range of cantharidin were 0.2-1.0 mg/mL (r=0.998 8)with average methodology recovery rates of 101.1%(RSD=1.7%,n=6). The average content of cantharidin in L. caraganae was 0.932%(n=3),while the content of cantharidin was 0.793%(n=3)determined by the method stated in Chinese Pharmacopeia. Both were higher than the requirement of Chinese Pharmacopeia that the content of cantharidin in scource material of cantharidin was higher than 0.35%. CONCLUSIONS:Established method is accurate and reliable for the content determination cantharidin in L. caraganae. The content of cantharidin is up to the standard of Chinese Pharmacopeia,and can be used as source material for exacting cantharidin.

Preparation process of galactosylated liposome of modified cantharidin / 中草药

Objective To optimize the formulation ratio and preparation process of galactosylated cantharidin liposome (Lac-CTD- lips) and establish its methodology for content determination. Methods The method of determination of GC-MS cantharidin content was established by film dispersion method. The entrapment efficiency of cantharidin was evaluated as an index. The preparation process of Lac-CTD-lips was optimized by single factor and orthogonal experiments. Its surface characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and Zeta potential were also investigated. Results The best prescription was as follow: cantharidin: hydrogenated soya lecithin:cholesterol at 1:20:5, 10% galactoside, film-forming at 50 ℃, film cleaning with 30 mL of PBS solution of pH 6.0, and hydartion at 40 ℃ for 1.5 h. The resulting liposomes exhibited a pale blue opalescent appearance, a spherical particle morphology, and a more rounded surface with no adhesion. The average particle size was (123.9 ± 4.8) nm (n = 3), the particle size distribution was single-peak, the zeta potential was (-0.36 ± 0.81) mV (n = 3), and the encapsulation efficiency was over 75%. Conclusion GC-MS is suitable for the determination and analysis of cantharidin content. The optimal preparation technology from orthogonal experiment is stable and reliable. The obtained liposomes have higher encapsulation efficiency, small particle size, and good appearance.