Nature has long served as a source of medical inspiration, and recent research from Virginia Tech adds another chapter to that story. Scientists studying the millipede species Andrognathus corticarius have uncovered new alkaloid compounds from its defensive secretions, offering promising leads for drug discovery. These findings remind us that the natural world often holds keys to solving some of today’s most pressing health challenges.

The Discovery in Focus

The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, identified novel terpenoid alkaloids named andrognathanols and andrognathines, produced by the millipede’s defensive glands. These chemical compounds act as chemical defense agents in nature, deterring ants and other arthropod groups through disorientation or immobilization.

Importantly, the research showed that some of these alkaloids selectively interact with Sigma-1 receptors, specialized brain receptors linked to pain relief, cognition, and neurological disorders. This discovery suggests potential drug candidates for non-addictive pain therapies and other pharmacological applications.

Chemist Emily Mevers (at right) and graduate student Rose Campbell lift logs in Old Growth Forest in search for millipedes. Photo by Steven Mackay for Virginia Tech.

Why It Matters for Science and Medicine

Natural products have historically driven major advances in drug discovery, and the identification of new alkaloids continues this tradition. These molecules could provide the foundation for innovative treatments in pharmacology, particularly in the search for alternatives to opioids.

The study also highlights the field of chemical ecology, showing how millipedes evolved chemical defense agents as survival strategies. Challenges remain, including replicating these structurally complex compounds with multiple stereogenic centers, clarifying their biosynthetic pathway, and scaling up production for drug synthesis and further testing.

Tools and Techniques Behind the Discovery

The discovery was made possible through a combination of advanced analytical techniques. Liquid chromatography (HPLC and LC) was employed to separate the alkaloid compounds from millipede secretions. Mass spectrometry, including high-resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealed molecular weights, retention indices, and diagnostic fragments such as m/z 188. Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, including 2D NMR and NMR correlations, enabled detailed structural elucidation of the alkaloids. Behavioral assays with Aphaenogaster ants confirmed their ecological function, while computational approaches such as density functional theory and electronic circular dichroism provided further insight into stereochemistry and binding affinity with Sigma-1 receptors. These molecular tools together built a comprehensive understanding of the compounds.

From Forest Floor to Lab Bench

The work illustrates the journey from natural ecology to pharmacological application. Specimens were collected in Old Growth Forest habitats in the Appalachian region, where fieldwork supplied the raw material for study. Through careful application of modern analytical techniques, researchers translated millipede taxonomy and chemical defense agents into meaningful biomedical insights. This process underscores how discoveries rooted in nature can fuel advances in drug discovery.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of andrognathanols and andrognathines demonstrates how natural alkaloids can inspire new directions in drug discovery and pharmacological application. Such progress relies on powerful analytical techniques, reliable consumables, and expert support. At MSE Supplies, we help enable these advancements with a wide range of life science products and analytical services, from glassware and reagents to comprehensive characterization support. We’re here to help scientists move discoveries from concept to application.

Explore our life science solutions and analytical services to see how we can support your next breakthrough. Visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the latest scientific discoveries and lab solutions.

Sources: 

1. Banks, P., Menegatti, C., Du, L., Marek, P. E., & Mevers, E. (2025). The Discovery of Complex Heterocycles from Millipede Secretions. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 147(30), 26813–26819. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c08079

2. Making medicine out of millipedes. (n.d.). Virginia Tech News | Virginia Tech. https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/07/science-mevers-millipedes.html