Temporal gland
In elephants, temporin is secreted by temporal glands during the period of musth. It contains proteins, lipids (notably cholesterol), phenols, cresols and sesquiterpenes (notably farnesol and its derivatives).[1] This is not related to temporins that are antimicrobial peptides.
In old Sanskrit texts, it is referred to as rut fluid (dāna, or mada) and is considered to be a symbol of potency and vigour.[2]
However, from the point of view of ancient Indian elephant science (gajaśāstra), temporin is not a direct symptom of rut.[3]
References
- ^ Sukumar, R (2003). The living elephants: evolutionary ecology, behavior, and conservation. Oxford University Press. p. 155. ISBN 9780195107784. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
- ^ Bana, Kadambari. Transl. P. Rajappa, Penguin Books 2010, p. 19
- ^ Nilakantha; Franklin Edgerton (1931). The Elephant-lore of the Hindus: The Elephant-sport (Matanga-lila) of Nilakantha. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0005-2., pp. 29-38.