Toxiferine
Toxiferine is a potent alkaloid and neuromuscular blocking agent that is found in the skin and other tissues of certain species of poison dart frogs. It is also found in the bark of the Strychnos toxifera tree, from which it derives its name. Toxiferine is used by indigenous peoples in South America for hunting, as it can paralyze and kill prey.
History[edit | edit source]
The use of toxiferine in hunting dates back to prehistoric times. The indigenous peoples of South America would dip their arrows in a mixture containing the alkaloid, which would then paralyze any animal it struck. The potency of toxiferine made it a valuable tool for hunting, and it continues to be used in some remote areas today.
Chemical Structure and Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Toxiferine is a complex molecule composed of several ring structures. It is a type of curare, a group of compounds that block the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis. Toxiferine works by binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction, preventing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This results in muscle relaxation and paralysis.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
While toxiferine is highly toxic and can be lethal in high doses, it has been used in medicine for its muscle-relaxing properties. It has been used as a muscle relaxant during surgery and in the treatment of certain neurological disorders. However, due to its high toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, its use in medicine is now limited.
Toxicity and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Exposure to toxiferine can result in paralysis and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. Treatment involves removing the source of exposure and providing supportive care, such as artificial respiration. There is currently no specific antidote for toxiferine poisoning.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This pharmacology-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
This toxin-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
