What is coniine known for?
What is coniine known for?
Coniine, a polyketide-derived alkaloid, is poisonous to humans and animals. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, which leads to inhibition of the nervous system, eventually causing death by suffocation in mammals.
Where is coniine found?
poison hemlock
Coniine is a poisonous chemical compound, an alkaloid present in and isolable from poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), where its presence has been a source of significant economic, medical, and historico-cultural interest; coniine is also produced by the yellow pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava), and fool’s parsley ( …
Where can poison hemlock be found?
Poison-hemlock is found at roadsides, on edges of cultivated fields, along creekbeds and irrigation ditches, and in waste areas. Poison-hemlock ingestion frequently is fatal.
Is poison hemlock poisonous to the touch?
Hemlock poisoning occurs after ingesting any part of the plant, such as the seeds, flowers, leaves, or fruits. All parts of this plant contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal even in small amounts. Even touching this plant may cause a skin reaction in some people.
How does coniine affect the body?
Coniine exposure affects the periphery, blocking neuromuscular transmission onto skeletal and smooth muscles. As little as 0.5–1 g of coniine (about the same weight as a paperclip) is lethal for humans, and symptoms include drowsiness, burning of the mouth and throat, gradual asphyxia, ascending paralysis, and death.
What do you do with poison hemlock?
Small stands of poison hemlock can be controlled through hand removal. Plants should be dug, taking care to remove the entire long taproot. Plant parts should be disposed of responsibly, as plant parts remain poisonous even after dried.
How does Coniine affect the body?
What is the empirical formula of Coniine?
C8H17N [(S)-Coniin]
Coniine/Formula
Where does hemlock grow in Europe?
The hemlock plant is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It exists in some woodland (and elsewhere) in most British Isles counties; in Ulster these are particularly Down, Antrim and Londonderry.
What kills poison hemlock?
Herbicides containing glyphosate are effective in killing poison hemlock. The best time to spray is when the leaves are just a basil rosette and before the plant forms flowers. The plants may regerminate and require follow-up control.
Who died from hemlock?
Socrates
The death of Socrates in 399 BCE, as reported by Plato in the Phaedo, is usually attributed to poisoning with common hemlock.
Is hogweed and hemlock the same?
It is poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which is much more common. The ferny foliage makes it possible to distinguish it from giant hogweed. All parts of poison hemlock are toxic too. With regard to concerns about giant hogweed, be aware that there are several other plants that look very similar to it.
