What is the main toxin contained in poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)?
Coniine is the most potent of the eight nicotinic alkaloids found in C. maculatum. These alkaloids are selective nicotinic-type acetylcholine receptor agonists that have effects on both the autonomic and skeletal muscles.
Li K, Bassett H, Fitch B, Lynch K. Mistaken identity: acute respiratory arrest from accidental ingestion of poison hemlock. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Nov 17:1-2. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2021.2002354. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34787039.
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