Healing Poisons

The book chapter deals with the paradoxical role of poisons in medicine. It begins with the explanation that poisons, although they can cause harm or death, have also been crucial for the discovery of drugs. Historically, our ancestors learned which plants and animals are poisonous through observation and self-experimentation. This knowledge led to the development of drugs such as methadone, captopril, and blood pressure reducers, which were derived from originally toxic substances. The text discusses the ancient distinction between poison and remedy, addressed by Hippocrates and later by Paracelsus. The diversity and role of animal poisons in nature and in medicine are discussed. Mentioned are bee venom and its application in rheumatism therapy, as well as the highly potent frog poison batrachotoxin and its role in pain research. The chapter also addresses the relatively rare cases of poisoning by plants and animals in modern societies and emphasizes the importance of animal poisons for drug research. Examples include poisoning cases by yew and giant hogweed. Finally, the development and application of plant substances in medicine are discussed, such as psoralens in PUVA therapy for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The text concludes with a personal selection of other natural substances like ergot alkaloids, paclitaxel, and tetrodotoxin, which have been used as drugs or are under research.