BATRACHOTOXIN

batrachoBatrachotoxin (BTX) is an extremely potent cardio and neurotoxic steroidal alkaloid found in certain species of beetles, birds, and frogs. The name is from the Greek word “bátrachos”, frog. Structurally-related chemical compounds are often referred to collectively as batrachotoxins. This extremely poisonous alkaloid is present in certain frogs, mostly on the skin. Such frogs are among those used for poisoning darts. Batrachotoxin binds to and irreversibly opens the sodium channels of nerve cells and prevents them from closing, resulting in paralysis. No antidote is known. According to experiments with rodents, batrachotoxin is one of the most potent alkaloids known: its subcutaneous LD50 in mice is 2 µg/kg. Meanwhile, its derivative, batrachotoxinin A, has a much lower toxicity toxin 22 with an LD50 of 1000 µg/kg. The toxin is released through colourless or milky secretions from glands located on the back and behind the ears of frogs from the genus Phyllobates. When one of these frogs is agitated, feels threatened or is in pain, the toxin is reflexively released through several canals.

Hunting with blowguns (usually made of a 6-8 feet long river cane) is an ancient practices that is still in use in some tribes today. Many cultures have used this weapon, but various indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia, the Amazon and Guiana regions of South America, Western Europe and Guatemala in Central America are best known for its use. An example are the Yagua people, indigenous people of Colombia and northeastern Peru. MAny of these tribes keep used to dip the projectiles, which could be seeds, clay pellets, and darts, in the poisonous secretion of various dendrobatides, in order to pralyze the target. Their common name, poison dart frogs, derives from this practice. Though it is now illegal, some tribes still practice the hunt with poisoned darts. Once the projectiles is ready and coverd with the toxin, it can be effective for over two years.