picrotoxin

Picrotoxin is a naturally occurring plant-derived toxin, primarily obtained from the seeds of *Anamirta cocculus*. It is a mixture of two compounds, picrotoxinin and picrotin. Picrotoxin acts as a noncompetitive antagonist at GABA A receptors (gamma aminobutyric acid type A), blocking the GABA-gated chloride ion channel. This action inhibits the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, resulting in CNS stimulation and convulsant effects. Historically, it has been used as a central nervous system stimulant and as an antidote for poisoning by CNS depressants such as barbiturates. Due to its high toxicity and risk of inducing seizures or respiratory paralysis at higher doses, its clinical use is now rare; it is mainly used in research settings to study inhibitory neurotransmission[1][2][3][4][8].

Other names

cocculinFish BerryIndian BerryOriental BerryCoques de Levant