The Effect of Curare on Muscle

Curare is a powerful muscle relaxant. It is also a highly effective, potentially deadly poison, both to humans and to animals. Traditionally used to kill, various adaptations are currently employed in a number of medical and surgical applications.

Origins

• Incas

  For hundreds of years, South American Indians extracted curare from woody vines that grow in the rain forest canopy and used it on the tips of poisoned arrows to hunt and kill prey. When Europeans arrived on the continent in the 1500's, they discovered the devastating properties of the substance, and transported samples back to Europe.

Background and Development

• Surgery

  Early experiments with curare failed, since even small unregulated amounts proved deadly. Its potential as a drug or treatment was evident, though, and in 1942, Thomas Cullen pioneered a purified alkaloid which could be used in surgery. In 1947, Daniel Bovet produced a synthetic form of curare which was far easier to regulate.

Physiology

• Rain Forest

  Curare works by systemically affecting the nerves that control muscles. When curare is introduced to the body, it acts as a muscle relaxant. Once it reaches the muscles that control respiration, if not controlled, it can lead to death, because the person or animal can't breathe, and the body is deprived of oxygen.

Applications

• Medicine

  Modern variations of curare are currently used in surgery. The muscle-relaxant properties of the substance helps to stabilize patients while allowing for the use of smaller amounts of anesthesia. It is also used to treat muscle spasms and convulsions, for conditions like epilepsy or tetanus.

Dangers

• Danger

  Perhaps the worst thing about curare is that while it renders muscles useless, it does nothing to dull the person's mind. A victim knows exactly what is happening, and can feel all pain, but can't do anything about it since he can't talk, gesture or move until the substance wears off or until unconsciousness occurs.