The Dual Nature of Toxic Plants

This chapter explores the intricate relationship between plants and chemical defenses, focusing on how some species have evolved toxic traits for survival. It highlights the historical and contemporary uses of these toxins in hunting and medicine, as well as the challenges in identifying medicinal versus poisonous plants. Additionally, the chapter discusses the complexities of diagnosing poisonings, the role of toxicology in clinical and forensic settings, and the various impacts of plant toxins on human health.