The Most Poisonous Natural Substances on Earth

💀Ricin is one of the deadliest natural substances and can be found in the beans of the castor plant.

☠️Botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is the most lethal toxic substance known to humans.

💣Cyanide is a rapidly acting poison that can be found in cigarette smoke and certain natural foods.

🔥Strychnine, found in the strychnine tree, affects the nerves in the spinal cord and causes muscle seizures and respiratory failure.

🍄Certain species of mushrooms, such as the Death Cap and Destroying Angel, produce amatoxins that target liver and kidney cells.

What is the most lethal natural toxic substance?

—The botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is considered the most lethal natural toxic substance known to humans.

Where is ricin found?

—Ricin is found in the beans of the castor plant, which is native to East Africa but can grow in various warm regions.

How does cyanide work as a poison?

—Cyanide binds to proteins in the cells' mitochondria, preventing them from utilizing oxygen and causing respiratory failure.

What are the effects of strychnine poisoning?

—Strychnine affects the nerves in the spinal cord that control muscle contraction, resulting in seizures and respiratory failure.

How do amatoxins affect the body?

—Amatoxins, found in certain mushrooms like the Death Cap and Destroying Angel, interfere with enzymes responsible for protein production in liver and kidney cells, leading to organ failure.

00:00In 1978, Bulgarian journalist Georgi Markov was assassinated using an umbrella rigged to fire a pellet laced with ricin, one of the deadliest natural substances.

01:42The botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is the most lethal toxic substance known to humans, causing paralysis and death.

06:44Cyanide, found in cigarette smoke and certain natural foods, blocks the body's ability to utilize oxygen, leading to rapid asphyxiation.

08:23Strychnine, derived from the strychnine tree, affects the nerves in the spinal cord and causes muscle seizures and respiratory failure.

09:37Certain mushrooms, such as the Death Cap and Destroying Angel, produce amatoxins that interfere with protein production in liver and kidney cells, leading to organ failure.