Category: Botany

Evidence suggests that the opium poppy (*Papaver somniferum*) was cultivated in Mesopotamia as early as 3,400 B.C., with the Sumerians calling it the 'joy plant'. For those asking, **what is an example of a narcotic plant?**, this colorful flowering plant is the primary answer, as it produces a milky latex containing powerful alkaloids used to create both life-saving medicines and illicit drugs.

According to research, peppermint (Mentha piperita) does not contain significant levels of free salicylic acid, but rather its methylated ester form, methyl salicylate. This distinction is crucial for understanding the plant's chemical properties, therapeutic effects, and potential issues for individuals with salicylate sensitivities.

For millennia, humans have utilized plants rich in salicylates for medicinal purposes, with records of willow bark use dating back to 400 B.C. [1.3.1, 1.4.1]. This article explores the answer to 'What naturally produces salicylic acid?', uncovering its widespread presence in the plant kingdom.

Evidence suggests mescaline, the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in cacti like peyote, has been used in ceremonial contexts for over 5,700 years. This powerful hallucinogen is the answer to the question, "What drug do you get from cactus?", and it originates from several species native to the Americas.

In 2022, U.S. Poison Control Centers reported 2,007 exposures to plants containing cardiac glycosides [1.7.3]. This guide answers the critical question: What plants cause digoxin toxicity and how can you identify them?

Used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, certain cacti contain the powerful hallucinogenic compound mescaline, leading to the complex question: **Is cactus psychoactive?**. While many cacti have no psychoactive properties, a distinct few have been revered for their mind-altering effects and hold deep cultural significance.

Hibiscus trionum, known as Flower of an Hour, is not considered toxic to humans or pets [1.2.1]. This article examines its safety, edibility, and traditional medicinal applications based on pharmacological insights and botanical data.

Ricin, a potent protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant, is listed as a potential bioterrorism agent by the CDC. While the plant is cultivated globally for its versatile oil, its shiny, mottled seeds contain a highly poisonous substance, leading to the crucial question: Which part of castor is poisonous? The danger is primarily concentrated in the seeds, which contain the lethal ricin toxin.

Used for thousands of years in herbal medicine, colchicine is one of the oldest remedies still in use today, and the question 'what plant does colchicine come from?' reveals a fascinating history. This potent alkaloid is primarily derived from the bulb-like corms of the highly toxic *Colchicum autumnale* plant, also known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron.

Dating back to 1550 B.C. in Egyptian medical texts, colchicine is a potent alkaloid used for pain and swelling [1.2.2]. This article answers, 'Which plant has colchicine in it?' and explores its pharmacology and toxicology.