science πΏ Poisonous plants hold keys to new medicines
Researchers uncovered the enzyme pathway in wolfsbane and larkspur that creates complex compounds like atisinium. This work involved scientists from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences. The study identified six key enzymes by analyzing tissues from Delphinium grandiflorum and Aconitum species. These plants contain diterpenoid alkaloids used for pain relief, malaria, and cancer treatment. Scientists can now test these natural chemicals without slow extraction methods, opening new medical routes. π§ͺ