Toxins
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Some of the most potent toxic substances are generated in nature from all kinds of living beings
It is wrong to think that "natural" is good as opposed to "artificial". Nothing could be further from the truth. In nature there are lots of toxins generated or transported by microorganisms, plants, fungi and animals of all kinds. These toxic substances can build multiple damages and, in some cases, even death.
The toxins have arisen during evolution as a strategy for the conservation of living to ensure food and defence against enemies. Miguel Mota, professor of toxicology at the University of Murcia, explains that they are powerful chemical mixtures of various kinds, mainly proteins and low molecular weight substances with the capacity to affect vital processes of prey or predator. A toxin can interfere with neuromuscular transmission in the bloodstream or in the membrane permeability, as a way to guarantee control over the victim.
Scientists know a lot of toxins, but their number could be much higher
Scientists know a lot of toxins, but their number could be much higher. Francisco Perez, Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy of the School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, says that we have studied a very small percentage of extant species: nearly a million human beings, including arthropods (including insects ), and between one and three hundred thousand plants. The discovery of new natural toxic products occurs continuously, especially in the plant kingdom.
In some cases, these substances are used so beneficial. The treatment to remove wrinkles, known as Botox, is based on botulinum toxin created by bacteria "Clostridium botulinum".
The toxicity of any product depends on the dose. One gram of botulinum toxin crystallized, dosed appropriately, dispersed in food or water, or inhaled in aerosol form, kill more than a million people: that is the most toxic substance known.
In Spain you can find various toxins in poisonous animals (snake, scorpion, spiders) in many plant species (digital ivy, hemlock) in poisonous mushrooms (amanita, mushrooms) to toxic molds (Penicillium, Aspergillus) and in bacteria (Clostridium, Salmonella).
Animal Toxins
There are few animals able to produce toxic compounds. Motas Miguel says, sometimes speaking in a kind of toxins are produced but not for her, but acts as a vector (transmitter without it affecting him) of this substance.
The treatment to remove wrinkles, known as Botox, is based on a toxin.
Most animal toxins are proteins rather complex. A small amount can lead to negative effects, although usually mild. Often destroys the digestive system: often ingested orally lose their toxic potential.
The main animal poisons known highlights of the wasps, bees, scorpions, ticks and snakes. His way of acting and its effects on the body of the victim are different. One of the most affected is the nervous system. Treatments depend on the type of poison. The best way to treat insect-toxin is synthesized by the application of antihistamines. The sera are AntiVir option indicated in the case of snakes.
Many types of bacteria create toxins that are found in the digestive tract of our body. For example, bacteria such as education coli, Yersinia, Enterobacter, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Shigella favor several negative effects on the body, such as diarrhea, ulcers or inflammation.