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Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World

By Michael Wink and Ben-Erik van Wyk
Hardback , 464 pages
ISBN: 9780881929522 (0881929522)
Published by Timber Press
$49.95(US) $56.95(CAN)

about Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World

Written by respected professors of botany and pharmaceutical biology, this is the definitive account of plants and mushrooms used for poison darts, traditional medicine, ceremonial and spiritual purposes, and recreational drugs. Hazardous plants are commonly used as garden ornamentals, potted plants, or florist flowers, yet many people are unaware of the dangers posed by the toxins derived from them. In addition to exploring plants that are ingested, the authors also treat plants that cause irritation and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. A special focus is given to psychoactive plants, which can have stimulant, sedative, hypnotic, narcotic, or hallucinogenic properties. These include coca, opium, cannabis, and scopolamine. Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World is a must for gardeners, farmers, veterinarians, botanists, pharmacists, chemists, doctors, and poison control centers.

about Michael Wink

Michael Wink is a professor of pharmaceutical biology and a director of the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. He is an authority on secondary metabolites of plants and their pharmacological effects.
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about Ben-Erik van Wyk

Ben-Erik van Wyk is a professor of botany at the Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interest is in systematic botany and plant utilization.
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