Curare

Curare is a plant-derived substance traditionally used by indigenous South American tribes as a poison for their blow darts. It contains compounds that block nerve signals to muscles, leading to paralysis. When someone is affected by curare, they remain conscious but are unable to move, which can be fatal if respiratory muscles are paralyzed. In modern medicine, certain curare-like drugs are used carefully in anesthesia to relax muscles during surgery, but doctors closely monitor patients to ensure their safety. The name "curare" encompasses several related compounds with similar effects on muscle control.