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Many medicinal, psychoactive, and poisonous chemicals come from the same plants (i.e., depending on the dose,...

Many medicinal, psychoactive, and poisonous chemicals come from the same plants (i.e., depending on the dose, the same chemical can be medicinal, psychoactive, and poisonous). WHY the same compound may be medicinal and poisonous — why does the plant make it?

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Answer #1

Plants contain certain compounds that result in different reactions based on the dosage of the compound consumed by the individual. A compound is considered as medicinal when the compound results in benefits to the individual. A Psychoactive involves in altering the functions of the brain resulting in changes in the behaviour and moods. Some poisonous compound when consumed in large amounts is poison to the individual.

Example of such a compound is Alkaloid.

Alkaloid as medicine – It acts as a pain killer, analgesic and many other effects for fever, cold and asthma. Eg; Ephedrine

Alkaloid as psychoactive – They create hallucination effects and also as depressant when consumed in a large amount. Eg; Caffeine

Alkaloid as poison – They are also poisonous based on the consumed dosage and the time exposed. Eg; Nicotine

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