poisondart

A poison dart is a projectile, such as a dart or arrow, tipped with a toxic substance intended to incapacitate, subdue, or kill a targeted animal or person. The term encompasses any delivery of poison via a dart, regardless of the exact mechanism or toxin involved. Poisons may be plant-based, animal-derived, or synthetic, and can be applied to the tip, embedded in the shaft, or carried on a projectile through various methods.

Toxins used in poison darts range from plant alkaloids to animal venoms and synthetic compounds. When delivered into the bloodstream, these agents can interfere with nerve transmission or muscle function. Curare-type preparations commonly cause paralysis by blocking neuromuscular transmission. Other agents, such as tetrodotoxin or saxitoxins, disrupt nerve signaling, while botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine at nerve endings. The onset and severity of effects depend on the toxin, dose, and delivery method.

Historically, poison darts have been documented among several cultures. Indigenous groups in the Americas used curare-tipped darts for hunting large game. Similar practices occurred in other regions, employing locally available plants, animals, or minerals to create toxic coatings. The use of poison darts has declined in modern times, largely due to safety, legal, and ethical concerns, though they are sometimes discussed in historical or anthropological contexts.

Preparation and delivery are specialized practices that historically required knowledge of toxic substances, their storage, and fermentation or extraction techniques. In contemporary contexts, the possession and use of poison darts are subject to significant legal restrictions and are generally discouraged or prohibited due to the high risk of harm and potential for misuse.

See also: poison arrow, curare, toxicology, hunting weapons, venomous animals.