MOST DELICIOUS POISON

An evolutionary biologist explores natural toxins and their uses.

Following his father’s death in 2017 from complications related to substance use disorder, Whiteman, a professor of molecular and cell biology at Berkeley, became interested in learning more about how natural poisons have been used by humans and other animals. “My attempt to grasp why he died,” he writes, “allowed me to identify and then draw together the many ways that nature’s toxins affect the world.” In 2020, the author received a Guggenheim Fellowship to write this book. He examines the origins and evolution of numerous toxins found in nature, including psychedelics, nicotine, and opioids, as well as the pros and cons of more “socially accepted” compounds such as those found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Whiteman also shares the story of his father’s addiction issues and the reasons some people have a higher risk of developing drug abuse disorders than others. As Whiteman points out, many of the toxins discussed in this book “can also be the cure in the right context.” In fact, he notes, “Indigenous healers have yielded nearly 50 percent of all modern drugs we use today.” Of course, these natural toxins did not evolve for our sake; “they were here long before us and in many cases keep enemies at bay.” In most cases, natural toxins evolved as defense mechanisms—e.g., the consumption of milkweed by monarchs, the latex found under the bark of the rubber tree, and cyanogenic glucosides found in apple seeds. Whiteman also discusses how our taste for spices evolved to prevent some toxins from harming us. The information in this book is certainly well researched and compelling; however, readers should not expect a quick read, as Whiteman’s writing is rich in detail and well suited for academic audiences and conscientious general readers.

A fascinating discussion of how nature’s toxins can affect us all.