Quabain

(pronounced WAH-bane ), also known as g-strophanthin , is a potent cardiac glycoside and steroid hormone naturally found in both African plants and mammals. Historically used by African hunters as an arrow poison due to its rapid effect on the heart, it is now primarily used as a research tool for studying cell signaling and, in some countries, as a medication for heart conditions. How it Works: The Na+/K+-ATPase Pump

Na+/K+cap N a raised to the positive power / cap K raised to the positive power QUABAIN

: Experimental work has looked at ouabain's potential to "switch off" pain signals in peripheral neurons. (pronounced WAH-bane ), also known as g-strophanthin ,

: It binds to and stops the pump, causing sodium to build up inside the cell. : It binds to and stops the pump,

While once thought to be exclusively plant-based, scientists discovered that humans and other mammals produce an version of ouabain.

Because of its role in cellular communication, researchers at institutions like ScienceDirect and Frontiers are exploring its potential beyond heart health: