Hemlock (e.g. Conium maculatum) is among the most poisonous native plant species. Its active component, which is present in all its parts, is alkoloid Coniin, which is deadly for adults in a dose of 0.5 to 1g. The toxin concentrated in unripe fruit is especially strong. It especially influences the nervous system. The poisoning causes nausea, loss of speech or the ability to swallow and muscle cramps until eventually death occurs through apnoea. Poisoning can occur above all when hemlock is mistaken for similar looking umbellifers such as cow parsely or parsely. The strong, mousy smell, the split leaves and reddish spots on the streaked stem are, however, clear distinguishing features. Socrate died of hemlock poisoning.
However, it is improbable that an umbellifer was used as the basis for DAR-LING-OIL. Canadian hemlock is possibly the plant which provided the essential substances. The only thing it has in common with hemlock is its name.
