Acokanthera oppositifolia, Common Poison-bush, arrowpoison, poison, arrow Acokanthera oppositifolia, Common Poison-bush, arrowpoison, poison, arrow Acokanthera oppositifolia, Common Poison-bush, arrowpoison, poison, arrow
WARNING!!! EXTREMELY POISONOUS
Family: Apocynaceae
Scientific Name: Acokanthera oppositifolia
Common names: Common Poison-bush
SANTN: 639
Description: A shrub or small tree up to 3.5 m height, it can reach occasionally 6 m, it occurs all over  eastern and central  Africa and also some scattered places in the west.
Medical uses: This plant and ALL it's parts are extremely poisonous, it contain several cardiac glycosides of which Acovenoside A is the major compound, with minor constituents which include the well known hunting poison ingredient Ouabain. Acovenoside A is highly toxic and can cause death even with minute doses.
A infusion of the root bark are used to treat excessive and irregular menstruation.
Small doses of the plant are taken orally, and some applied topically for the treatment of toothache.
Other medical uses include the treatment of colds, anthrax and tapeworm.

Superstition uses: It was used in homicide
Nutritive uses: I have heard that the ripe fruit may be eatable when cooked, but I strongly advise against any consuming of any part of this plant, it is extremely poisonous and must be treated with respect.
Other uses: Acokanthera sp. (A.oppositifolia, A.oblongifolia, A.schimperi) are all well known arrow and spear poisons.
The way in which the poison was extracted will not be made public, if you want to know more contact me personally.
Interesting Facts: 
Credits:Tobias Fourie (photograph and information)