New Delhi, February 15: European governments have alleged that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using epibatidine, a rare and highly toxic substance derived from South American poison dart frogs. The claim, strongly denied by Moscow, has intensified global scrutiny over Navalnyā€™s death in February 2024 at an Arctic penal colony.

Here is what epibatidine is and why experts describe it as one of the worldā€™s most dangerous natural toxins.

What Is Epibatidine?

Epibatidine is a powerful alkaloid toxin first identified in the skin of the Epipedobates anthonyi, a brightly colored poison dart frog native to Ecuadorā€™s rainforests. Indigenous hunters historically used toxins from such frogs to coat blowgun darts, making them lethal to prey.Ā WhatsApp Banned in Russia? Meta-Owned App Says Russian Govt ā€˜Attempted To Fully Blockā€™ It.

Scientists discovered epibatidine in the 1970s while studying amphibian toxins. Laboratory analysis revealed that it is around 200 times more potent than morphine as a painkiller. However, its extreme toxicity makes it far too dangerous for medical use.

How Does Epibatidine Affect the Human Body?

Epibatidine targets the nervous system by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These receptors play a key role in transmitting signals between nerves and muscles.Ā Vladimir Alexeyev Shot in Moscow: Russia Military General Shot Several Times, Attacker Flees After Attack.

Once inside the bloodstream, even minute quantities can cause:

ā€¢ Severe spikes in blood pressure

ā€¢ Muscle tremors and convulsions

ā€¢ Progressive numbness

ā€¢ Respiratory paralysis

Death can occur rapidly if breathing muscles fail. Unlike some nerve agents, epibatidine is classified as a biological toxin because it originates in a living organism, although it can also be synthesized in laboratories.

Why Is It Considered Rare?

Epibatidine does not occur naturally outside certain South American frog species. Extracting it in pure form is complex, and synthesizing it requires advanced chemical expertise. For this reason, experts say its detection in human tissue would strongly suggest specialized laboratory involvement.

European nations have reported their findings to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, citing potential violations of international conventions.

How Is This Different From Novichok?

In 2020, Navalny survived poisoning with Novichok, a Soviet era nerve agent. Novichok works by inhibiting enzymes that regulate nerve signals, leading to overstimulation of muscles and organs.

Epibatidine, by contrast, binds directly to nerve receptors. While both disrupt the nervous system, their chemical structures and mechanisms differ. The alleged use of a rare biological toxin would represent a distinct method compared to previous cases involving nerve agents.

What Are the International Implications?

Five European countries have accused Russia of breaching the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in Navalnyā€™s death and dismissed Western investigations as politically motivated.

If confirmed by international bodies, the allegations could lead to further diplomatic action and sanctions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2026 08:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).