Two plants that cause neurotoxicity and paralysis in the tiniest doses are also known to counter pain, malaria, cancer and pests. Known for their toxicity, injurious plants such as larkspur and wolfsbane have been leveraged by humans for millennia for their medicinal potential. The Pluskal Group, including Mutabdžija, were pursuing the same tricky diterpenoid alkaloids in a notoriously poisonous larkspur relative, wolfsbane, otherwise known as monkshood. Working with Lansing local artist Marissa Tawney Thaler, the researchers crafted a special cover for Molecular Plant. “Our vision is to provide green, sustainable tools that will allow us harness these plants’ natural power,” Hamberger said.