Tubocurarine is a type of alkaloid that is extracted from the bark of certain South American plants. This substance is known for its potent neuromuscular blocking effects, making it useful in various medical applications. Interestingly, tubocurarine has a number of synonyms, including "d-tubocurarine," "curare," and "chondrodendron." These terms are often used interchangeably, depending on the context of the conversation. While tubocurarine is primarily used in medicine, it has also been used historically as a poison by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest. Today, there are much safer and more effective alternatives available for medical use.