Tubocurarine is a chemical compound derived from the bark of certain plants in the Chondrodendron genus. It is primarily known for its use as a neuromuscular blocker in medical settings, particularly during surgeries to induce muscle relaxation. By blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, tubocurarine prevents muscle contractions. This compound was historically used by indigenous peoples in South America as a poison for hunting. In modern medicine, it has been largely replaced by newer agents that have fewer side effects and more predictable effects. However, tubocurarine remains an important reference in the study of neuromuscular transmission.