What is the primary toxic component found in poison sumac?

Poison sumac contains urushiol as its primary toxic component. Urushiol is an oily organic compound found in the sap of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It is notorious for causing allergic reactions upon skin contact, leading to symptoms such as rashes, itching, and blisters in sensitive individuals. Understanding urushiol is crucial for recognizing the risk of exposure to these plants, as even small amounts can trigger severe allergic responses in susceptible people.

The other substances listed do not relate to poison sumac. For example, capsaicin is the active component that gives chili peppers their heat, while aconitine is a toxic alkaloid derived from the plant Aconitum, and cyanide is a highly toxic compound found in certain seeds and plants but is not related to poison sumac in any way. Knowing the specific toxins associated with different plants helps in both identifying hazards and understanding the appropriate reactions to exposure.