Coniine hydrochloride, a polyketide-derived alkaloid, is poisonous to humans and animals. It is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, which leads to inhibition of the nervous system.

Reduction of γ-coniceine to coniine is facilitated by NADPH-dependent γ-coniceine reductase.?Although coniine is notorious for its toxicity, there is no consensus on its ecological roles, especially in the carnivorous pitcher plants where it occurs.?Lately there has been renewed interest in coniine's medical uses particularly for pain relief without an addictive side effect.