World's oldest poisoned arrowheads were coated with toxins from deadly onion-like plant, researchers say

Archaeologists recently identified the world's oldest-known poisoned arrowheads, a discovery that dates back around 60,000 years.

The study's results, recently published in the journal Science Advances, involved Swedish and South African researchers.

The bulb contains buphanidrine and epibuphanisine, two chemical compounds that were found on the arrowheads.

In a statement, Stockholm University professor Sven Isaksson said the study is the result of "a long and close collaboration between researchers in South Africa and Sweden."

"Being able to identify the world's oldest arrow poison together has been a complex undertaking and is incredibly encouraging for continued research," said Isaksson.

"Using arrow poison requires planning, patience and an understanding of cause and effect," he said.

The discovery is one of many recent studies shedding light on life during prehistoric times.