The agony caused by brushing against the notorious Gympie-Gympie tree can last for weeks, even months, but researchers hope its toxins may one day be converted to provide non-opioid pain relief without harmful side effects.
Professor Irina Vetter from the University of Queensland said her work was still a long way from being able to help the one in five Australians, aged 45 and over, living with chronic pain.
