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Archives of Iranian Medicine Feb 2020Herbal medications are becoming increasingly popular with the impression that they cause fewer side effects in comparison with synthetic drugs; however, they may... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Herbal medications are becoming increasingly popular with the impression that they cause fewer side effects in comparison with synthetic drugs; however, they may considerably contribute to acute or chronic poisoning incidents. Poison centers receive more than 100000 patients exposed to toxic plants. Most of these cases are inconsiderable toxicities involving pediatric ingestions of medicinal plants in low quantity. In most cases of serious poisonings, patients are adults who have either mistakenly consumed a poisonous plant as edible or ingested the plant regarding to its medicinal properties for therapy or toxic properties for illegal aims.
METHODS
In this article, we review the main human toxic plants causing mortality or the ones which account for emergency medical visits. Articles addressing "plant poisoning" in online databases were listed in order to establish the already reported human toxic cases.
RESULTS
The current review introduces herbal plants toxicity and herb-drug interactions to warn the health professionals about possible consequences of unconscious uses of medicinal plants. The reported cases extracted from our prepared database were classified on the basis of the main toxic effects of plants, and the most prominent constituents of the plants which are responsible for specific toxic effects.
CONCLUSION
Considering the long history of consumption of herbal medicines in different societies, people may wrongly think that medicinal plants are fully harmless and nontoxic. Prescription, preparation and consumption regulations of medicinal plants are not clear and strict as well as their marketing regulations that differ from country to country. The extensive and various consumption of medicinal plants without adequate observation is the most important reason for poisoning by medicinal plants.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Herbal Medicine; Humans; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 32061075
DOI: No ID Found -
Nutrients Jan 2023Favism is a hemolytic disease due to the ingestion of fava beans in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. There is wide inter- and... (Review)
Review
Favism is a hemolytic disease due to the ingestion of fava beans in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. There is wide inter- and intra-individual variability in the development of hemolytic crisis, and several factors influence it: quantity, quality, ripeness of fava beans, and age of onset. In this narrative review of case reports and case series, we reported the predisposing factors and clinical features for four different age groups classified as follows: pregnant women and infants (i.e., exclusively breastfed children); children, from weaned to 11 years; preadolescents and adolescents, from 11 to 18 years; and adults (18 years and older). Some symptoms developed only in specific age groups: death in infants; visual impairment in children; systolic murmur in infants, children, and adolescents; and renal failure in adults. In youngest children or pregnant women the severity is the highest. Some other symptoms were present in all: jaundice, increased bilirubin, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, discolored urine, tachycardia, pallor, abdominal pain, malaise, vomit, nausea, and dizziness. Laboratory findings are characterized by anemia, reticulocytosis, elevated bilirubin level, and sometimes urinary urobilinogen and methemoglobinemia. In most cases the symptomatology is self-limited and does not release sequelae, but hospitalization and transfusion are often required.
Topics: Pregnancy; Child; Infant; Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Female; Favism; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Vicia faba; Hemolysis; Bilirubin
PubMed: 36678214
DOI: 10.3390/nu15020343 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Jan 2018
Review
Topics: Erythrocytes; Favism; Free Radicals; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Glucosides; Humans; Pyrimidinones; Vicia faba
PubMed: 29298156
DOI: 10.1056/nejmra1708111 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International May 2022Questions on poisoning by plants are a common reason for inquiries to poison information centers (PIC). Over the years 2011-2020, plant poisoning was the subject of 15%...
BACKGROUND
Questions on poisoning by plants are a common reason for inquiries to poison information centers (PIC). Over the years 2011-2020, plant poisoning was the subject of 15% of all inquiries to the joint poison information center in Erfurt, Germany (Gemeinsames Giftinformationszentrum Erfurt, GGIZ) that concerned poisoning in children (2.3% in adults). In this patient collective, plant poisoning occupied third place after medical drugs (32%) and chemical substances (24%), and was a more common subject of inquiry than mushroom poisoning (1.5%).
METHODS
This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed/TOXLINE on plant poisoning and on 12 epidemiologically and toxicologically relevant domestic species of poisonous plants in risk categories 2 and 3 (up to 2021).
RESULTS
Medical personnel should have basic toxicological knowledge of the following highly poisonous plants: wolfsbane (aconitum), belladonna, angel's trumpet, cowbane (cicuta virosa), autumn crocus, hemlock, jimson weed, henbane, castor bean (ricinus), false hellebore, foxglove (digitalis), and European yew. The intoxication is evaluated on the basis of a structured history (the "w" questions) and the clinical manifestations (e.g., toxidromes). Special analysis is generally not readily available and often expensive and time-consuming. In case of poisoning, a poison information center should be contacted for plant identification, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations. Specimens of plant components and vomit should be obtained, if possible, for further testing. Measures for the elimination of the poisonous substance may be indicated after a risk-benefit analysis. Specific antidotes are available for only a few types of plant poisoning, e.g., physostigmine for tropane alkaloid poisoning or digitalis antibodies for foxglove poisoning. The treatment is usually symptomatic and only rarely evidence-based. Individualized medical surveillance is recommended after the ingestion of large or unknown quantities of poisonous plant components.
CONCLUSION
The clinician should be able to recognize dangerous domestic species of poisonous plants, take appropriate initial measures, and avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment. To improve patient care, systematic epidemiological and clinical studies are needed.
PubMed: 35140011
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0124 -
The Veterinary Clinics of North... Nov 2020Whether poisoned by grazing certain toxic plants, by eating contaminated feed, or by topical contact with plant toxins, certain plants poison livestock causing... (Review)
Review
Whether poisoned by grazing certain toxic plants, by eating contaminated feed, or by topical contact with plant toxins, certain plants poison livestock causing photosensitivity and dermatitis. These dermal lesions are rarely fatal, and with appropriate therapy and protection from additional exposure most lesions heal with few permanent sequelae. However, these lesions often result in costly production losses and missed opportunities. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that result in photosensitivity and dermatitis, review the toxins and pathogenesis of plant-induced skin disease, and summarize treatments and recommendations to avoid poisoning.
Topics: Animals; Dermatitis; Livestock; Photosensitivity Disorders; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic
PubMed: 33032702
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.008 -
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences... 2018For many years, medicinal plants and herbal therapy have been widely used in different societies for the treatment of various diseases. Besides their therapeutic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
For many years, medicinal plants and herbal therapy have been widely used in different societies for the treatment of various diseases. Besides their therapeutic potency, some of the medicinal plants have strong toxicity in human, especially in children and elderly. Despite common beliefs that natural products are safe, there have been few reports on their toxicities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the present study, we aimed to systematically review the literature wherein acute plant poisoning and herbal intoxication have been reported in pediatric patients. After literature search and selection of the appropriate documents, the desired data were extracted and described qualitatively.
RESULTS
A total of 127 articles with overall 1453 intoxicated cases were collected. The results of this study showed that some medicinal plants can cause acute poisoning and complications such as hepatic and renal failure in children.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this survey showed that acute plant poisoning can be life?threatening in children, and since a single?ingested dose of toxic plants can cause acute poisoning, parents should be aware of these toxic effects and compare the side effects of self?medication with its potential benefits.
PubMed: 29692823
DOI: 10.4103/jrms.JRMS_629_17 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Nov 2020Enzootic calcinosis (EC), is a chronic disease, caused by toxic plants, which has mainly affected ruminants for more than 100 years. It is characterized by a soft tissue... (Review)
Review
Enzootic calcinosis (EC), is a chronic disease, caused by toxic plants, which has mainly affected ruminants for more than 100 years. It is characterized by a soft tissue calcification, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoparathiroidism, hypercalcitoninism, osteonecrosis, and osteopetrosis. The toxic compound reported in some of these plants are 1,25(OH)D glycosides. Characterization of calcinogenic principles were performed with Solanum glaucophyllum, Trisetum flavescens, Cestrum diurnum, and Stenotaphrum secundatum. Other plant species involved in EC are: Nierembergia rivularis, Nierembergia veitchii, Solanum torvum, and Solanum stuckertii. Clinical and pathological findings are well characterized. We present different aspects of the pathogenic mechanism of EC, including genetic modulation, expression of bone proteins, cellular de-differentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells, phenotypic changes, production of a calcifiable matrix, and modulation of the calcium and phosphorus balance. The use of comparative pathology can bring significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism. In this review we present a broad approach to the different aspects of intoxication: history of EC on different continents; plant species, distribution and morphology; toxic principle; pathogenesis; epidemiology; clinical signs; diagnosis; and control and prophylaxis.
Topics: Animals; Calcinosis; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic; Ruminants
PubMed: 32798504
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.009 -
Toxins May 2023Cases of ingestion of indoor poisonous plants are relatively common among animals and lead to both acute cases of poisoning and long-term exposure to harmful substances... (Review)
Review
Cases of ingestion of indoor poisonous plants are relatively common among animals and lead to both acute cases of poisoning and long-term exposure to harmful substances and chronic damage to the animal's health. Plants produce a large number of secondary metabolites, which serve to protect the plant from attacks by insects, parasitic plants, fungi or, for example, during reproduction. However, these metabolites can be toxic if ingested by animals or humans. Toxicologically effective components found in plants are mainly alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, terpenes and others. This review article describes in detail the most common and popular indoor poisonous plants grown in Europe, the mechanisms of action of their active substances and clinical signs of the respective poisonings. This manuscript is supplemented with rich photographic documentation of these plants not found in similar articles, and also includes a description of the treatment of individual types of poisoning.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic; Alkaloids; Glycosides; Saponins
PubMed: 37235380
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050346 -
The Veterinary Clinics of North... Apr 2024Boxelder and sycamore maple contain hypoglycin A (HGA), the toxic metabolite of which, MCPA-CoA, inhibits fatty acid β-oxidation, causing seasonal pasture myopathy... (Review)
Review
Boxelder and sycamore maple contain hypoglycin A (HGA), the toxic metabolite of which, MCPA-CoA, inhibits fatty acid β-oxidation, causing seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) or atypical myopathy (AM), respectively. White snakeroot and rayless goldenrod contain multiple benzofuran ketones (BFKs). The identity/toxicity of BFKs appear variable, possibly involving interactions between toxins/toxic metabolites, but ultimately inhibit cellular energy metabolism. Unthrifty horses grazing sparse pastures during the fall appear predisposed to these plant-associated, frequently fatal, toxic myopathies. Toxidromes are characterized by varying degrees of rhabdomyolysis and cardiac myonecrosis, with plant toxins remaining toxic in hay and being excreted in milk.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Myotoxicity; Plant Poisoning; Horse Diseases; Plants, Toxic; Muscular Diseases
PubMed: 38151404
DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.11.001 -
The Veterinary Clinics of North... Apr 2024Plants in the maple genus, Acer, and pistachio genus, Pistacia, have been reported to cause acute hemolysis in horses. The cause of hemolysis seems to be metabolism of... (Review)
Review
Plants in the maple genus, Acer, and pistachio genus, Pistacia, have been reported to cause acute hemolysis in horses. The cause of hemolysis seems to be metabolism of gallic acids to the potent oxidant pyrogallol by enteric bacteria of the horse. Diagnosis is often tentative and circumstantial. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and can include detoxification, fluid and electrolyte therapy, supplemental oxygen, and pain control. Corticosteroid and antioxidant therapies do not improve prognosis. Prognosis is guarded to poor but horses that survive 6 days postexposure are expected to recover.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Pyrogallol; Hemolysis; Plant Poisoning; Horse Diseases; Gallic Acid
PubMed: 37923643
DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.10.001