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Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... May 2018Farmers in the State of Piauí in northeastern Brazil reported nervous signs in ruminants and donkeys after ingestion of Brunfelsia uniflora at the start of the rainy... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Farmers in the State of Piauí in northeastern Brazil reported nervous signs in ruminants and donkeys after ingestion of Brunfelsia uniflora at the start of the rainy season when the plant is flowering. Leaves of the plant, collected at the start or at the end of the rainy season, were administered in single doses of 5-20 g/kg body weight to 8 sheep and 3 donkeys. Two sheep and 1 donkey that ingested 10 g/kg of the plant in November at the start of the rainy season, when the plant was flowering, developed severe convulsions and diarrhea. One sheep was euthanized and autopsied, and no significant lesions were found. The other sheep and the donkey recovered. Four sheep and one donkey that ingested 10 or 20 g/kg of leaves collected in April, at the end of the rainy season, did not show clinical signs. One donkey that ingested 5 g/kg of leaves collected in November developed diarrhea and recovered. These results demonstrate the toxicity of B. uniflora for livestock and suggest that the plant is toxic at these doses only during the start of the rainy season.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Equidae; Horse Diseases; Horses; Male; Plant Leaves; Plant Poisoning; Seasons; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Solanaceae
PubMed: 29405901
DOI: 10.1177/1040638718757581 -
Toxins Jun 2023is a genus of about 140 plant species, some of which are well-known for causing animal poisoning resulting in significant economic losses to the Australian livestock... (Review)
Review
is a genus of about 140 plant species, some of which are well-known for causing animal poisoning resulting in significant economic losses to the Australian livestock industry. The main poisonous species/subspecies include (subsp. and subsp. ), and (generally referred to as ). These plants contain a diterpenoid orthoester toxin, called simplexin. poisoning is known to cause the death of cattle ( and ) or weaken surviving animals. species are well-adapted native plants, and their diaspores (single seeded fruits) possess variable degrees of dormancy. Hence, the diaspores do not generally germinate in the same recruitment event, which makes management difficult, necessitating the development of integrated management strategies based on infestation circumstances (e.g., size and density). For example, the integration of herbicides with physical control techniques, competitive pasture establishment and tactical grazing could be effective in some situations. However, such options have not been widely adopted at the field level to mitigate ongoing management challenges. This systematic review provides a valuable synthesis of the current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of poisonous species with a focus on the Australian livestock industry while identifying potential avenues for future research.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Plants, Toxic; Australia; Livestock; Diterpenes; Plant Poisoning; Thymelaeaceae
PubMed: 37368675
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060374 -
Human & Experimental Toxicology 2022Gelsenicine, one of the most toxic alkaloids of Benth (), causes severe respiratory depression. However, its toxicity mechanisms are yet to be elucidated and no... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Gelsenicine, one of the most toxic alkaloids of Benth (), causes severe respiratory depression. However, its toxicity mechanisms are yet to be elucidated and no effective antidotes are available.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to analyse the toxicity characteristics of gelsenicine.
METHODS
Both acute and sub-acute toxicities were evaluated. Gelsenicine distribution and elimination in the central nervous system (CNS) and blood were observed. Effective antidotes for gelsenicine poisoning were screened.
RESULTS
In the acute toxicity study, gelsenicine was highly toxic, and female rats exhibited greater sensitivity to gelsenicine than male rats (LD 0.520 mg/kg vs 0.996 mg/kg, respectively). Death was primarily caused by respiratory failure. However, in the sub-acute toxicity study, no significant organ damage was observed. Gelsenicine was easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and penetrated the blood-brain barrier, reaching peak concentrations in the CNS within 15 min and rapidly decreasing thereafter. Flumazenil or diazepam combined with epinephrine reversed gelsenicine toxicity and significantly improved survival rate in mice.
CONCLUSIONS
Gelsenicine is a highly toxic substance that affects nerve conduction without causing damage; the potential toxic mechanism is possibly associated with GABAA receptors. Our findings provide insights into the clinical treatment of gelsenicinerelated poisoning and its toxicity mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Antidotes; Disease Models, Animal; Gelsemium; Humans; Indole Alkaloids; Male; Neurotoxins; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Respiratory Insufficiency; Sex Factors
PubMed: 35018838
DOI: 10.1177/09603271211062857 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2019The pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, common neuropathological lesions normally associated with some human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease,...
The pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, common neuropathological lesions normally associated with some human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, remains poorly understood. In animals, ingestion of the tryptamine-alkaloid-rich phalaris pastures plants causes a disorder called Phalaris staggers, a neurological syndrome reported in kangaroos. The aim of the study was to characterise the clinical and neuropathological changes associated with spontaneous cases of Phalaris staggers in kangaroos. Gross, histological, ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical studies were performed to demonstrate neuronal accumulation of neuromelanin and aggregated α-synuclein. ELISA and mass spectrometry were used to detect serum-borne α-synuclein and tryptamine alkaloids respectively. We report that neurons in the central and enteric nervous systems of affected kangaroos display extensive accumulation of neuromelanin in the perikaryon without affecting neuronal morphology. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the typical structure of neuromelanin. While we demonstrated strong staining of α-synuclein, restricted to neurons, intracytoplasmic Lewy bodies inclusions were not observed. α-synuclein aggregates levels were shown to be lower in sera of the affected kangaroos compared to unaffected herd mate kangaroos. Finally, mass spectrometry failed to detect the alkaloid toxins in the sera derived from the affected kangaroos. Our preliminary findings warrant further investigation of Phalaris staggers in kangaroos, potentially a valuable large animal model for environmentally-acquired toxic synucleinopathy.
Topics: Alkaloids; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Macropodidae; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Melanins; Neurons; Phalaris; Plant Extracts; Protein Aggregates; Synucleinopathies; Tryptamines; alpha-Synuclein
PubMed: 31723225
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53396-8 -
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica Aug 2021Herbs and dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in China. Among different hepatotoxic herbs, the pyrrolizidine... (Review)
Review
Herbs and dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in China. Among different hepatotoxic herbs, the pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-producing herb Gynura japonica contributes significantly to HILI by inducing hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), a liver disorder characterized by hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia, and ascites. In China, G. japonica has been used as one of the plant species for Tu-San-Qi and is often misused with non-PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (Sedum aizoon) or even San-Qi (Panax notoginseng) for self-medication. It has been reported that over 50% of HSOS cases are caused by the intake of PA-producing G. japonica. In this review, we provide comprehensive information to distinguish these Tu-San-Qi-related herbal plant species in terms of plant/medicinal part morphologies, medicinal indications, and chemical profiles. Approximately 2156 Tu-San-Qi-associated HSOS cases reported in China from 1980 to 2019 are systematically reviewed in terms of their clinical manifestation, diagnostic workups, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes. In addition, based on the application of our developed mechanism-based biomarker of PA exposure, our clinical findings on the definitive diagnosis of 58 PA-producing Tu-San-Qi-induced HSOS patients are also elaborated. Therefore, this review article provides the first comprehensive report on 2214 PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (G. japonica)-induced HSOS cases in China, and the information presented will improve public awareness of the significant incidence of PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (G. japonica)-induced HSOS and facilitate future prevention and better clinical management of this severe HILI.
Topics: Asteraceae; Biomarkers; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic; China; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Panax notoginseng; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids; Sedum
PubMed: 33154553
DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00553-9 -
Toxins Nov 2023In a few regions of the globe, deliberate botanical intoxication may induce significant rates of toxicity and fatality. The objective of this report was to describe... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In a few regions of the globe, deliberate botanical intoxication may induce significant rates of toxicity and fatality. The objective of this report was to describe plant self-intoxication using the experiences of the southeastern France poison control center (PCC) between 2002 and 2021.
RESULTS
During those 20 years, 262 deliberate plants poisonings were reported involving 35 various plants. In most of the cases, poisoning was caused by (n = 186, 71%), followed by the genus (4.2%), (3.8%), (1.9%), (1.2%), (1.9%), (1.5%), and (1.2%). Through the 262 plants poisonings, 19 patients among the 186 poisonings received Digifab as an antidote and 1 patient received physostigmine among the 11 Datura poisonings. Only four deaths were reported for this review, each involving .
DISCUSSION
The first involved species was (71% of all plants poisonings), then sp and . It is explained by this native local species' important repartition. Most patients must be admitted to an emergency department for adapted medical care; however, only 41 of them described severe poisonings symptoms. Even fewer needed an antidote, only 20 patients. There is no protocol for the use of a specific treatment, and it might be interesting to develop one for this purpose.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This retrospective review was realized with files managed by the southeastern France PCC based in Marseille from 2002 to 2021. Our department covers the complete French Mediterranean coast, Corsica, and tropical islands (Reunion Island, Mayotte). For every patient, toxicity was evaluated using the Poison Severity Score (PSS).
Topics: Humans; Antidotes; France; Plant Poisoning; Poisons; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 38133175
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120671 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022Oleandrin is a highly lipid-soluble cardiac glycoside isolated from the plant (Apocynaceae) and is used as a traditional herbal medicine due to its excellent... (Review)
Review
Oleandrin is a highly lipid-soluble cardiac glycoside isolated from the plant (Apocynaceae) and is used as a traditional herbal medicine due to its excellent pharmacological properties. It is widely applied for various disease treatments, such as congestive heart failure. Recently, oleandrin has attracted widespread attention due to its extensive anti-cancer and novel anti-viral effects. However, oleandrin has a narrow therapeutic window and exhibits various toxicities, especially typical cardiotoxicity, which is often fatal. This severe toxicity and low polarity have significantly hindered its application in the clinic. This review describes natural sources, structural properties, and detection methods of oleandrin. Based on reported poisoning cases and sporadic animal experiments, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of oleandrin are summarized, so as to infer some possible phenomena, such as enterohepatic circulation. Moreover, the relevant factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of oleandrin are analyzed, and some research approaches that may ameliorate the pharmacokinetic behavior of oleandrin are proposed. With the toxicology of oleandrin being thoroughly reviewed, the development of safe clinical applications of oleandrin may be possible given potential research strategies to decrease toxicity.
PubMed: 35273501
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.822726 -
Role of natural products in mitigation of toxic effects of methamphetamine: A review of and studies.Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine 2020Methamphetamine (METH) increases dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft, and induces hyperactivity. The current management of acute... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Methamphetamine (METH) increases dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft, and induces hyperactivity. The current management of acute METH poisoning relies on supportive care and no specific antidote is available for treatment. The main objective of this review was to present the evidence for effectiveness of the herbal medicine in alleviating the adverse effects of METH abuse.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search was performed using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and EMBASE.
RESULTS
Plant-derived natural products ginseng and sauchinone reduced METH-induced hyperactivity, conditioned place preference and neurological disorder. decreased METH-induced hepatotoxicity, raised METH lethal dose, and restored the METH-impaired cognitive function. Repeated administration of baicalein resulted in attenuation of acute binge METH-induced amnesia via dopamine receptors. Activation of extracellular-regulated kinase in the hypothalamus by levo-tetrahydropalmatine facilitated the extinction of METH-induced conditioned place preference and reduced the hyperactivity. Other herbal medicine from various parts of the world were also discussed including hispidulin, silymarin, limonene, resveratrol, chlorogenic acid and barakol.
CONCLUSION
Based on the current study, some natural products such as ginseng and levo-tetrahydropalmatine are promising candidates to treat METH abuse and poisoning. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm these finding.
PubMed: 32850291
DOI: No ID Found -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Oct 2020Some species of the genus Brachiaria are cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical climate regions as the main feed for ruminants. Several studies report...
Some species of the genus Brachiaria are cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical climate regions as the main feed for ruminants. Several studies report photosensitization by Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, and Brachiaria humidicola, but the poisoning by Brachiaria ruziziensis have been reported only twice. Cutaneous and hepatic lesions may be caused by the steroidal saponins present in the leaves or by the mycotoxin sporidesmin produced by the saprophyte fungus Pithomyces chartarum. The present report describes the clinical and pathological changes observed in an outbreak of hepatogenic photosensitization in sheep kept in B. ruziziensis pastures. In addition, the present study will provide a better understanding of the etiology of this photosensitization through the evaluation of the saponin protodioscin and the spore count of P. chartarum. Santa Inês and Lacaune mixed-breed sheep showed signs of photosensitization after feeding B. ruziziensis. Clinical signs included jaundice, apathy, dehydration, and photosensitization characterized by facial edema and cutaneous scars, especially in the ears. Pathological examination of the liver revealed diffuse infiltrates of foamy cells, rare multinucleated cells, and mild enlargement of hepatocytes (megalocytosis). The skin showed acute epidermal and dermal necrosis with occlusive thrombi. B. ruziziensis showed low levels of protodioscin (0.020 ± 0.024% in mature leaves and 0.065 ± 0.084% in sprouts) but high P. chartarum spore counts (mean of 479,844 ± 443,951 spores/g plant). Thus, sheep grazing B. ruziziensis pastures must be closely monitored because of the risk of photosensitization.
Topics: Animals; Brachiaria; Diosgenin; Liver; Photosensitivity Disorders; Plant Poisoning; Saponins; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Skin
PubMed: 32598988
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.022 -
Turk Patoloji Dergisi 2021The etiology of ground glass-like inclusions is heterogenous and the pathology has been described in various conditions including HBV infection, Lafora's disease,...
OBJECTIVE
The etiology of ground glass-like inclusions is heterogenous and the pathology has been described in various conditions including HBV infection, Lafora's disease, fibrinogen storage disease, type IV glycogenosis, and alcohol reversion therapy. Similar ground glass-like inclusions are also associated with immunosuppressed conditions and multiple medications, for which the clinical significance is still unclear. Additional cases, some with previously unreported unique etiologies, and their follow-up were described in this study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven cases were examined between 2008 and 2019 for this study. The clinical data and histologic slides were reviewed. All of the cases were negative for Hepatitis B virus. None of the patients declared alcohol intake or a history of epilepsy.
RESULTS
Liver histology showed mild lobular inflammation in most of the cases (72%). Ground glass-like hepatocytes were distributed in the patchy-panlobular, periportal, and centrizonal pattern at 55%, 27%, and 18%, respectively. Clinical history revealed medication use in nine (82%) patients including NSAIDs, steroids, and chemotherapy. Ground glass-like inclusions were related to herbal toxicity in two of the patients. Liver function tests were elevated in all of the cases. Follow-up data revealed four patients with malignancy who died of their cancer. Seven patients showed resolution of elevated liver enzymes with a median follow-up period of 37 months (range 7-132 months).
CONCLUSIONS
Medication is the most relevant etiology for the development of these inclusions. Ground glass-like inclusions may also seen in herbal toxicity. Transplantation was not an etiologic factor in our patients. Most of the patients displayed an indolent course with resolution of the elevated transaminases.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antineoplastic Agents; Biopsy, Needle; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Female; Hepatocytes; Humans; Inclusion Bodies; Liver; Male; Middle Aged; Mushroom Poisoning; Plant Preparations; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Steroids; Young Adult
PubMed: 33021734
DOI: 10.5146/tjpath.2020.01510