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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 -
Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises May 2023Non-conventional medicines are not devoid of toxicity and it is relevant to establish an inventory of the general public's knowledge of essential oils. The objective is...
OBJECTIVES
Non-conventional medicines are not devoid of toxicity and it is relevant to establish an inventory of the general public's knowledge of essential oils. The objective is to identify the profile of the victims of a poisoning, the ways of administration and the symptoms as well as the incriminated essential oils.
METHODS
Two surveys, for the general public and health professional, were distributed (January-March 2019). In addition, data from the Angers poison control center for the period 2017-2018 were analyzed and compared with the data from our study.
RESULTS
Our surveys gathered 623 and 59 answers. The data of the poison control center of Angers counted 741 intoxications. The precautions for use and contra-indications of essential oils are not well known since 5% of the respondents identified them correctly. Our data show that using a mixture increases the risk of intoxication (P<0.02). The most cited essential oils in case of intoxication are Eucalyptus, Tea tree and Lavender. The symptoms mainly concern a cutaneous application (75%) and remain of short duration and without gravity. Concerning the intoxications referenced to the poison control center in Angers, the same essential oils are involved, the oral route is mostly used (70%) and the symptoms listed for 74% of intoxications concern oropharyngeal, ocular, abdominal and skin pain.
CONCLUSION
The delivery of essential oils is not harmless and the data obtained both through our surveys and the processing of data from the poison control center of Angers show that they must be used with caution.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Oils, Volatile; Plant Oils; Surveys and Questionnaires; Eucalyptus Oil; Tea Tree Oil
PubMed: 36049545
DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2022.08.015 -
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 -
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 -
PeerJ 2022To study the effects of different types of commercially available drinks/beverages on neurobehavior using the model organism , and critically review their potential...
To study the effects of different types of commercially available drinks/beverages on neurobehavior using the model organism , and critically review their potential health hazards. Eighteen kinds of beverages from the supermarket were randomly selected and grouped into seven categories namely functional beverage, tea beverage, plant protein beverage, fruit juice beverage, dairy beverage, carbonated beverage and coffee beverage. The pH value, specific gravity and osmotic pressure were also examined. The L4 stage N2 worms were exposed to different concentration of tested beverages (0, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 µL/mL) for 24 h to measure the survival rate and locomotory behavior such as head thrashing, body bending as well as pharyngeal pumping. All the 18 beverages tested did not induce any visible lethal effects in the nematodes. However, exposure to different types of tested beverages exhibited different effects on the behavioral ability of : (1) sports functional beverage and herbal tea drink accelerated the head thrashing and body bending of nematodes when compared to the control group ( < 0.05). (2) The vibration frequency of the pharyngeal pump of nematodes was significantly accelerated after treated with three plant protein beverages (almond milk, coconut milk and milk tea) and dairy products A and B ( < 0.05), and decelerated after treatment with other tested beverages. (3) Carbonated beverage significantly inhibits the head thrashing, body bending and pharyngeal pumping vibration ( < 0.05). Our results indicate that 18 kinds of popular beverages in the market have different influence on the neurobehavior in , which may be related to their different components or properties. Further research would be required to conduct a systematic analysis of the effect of beverages by appropriate kinds, taking into consideration other endpoints such as reproduction, lifespan and molecular stress response, , and to elucidate the mechanism for its potential health hazards.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Beverages; Tea; Carbonated Beverages; Coffee
PubMed: 35855427
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13563 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to alarming cadmium (Cd) pollution. Cd is a toxic heavy metal without any known physiological function in the organism,... (Review)
Review
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to alarming cadmium (Cd) pollution. Cd is a toxic heavy metal without any known physiological function in the organism, leading to severe health threat to the population. Cd has a long half-life (10-30 years) and thus it represents serious concern as it to a great extent accumulates in organs or organelles where it often causes irreversible damage. Moreover, Cd contamination might further lead to certain carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, its negative effect on population health has to be minimalized. As Cd is able to enter the body through the air, water, soil, and food chain one possible way to defend and eliminate Cd toxicities is via dietary supplements that aim to eliminate the adverse effects of Cd to the organism. Naturally occurring bioactive compounds in food or medicinal plants with beneficial, mostly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, or anti-tumorigenesis impact on the organism, have been described to mitigate the negative effect of various contaminants and pollutants, including Cd. This study summarizes the curative effect of recently studied bioactive substances and mineral elements capable to alleviate the negative impact of Cd on various model systems, supposing that not only the Cd-derived health threat can be reduced, but also prevention and control of Cd toxicity and elimination of Cd contamination can be achieved in the future.
Topics: Antioxidants; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Minerals; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Water
PubMed: 36231680
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912380 -
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 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2021Arum hygrophilum Bioss is a plant native to Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. It is consumed as beverages, spices, or cooked leaves to cure gastrointestinal infections...
OBJECTIVE
Arum hygrophilum Bioss is a plant native to Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. It is consumed as beverages, spices, or cooked leaves to cure gastrointestinal infections and cancer. This study aims to determine the antibacterial and anticancer effectivenesss of A. hygrophilum Bioss.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using the well-diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of the plant's aqueous extract and five other organic extracts were evaluated against bacteria often associated with food poisoning. The assessment of the antiproliferative activity by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was done on five cancerous cell lines and on fibroblasts as a reference cell line.
RESULTS
The growth of L. monocytogenes was significantly inhibited by the aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Both extracts had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/mL. The inhibition caused by the methanolic extract had a MIC of 500 mg/mL. The growth of S. aureus and MRSA were inhibited by the aqueous extract with a MIC of 500 mg/mL, while the inhibition caused by the ethanolic extract had a MIC of 250 mg/mL on MRSA and 500 mg/mL on S.aureus. Both strains of S.aureus were also inhibited by the 3-pentanon extract, while the butanol extract only exhibited a moderate growth inhibition against MRSA. The MTT assay showed that the aqueous extract had not affected the proliferation of cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts had no concentration-inhibition relationship and the IC50 values were above 800 μg/mL for all extracts.
CONCLUSIONS
L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were inhibited by different Arum extracts. The antibacterial activity of Arum hygrophilum Bioss against foodborne pathogens makes it safe to use as a natural food preservative, and as a source for sanitizers and antimicrobials. Further investigation is recommended to determine the cytotoxicity of the plant against additional cancer cell lines.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Arum; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Solvents; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 34919230
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27424 -
Turkish Journal of Chemistry 2021Heavy metals, due to their inability to degrade, pose a serious environmental and nutritional problem. The accumulation of essential and non-essential heavy metals in...
Heavy metals, due to their inability to degrade, pose a serious environmental and nutritional problem. The accumulation of essential and non-essential heavy metals in living organisms reduces normal growth and development, resulting in acute poisoning, disease and even death of organisms. Melatonin is a very important multifunctional molecule in protecting plants from oxidative stress due to its ability to directly neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also, melatonin has a chelating property, which may contribute in reducing metal-induced toxicity. In this paper, the protective role of melatonin in counteracting metal-induced free radical generation was highlighted. Using the HPLC-FLD technique melatonin was identified and quantified in the roots and leaves of lemon balm ( L.), grown under photoperiod conditions. Furthermore, the response of plants pre-treated with exogenous 0.1 mM melatonin to the increased zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations was observed, with changes in mineral (Ca, Mg), physiological and antioxidant status of the plant during heavy metals stress. The obtained melatonin concentrations were the highest published for dry plants so far. Elevated Cd and Zn levels in soil caused alternation in biochemical and physiological parameters of lemon balm leaves and roots. However, melatonin pre-treatment increased plant tolerance to heavy metals stress. Increased Cd and Zn uptake and their translocation into the leaves were also improved, indicating the possible use of melatonin in phytoremediation.
PubMed: 34385864
DOI: 10.3906/kim-2012-7