Poisonous plants of regional importance

Poisonous plants - Poisonous as such : containing toxic

substances – phytotoxins- toxic to the animals

Not toxic as such ; become toxic under unfavourable conditions to the animal- season, stage of the plant growth, hunger, management , practices

Phytotoxins-toxic principles present in the plant

Predisposition Fodder scarcity New areas Loss of sense of discrimination Malicious poisonong Lack of information/knowledge

Classification

Organic phytotoxins by-products of plant metabolism. Eg: alkaloids , glycosides,essential oils, terpenes, proteins, and resins etc. Inorganic phytotoxins fluorides, nitrates and selenium compounds merely accumulate in the plant due to their translocation from the soil and water rich in these substances.

Factors affecting the phytotoxicity

Region/place Stage of growth Part of the plant Quantity ingested Climate Soil composition Size Age Sex Prevailing health/ nutritional status of the animal Management practices- use of fertilizers etc

Clinical condition

Acute Gastrointestinal and nervous signs predominant. Off-feed, colic, bloat, diarrhoea mixed with blood and mucous, salivation, CNS signs - convulsions, paralysis , coma , deathChronic Not fatal, affects the economy of farmer Fall in production and fertility of animals. Allergic dermatitis, photosensitisation, Haemoglobinuria and agalactia

Diagnosis History and Information on feeding practices Survey of the grazing area and farm premises Symptoms, botanical and toxicological Analysis of hay, forage, silage or suspected

plant material.Materials to be sent to the lab Fresh plant material Whole fresh plant if it is small, Leafy branch with

flowers In case of large plants and trees- uncrushed bulky

parts-root, fruits in a plastic bag Dried plant material in a rigid cardboard box taking care not to break

branches/detach leaves

Treatment Adsorbents like charcoal, raw white of an egg

orally Antiserum (if the causative phytotoxin is

specifically known) Specific antidotes whenever available Symptomatic treatment- administration of

astringents, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, fluid therapy, liver tonics, etc.

Prevention• Drying of plants • Caution while stall-feeding• Manual removal of poisonous plants and weeds

from the farm premises

Abrus precatorius(Gulaganji) 

 Abrin Intensive irritation, inflammation,

oedema, ecchymoses,Necrosis at the site of

introduction.Anorexia, salivation, inco-ordination,muscular spasms

Convulsions. Death in2-3 days. Rx: Actd CharcoalDemulcentsSaline purgatives Fluid therapy

Abrus precatorius

(Gulaganji) 

Adhatoda vasica ( aadu muttada gida, aadu sokada gida)

Vasicine Persistent Bronchodilation Hypotension, uterotonic-

abortifacient Cardiac depression

Rx Symptomatic

Allium cepa Onion 

N-propyl disulfideHaemoglobinuria. Anaemia. In extreme cases onion

odour in urine and tissues.(diagnostic feature)

Rx

Symptomatic

Areca catechu betel-nut palm

ArecolineEmesis, exaggerated

catharsis Colic, diarrhea,

restlessness Convulsions

Rx Atropine sulphate

0.044mg/kg BW

Argemone mexicana( arasina datturi)

SanguinarineGlaucoma Ascites

Rx Diuretics supportive therapy

Datura stramonium (Thorn apple)

• Atropine  hyoscine and hyoscyamine• Solanine, solanidine, tropeine  • Mydriasis, cycloplegia (impaired

vision)• Anorexia, muscular spasms, dryness of

mouth, tachycardia,• Respiratory depression and nervous

symptoms.• Rx• Emetics – to empty stomach contents.• Mild cholinergics• Sedatives / hypotics to control nervous

signs.• Medullary stimulatnts

Solanum nigrum (kempu kachi, karikachi gida)

black night shade

Atropine  hyoscine and hyoscyamine

Solanine, solanidine, tropeine   Mydriasis, cycloplegia (impaired

vision) anorexia, muscular spasms, dryness

of mouth, tachycardia, r Respiratory depression and nervous

signs.Rx Emetics Mild cholinergics Sedatives / hypotics to control

nervous signs. Medullary stimulatnts

Brassica nigra ( saasive)

• SinigrinAcute gastroenteritisColic,dyspnoea

Rxsymptomatic

Calotropis gigantica, Calotropis procera 

(Arka, ekka, bili ekka)

• Gigantin (a glycoside)  Glycoside (digitalis like action on

heart)  Gastro intestinal upset, loose stool, Vomition cardiac arrhythmiaRx Rest Anti arrhythmics like Phenytion,

Lignocane, Propanol, Potassium chloride 0.6-1mg orally

followed by 0.3-0.5g (Dogs) in every 2hrs.

Capsicum annuum Chili pepper

Capsaicin GI irritant -vomiting and

diarrhea. Not likely to be lethal.

RxSymptomatic; irritation relief

—cool water irrigation, Topical or oral mineral or

vegetable oil.Topical anesthetics.

Cassia tora (chagate, thagate)

anthraquinone, flavonoids, glucosides

CNS depression severe diarrhoea

Rx Symptomatic

Crotolaria juncea (jute; janumu)

pundinaru, senabu)

Monocrotaline Related pyrrolizidine

alkaloids in seedsBloody faeces,

salivation nasal discharge,

jaundice, Dyspnoea and colic.

RxSymptomatic

Croton tiglium ( Nervala, nepala)

Crotonalic acid Tiglicacid Nausea,tympanitis, colic

and diarrhoea

RxSymptomaticDemulcents.Astringents Antimotility agents like

Loperamide

Equisetum arvense horse tail (kudure bala)

Thiaminase Excitement, Nervous signs, nystagmus,

opisthotonusWeakness, diarrhea,

crouching stance

RxThiamine parenterally (Large

animals 100mg-1g, Small animals 5-10g

Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern

Thiaminase Excitement, Nervous signs,

nystagmus, opisthotonusWeakness, diarrhea,

crouching stance

RxThiamine parenterally

(Large animals 100mg-1g, Small animals 5-10g

Eupatorium odoratum ( communist gida)

Sterols FlavonesNephrotoxic Hepatotoxic signRx Saline purgatives Fluid therapy Demulcents Hepatic stimulants

Gossypium herbaceum cotton

Gossypol Cardiac myopathyHepatic necrosis. Anorexia, dyspnoea and

weakness Haematuria.RxSymptomaticPrevention by cooking or

by addition of 1% CaOH. or 0.1% ferrous sulfate

Ipomoea carnea(chandrakai balli)

Ipomeanols. toxic saponin Photosensitive principle in

leaves. Pulmonary emphysema and

oedema. Lysis of RBC, anaemia and

lumbar paralysis in S&G. Hepatic derangementRx B-complex vit . Nervine tonics lipotropics &

haematinics.

Jatropha curcas ( visha haralu, adalu

haralu, kadu jadalu)

CurcinDrastic purgation,Nausea, vomition,

RxSedationSymptomatic

Lathyrus odorata sweet pea (perangi

jali)

Betaine ( β-aminopropio nitrite lathyrine)

Leg weekness leading to paralysis (Neuro-osteo-angio lathyrism)

rapid, irregular pulse resp distress

RxSymptomatic treatment, calcium supplementation

Meliotus sp. ( kadu lucerna soppu)

sweet clover

DicumarolExtensive sub-

cultaneous haemorrhages

, impaired clottingRxSymptomatic treatment, calcium

supplementation

Nicotiana tabaccum Tobacco( thambaku,

hogesoppu)

NicotineClonic-tonic convulsionsDepression, OPC poisoning like symptoms

RxOxygen therapy Caffeine Symptomatic

Nicoiiana tabaccum

Tobacco( thambaku)

Lobelia inflata (Kaduhogesoppu)

Nicotine like – lobeline

• Salivation, vom, diarrhoea, mydriais

Rx

• Atropine sulphate

• Saline laxatives

• Mineral oil

Lobelia Sp.

Lobelia inflata (Kaduhogesoppu)

Parmetia perlata. ground lichen (kallu hoovu)

Usnic acidIncordination, depression, paralysis

RxSymptomatic

Ricinus communis Castor plant   (Haralu, joudla)

Ricin Latent period of 2-3 days Bloody diarrhea in cattle.Horses -tumultous heart beat

Rx Specific AS in endemic areasSedatives,Shock therapy.

Prevention Upon boiling the cake, ricin

coagulates.

Robinia pseudoacasia ( parthanga, belangi)

TanninsColic, Neurosis

RxSymptomatic

Sesbania grandiflora coffee weed( agase, parivala arisina

geenangi, kadu jogache)

SaponineSevere colicDepression, salivation

RxSymptomatic

Strychnos nuxvomica (Kasaraka)

Strychnine and brucine Spinal convulsions. Muscular spasms,opisthotonus, dilated pupil, asphyxia, paralysis of

respiratory muscles.Rx Sedatives ,hypnotics

anticonvulsants.Gastric lavage with dil. KMnO4/ Tannic acid. [KMnO4-

oxidises. Tannic acid-precipitates.]

Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander (kanigilu, kadu kasi)

Thevetin cardiac glycosidesToxic to heart Violent vomition, diarrhoea,

ruminal atony and bloat, colic, cardiac arrhythmias

convulsions. RxSymptomatic. Atropine 0.5 mg /kg. i/v. along

with propranolol 5 mg/kg. i/v.

Withania somnifera ( ashwagandha, sogade beru)

WithaferineCNS depression signs

Rxsymptomatic

Nerium oleander(Kanigile, kasturi jaji )

  Oleandroside Nerioside, nerin in leaves, pods and fruitViolent vomition, diarrhoea ruminal atony and bloat, colic, cardiac arrhythmias convulsions. RxSymptomatic. Atropine 0.5 mg /kg. i/v. along with propranolol

5 mg/kg. i/v.

Nerium oleander(Kanigile, kasturi jaji )

Nerium indicum

Solanum tuberosum Potato (aalu gadde) L-chalconine, solanidine, solanicin, solanineSevere colic, salivation, depression, trembling,

paralysis, Coma

RxGastric lavage demulcents symptomatic treatment

Senecio vulgaris ( kadu gochhi gida)

Pyrrolyzidine alkaloids -senecionine, seneciphylline, retrorsine, riddelline- hepatotoxic.

Colic, diarrhoea, Ascites, straining

Rxsymptomatic

Anamirta cocculus indian berry, fish berry

( chippalka balli)

Berberine, monoterpene picrotoxin nervous signsSalivation, dyspnoea,

palpitation

RxSymptomatic

Rhododendron spp.

Grayanotoxins (glycosides) which affect the gastroenteric (stomach and intestines) and cardiovascular systems.

• Salivation, vomition, diarrhea • abdominal pain• Tremors,, abnormal heart rate and

rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. Rx • symptomatic Prevention: • Keep hungry livestock away from

areas where these plants grow. • Pets may nibble or taste the leaves

out of curiosity or boredom, • Honey made from the nectar of these

flowers is also toxic

Astragalus spp loco weed

Loconine• Severe panting• dyspnoea • excitement,• paralysis

Rx• symptomatic

Plants producing oxalate poisoning

Beta vulgaris,( beet root) Amaranthus viridis( kere soppu, daggi soppu) Chenopodium albua( bele soppu, chakravarti soppu, huli

chikka) Solanum spp., [night shade] Trianthema species Oxalis spp Calandrinia Atriplex species Vomiting, depression, ataxia,weakness, dehydration,renal failure-hematuria/anuria, ComaRx Anti emetics,anti histaminics gastric lavage with 5% soda bicarb solution, lime water, dicalcium PO4 in feed

Amaranthus viridis

( kere soppu, daggisoppu)

Chenopodium albua

( belesoppu, chakravarti soppu, huli chikka)

Trianthema species (seeme bellulli

Atriplex species

PLANTS producing PHOTOSENSITISATION

Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress gida)

Histaminergic/ allergic.Photosensitisation. rash, swelling on face, dewlap, neck and various

parts of body. Intense itching,animal rubs against hard objects

causing open wounds. RxAnti-histaminics. Removal to a safer place.Antibiotics.Corticosteroids.

Hypericum perforatum ( chinnadavare)

Hypericin photosensitisation. redness, swelling, serous fluid oozing fromskin surfaces, oedema and sloughing of skin. Intense itching causing tissue injury and secondary

bacterial infection. Eartip, nose muzzle,udder, teats Conjunctivitis , liver damageRx keep under shade, topical demulcent, antibiotics, corticosteroidsantihistamines, antibiotics, DNS, saline purgatives liver tonics

Parthenium hysterophorus(Congress gida)

Hypericum perforatum ( chinnadavare)

Fagopyrum esculentum( Kadu godhi)

Fagopyrin photosensitisation. redness, swelling, serous fluid oozing fromskin surfaces, oedema and sloughing of skin. Intense itching causing tissue injury and secondary bacterial

infection. Eartip, nose muzzle,udder, teats Conjunctivitis , liver damageRx keep under shade, topical demulcent, antibiotics, corticosteroids antihistamines, antibiotics, DNS, saline purgatives liver tonics

Fagopyrum esculentum( Kadu godhi)

Lantana camara (Madarangi gida)  

Lantadene Hepatogenous photosensitisation.Nephropathy Cardiac myopathy

RxAntihistaminics Topical demulcent ointmentsLiver tonics.Keep animals in doors

Lantana camara(Madarangi gida)

Tribulus terrestris ( negilu mullu)

saponinsHepatotoxic

photosensitisation.

Medicago sativa Alfalfa, lucerne ( kudure masale)

SaponinsHepatotoxic

photosensitisation

MIMOSINE RICH PLANTS

Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)

Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.

Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and

eye lesions, scaly skin.

Rx  Supplement with L-

phenylalanine and L – tyrosine. Treat leucaena meal with 0.05

N sod. acetate.

Mimosa pudica Touch me not plant ( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)

Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.

Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and eye lesions, scaly

skin. Rx symptomatic

Mimosa pudica

( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)

Mimosa pudica Touch me not plant

( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)

Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.

Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and

eye lesions, scaly skin.

Rx symptomatic

Cyanogenetic Plants

Grasses such as sudan grass, johnson grass, arrow grass ,

Plants • Acacia leucophloea (bili jali), Lotus sp.• Euphorbia species, Sugarcane leaves, tops• Saccharum officinarum sugarcane (kabbu), • Sorghum vulgare (kempu jola, sakre jola, neerjola), • Zea mays ( mekke jola, musukina jola, haladi jola • Mannihot esculenta Tapiocia ( mara genasu)• Hevea braziliensis(rubber), Prunus sp• Bambusa bambos( bidiru)• Mimosa invisa( mullu illada nachike) Clinical signs -Anxiety, panting, salivation, tremors,

lacrimination, urination, defecation, severe colic emesis, prostration, bright red mucus membranes, clonic convulsions Mydriasis.

Rx

• Inhalation of 5-8 drops of Amyl nitrate

• NaNO2 5mg/kg BW as slow IV( Excess of Sodium nitrite causes methaemoglobin that is fatal),

• Na thio SO4 600mg/kg BW as slow IV (20% solution 4-80ml),

• 4 L vinegar in 12 - 20L cold water to dilute/ cool / acidify rumen contents to inhibit microbial hydrolysis.

• Mineral oil to soothe G.I linings.

Acacia leucophloea

(bili jali)

Bambusa bambos

(bidiru)

Sorghum vulgare Sorghum ( kempu jola, sakre jola)

Lathyrogenic nitrite rich Leg weakness leading to paralysis (Neuro-

osteo, angio lathyrism)

Rxymptomatic treatment, calcium, supplementation

Sorghum vulgare

(kempu jola, sakre jola, neerjola)

Ficus tsjahela( kari, basari soppu)

Mannihot esculenta

Tapiocia ( mara genasu),

Mimosa invisa( mullu illada nachike)

Hevea braziliensis

(rubber)

Nitrate/Nitrite accumulating plants

Crop sources: a) Oats - Avena sativa( seeme oats, seeme thoke

godhi) especially if green hay or green chop and left on the wagon overnight before feeding. The forage heats up and converts nitrate to nitrite before it is eaten. Oats are no longer toxic after the grain forms.

b) wheat - Triticum aestivumc) barley - Hordeum vulgare d) Corn - Zea mays e) rye - Secale cereale f) Beta vulgaris g) rape - Brassica napush) soybeans - Glycine maxi) Flax- Linum usitatissimum j) alfalfa - Medicago sativak) Sudan grass- Sorghum vulgare.-

Acute toxicity Digestive symptoms –vomition, diarrhoea, colic and

frequent urinationRespiratory symptoms like dyspnoea, cyanosis, rapid

& weak pulse weakness, trembling, collapse, coma, terminal clonic

convulsions and death Chronic toxicityAnorexia, decreased body weight gain, reduced milk production, weakness, abortions, birth of weak & stunted calves, poor conception rate, hypovitaminosis of A, D, E thyroid dysfunction .

Treatment: Methylene blue 1% w/v solution, @ 8.8 mg/Kg body

wt. slow I/V.for cattle and sheep. In other species the dosage is 4.4 mg/Kg body wt. slow I/V. Repeat after 30 min. if symptoms persist.

Saline purgatives  Broad-spectrum antibiotics in 8-19 L cold water to

inhibit microbial conversion of nitrate to nitrite. For chronic toxicity o Eliminating the source o Supplementation with vit. A D & E.o For prevention, indiscriminate use of nitrogenous

fertilisers like urea to forage crops to be avoided

Avena sativa

( seeme oats, seeme thoke godhi)

Hordeum vulgare (barley)

Brassica napus

(rape)

Linum usitatissimum

( linseed)