Post on 27-Jun-2019
Poison Ivy• Grows in much of the eastern
United States
• Depending on the species,
can be a “shrub” or a “vine”,
the latter requiring a tree for
support.
• In about 75%-85% of the
population, generates contact
dermatitis, or inflammation of
the skin.
• Inflammation caused by
urushiol oil on the plant.
– This oil sticks to nearly anything,
skin, clothing, equipment, etc.
Poison Oak• Grows in much of the western
United States, especially in
California!
• Like Poison Ivy, inflammation
caused by the urushiol oil on
the plant.
• Sometimes hard to spot due to
the plant being obscured by
foliage.
• Note the position of the
leaf…it is an indicator of
poison oak.
Urushiol • An oil found on the leaves of
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and
other plants such as the
Lacquer Tree.
• The oil is not a defensive
mechanism, many animals
can safely eat Poison Ivy and
Poison Oak with no ill effects.
• The oil can be processed to
make lacquer for finishing
wood based products.
Oleander• Planted in most parts of the world,
Oleander is thought to have
originated from North Africa or the
Middle-East
• Millions of these plants are grown
along highways and roadways
throughout California.
• Very commonly used in gardens.
• And…one of the most poisonous
gardening plants available.
– Oleander sap can cause dermatitis
(similar to poison ivy and oak)
– Ingestion can cause a whole host
of digestive and nervous system
problems.
Oleander• Toxicity caused by oleandrin in the plant.
• Binds to the proteins that control the sodium/potassium
pumps…which prevents nerve cells from “resetting”.
• This in turn causes muscle cells to continually contract, which in
turn inhibits respiration.
• Symptoms are nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, salivation, and
bloody diarrhea.
• Secondary symptoms are respiratory paralysis, seizures, and
arrhythmias.
Belladonna• Native to central and southern Europe.
• Toxicity of the plant known for centuries…thought the ancient
Romans used the poison as a tool for assassination
• All parts of the plants are toxic
– Toxicity due to the presence of tropane alkaloids which blocks the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine
– Symptoms include dilated pupils, blurred vision, tachycardia, and balance
issues.
Water Hemlock
• One of the most toxic plants in
North America
• Toxicity caused by cicutoxin
• This plant is usually found next
to ponds, streams, or other
sources of water such as
swamps.
Water Hemlock
• Ingestion of Hemlock introduces
cicutoxin into the body.
• It is thought cicutoxin creates
hyperactivity in the nervous
system
• Unknown what the exact lethal
dose is…there have been
reports of children poisoned
simply by using the stem of the
plant as a whistle
• Thought to have an
extraordinarily long half-life
inside the human body
Arum Maculatum
• Also known as Adder’s Root,
Snakeshead, and Arum.
• Grows bright red berries in the
fall which are extremely
poisonous.
• Fortunately, the berries are not
sweet and immediately cause
a tingling sensation which
prevents further consumption
• Toxicity in berries due to
saponin molecules
Arum Maculatum• Saponins are mainly found in plants, although a few
marine organisms can synthesize them.
• Thought to protect plants against bacteria and fungus.
• Roots of plants containing large amounts of these
molecules can be used to make soap.
• Symptoms of poisoning include irritation of the skin,
mouth, throat, breathing difficulties, and stomach pain.
Castor Bean
• Native to the Mediterranean
region, can also be found as a
decorative plant due to its
rapid growth rate.
• Toxicity of the plant lay within
the beans, which contain the
toxin Ricin.
• Lethal dose is estimated
between 4-8 seeds.
• The seeds must be broken for
the toxin to be released.
Castor Bean
• Ricin is very toxic if it enters the
body.
• Ricin inhibits protein synthesis
in cells.
• Symptoms include pain,
inflammation, nausea, and
hemmorhaging.
• No antidote for poisoning.
Rosary Pea
• Plant is native to India and can
be considered a invasive weed.
• But it is the seeds of this plant
that are extremely toxic
• If the seed is intact, there is little
risk of poisoning.
• However…given the colorful
nature of the seeds, it is often
used in jewelry and can attract
people to eat them
• A single seed is enough to
fatally poison an adult.