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Keywords = botanical intoxication

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24 pages, 1240 KiB  
Review
Toxic and Hallucinogenic Plants of Southern Chile of Forensic Interest: A Review
by Ramiro Díaz, Mauricio Yáñez-Sánchez, Francisco de la Fuente, Andrea Ortega, Alejandra Figueroa-Carvajal, David Gangitano and Oscar Scholz-Wagenknecht
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142196 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Several plants produce toxic and hallucinogenic metabolites, posing risks when misused due to a lack of botanical knowledge. Improper or accidental use of these plants poses a public health risk and has been associated with forensic cases involving poisoning, suicide, or drug-facilitated crimes. [...] Read more.
Several plants produce toxic and hallucinogenic metabolites, posing risks when misused due to a lack of botanical knowledge. Improper or accidental use of these plants poses a public health risk and has been associated with forensic cases involving poisoning, suicide, or drug-facilitated crimes. This review identified eight species of forensic interest that grow in southern Chile and analyzed their active compounds, mechanisms of toxicity, and documented clinical and legal cases. These selected species included both native and introduced taxa, whose main toxic agents are tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine), piperidine (coniine), taxane pseudoalkaloids, and natural opiates (morphine, codeine). Most reported cases involved unintentional poisoning, mainly in children, highlighting the lack of regulation and awareness. This review revealed the need for improved forensic and clinical documentation of plant-based intoxications in Chile and greater public education regarding the toxicological risks posed by these botanical species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)
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7 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Food Confusion Between Edible and Poisonous Plants: A 22-Year Retrospective of the Southeastern France Poison Control Center
by Romain Torrents, Julien Reynoard, Mathieu Glaizal, Corinne Schmitt, Katharina Von Fabeck, Audrey Boulamery, Luc De Haro and Nicolas Simon
Toxins 2024, 16(12), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16120552 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1151
Abstract
Objective: In some regions of the globe, accidental food confusion regarding plants can cause severe poisoning events and deaths. The aim of this study was to report on those confusions from the Marseille Poison Control Centre’s (PCC) experience from 2002 to 2023. Results: [...] Read more.
Objective: In some regions of the globe, accidental food confusion regarding plants can cause severe poisoning events and deaths. The aim of this study was to report on those confusions from the Marseille Poison Control Centre’s (PCC) experience from 2002 to 2023. Results: Over 22 years, 2197 food confusion events were managed with 321 different species. The most frequently involved plant was Nerium oleander (289 cases, 13.1%), then Cucurbitaceae genus (3.3%), Colchicum autumnale (3.3%), Prunus amygdalus (3%), Mahinot esculenta (3%), Cytisus laburnum (2.6%), Aesculus hippocastanum (2.5%) and Narcissus Jonquilla (2%). Many botanical confusion events were also reported (n = 1386, 63%), but with fewer than five identical species. Only one death was reported for this review, in an event involving Aconitum napellus. Two antidotes were used for all the series: Datura genus and Prunus dulcis. Discussion: The most implicated plant was Nerium oleander. This is explained by its distribution. This rate is very low compared to that of suicide attempts with this plant. Many cases were symptomatic (53.6%), but very few of them described severe symptoms (only 0.5% severe poisonings). Few patients needed to be admitted to intensive care (0.4%), and even fewer needed an antidote (two cases). Only one death occurred, involving Aconitum napellus. Food confusions were more common than suicide attempts with plants, but seem to be less severe. However, death and serious complications can occur, so it is important to identify and manage the plants concerned. Material and Methods: For each food confusion event managed between 2002 and 2023 at the Southeastern France PCC based in Marseille, we performed a retrospective review. This PCC is responsible for the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur Region, Corsica Island and Indian Ocean French overseas territories. For each case, severity was calculated with the Poison Severity Score (PSS). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Toxins)
7 pages, 275 KiB  
Communication
Deliberate Self-Poisoning with Plants in Southeastern France, a Poison Center 20-Year Report
by Romain Torrents, Julien Reynoard, Mathieu Glaizal, Corinne Schmitt, Katharina Von Fabeck, Audrey Boulamery, Luc de Haro and Nicolas Simon
Toxins 2023, 15(12), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15120671 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2214
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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 Nerium oleander (n = 186, 71%), followed by the Datura genus (4.2%), Ricinus communis (3.8%), Taxus baccata (1.9%), Digitalis purpurea (1.2%), Aconitum nape (1.9%), Myristica fragans (1.5%), and Pyracantha coccine (1.2%). Through the 262 plants poisonings, 19 patients among the 186 Nerium oleander 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 Nerium oleander. Discussion: The first involved species was Nerium oleander (71% of all plants poisonings), then Datura sp and Ricinus communis. 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). Full article
43 pages, 8760 KiB  
Review
Cistus albidus L.—Review of a Traditional Mediterranean Medicinal Plant with Pharmacological Potential
by Daniel Raus de Baviera, Antonio Ruiz-Canales and Enrique Barrajón-Catalán
Plants 2023, 12(16), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162988 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3959
Abstract
Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it [...] Read more.
Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it an attractive source of raw material. The main constituents with bioactive functions that exert pharmacological effects are terpenes and polyphenols, with more than 200 identified compounds. The purpose of this review is to offer a detailed account of the botanical, ethnological, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albidus with the aim of encouraging additional pharmaceutical investigations into the potential therapeutic benefits of this medicinal plant. This review was carried out using organized searches of the available literature up to July 2023. A detailed analysis of C. albidus confirms its traditional use as a medicinal plant. The outcome of several studies suggests a deeper involvement of certain polyphenols and terpenes in multiple mechanisms such as inflammation and pain, with a potential application focus on neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Other diseases such as prostate cancer and leukemia have already been researched with promising results for this plant, for which no intoxication has been reported in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Plants)
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15 pages, 901 KiB  
Article
Monitoring Cannabinoids and the Safety of the Trace Element Profile of Light Cannabis sativa L. from Different Varieties and Geographical Origin
by Vincenzo Nava, Ambrogina Albergamo, Giovanni Bartolomeo, Rossana Rando, Federica Litrenta, Giovanna Lo Vecchio, Mario Concetto Giorgianni and Nicola Cicero
Toxics 2022, 10(12), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120758 - 5 Dec 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
Non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa L. (i.e., hemp) is increasingly used for industrial, cosmetic and food applications. Despite the fact that the EU has not yet established a regulatory framework on hazardous compounds (i.e., toxic inorganic elements), the monitoring of cannabis products is of paramount [...] Read more.
Non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa L. (i.e., hemp) is increasingly used for industrial, cosmetic and food applications. Despite the fact that the EU has not yet established a regulatory framework on hazardous compounds (i.e., toxic inorganic elements), the monitoring of cannabis products is of paramount importance to safeguard consumers, also in view of the species propensity to accumulate toxic metals from the environment. The aim of this work was to assess the compliance with Law n. 242/2016 and the safety of hemp inflorescences from different varieties and Italian regions by monitoring the main cannabinoids and trace elements. All samples complied with the Italian law due to a THC content <0.6% counterbalanced by high CBD levels. However, inflorescences grown in Apulia and Lombardy, and from Finola and Tiborzallasi varieties accumulated higher Cu, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb contents than products from other producing areas (i.e., Sicily and Latium) and varieties (i.e., Antal, Futura75, Kompolti and Carmagnola), being moreover above the limits set by the US Pharmacopeia. A principal component analysis confirmed that trace elements, including toxic metals, were mainly affected by the geographical origin more than the botanical variety. Overall, this study highlights the need to continuously monitor hemp products and establish the earliest related regulatory frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology)
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16 pages, 5203 KiB  
Article
Risk of Poisoning from Garden Plants: Misidentification between Laurel and Cherry Laurel
by Paola Malaspina, Federica Betuzzi, Mariarosaria Ingegneri, Antonella Smeriglio, Laura Cornara and Domenico Trombetta
Toxins 2022, 14(11), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14110726 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5317
Abstract
The misidentification between edible and poisonous plants is an increasing problem because of the new trend to collect wild plants, especially by amateur collectors who do not have the botanical skills to distinguish between edible and toxic species. Moreover, morphologically similar species are [...] Read more.
The misidentification between edible and poisonous plants is an increasing problem because of the new trend to collect wild plants, especially by amateur collectors who do not have the botanical skills to distinguish between edible and toxic species. Moreover, morphologically similar species are sometimes responsible for accidental contamination or used in the intentional adulteration of products for human and animal consumption. Laurus nobilis L. (laurel) and Prunus laurocerasus L. (cherry laurel) are typical ornamental shrubs of the Mediterranean region. Laurel is considered a non-toxic plant, widely used as flavorings. Conversely, cherry laurel leaves, morphologically similar to those of laurel, contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Considering this, the aim of this study was to carry out an in-depth evaluation of laurel and cherry laurel leaves by using light and scanning electron microscopy coupled with three step phytochemical analyses (qualitative and quantitative colorimetric assays and liquid chromatography). This allowed to highlight the distinguishing features of plant species investigated features such as the venation pattern, presence/absence of nectaries, calcium oxalate crystals, secretory idioblasts, and cyanogenic glycosides. Concluding, this multidisciplinary approach can be useful for the identification of plants but also fragments or pruning residues containing cyanogenic glycosides, in quality control tests, intoxications, and criminal cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Poisoning or Foodborne Intoxications Diagnosis and Treatment)
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13 pages, 4634 KiB  
Article
Pasture Management to Reduce the Risk of Acer pseudoplatanus Poisoning While Preserving Ecological Sustainability
by Barbara Ghislain, Arnaud Farinelle, Benoît Renaud, Anne-Christine François, Clovis P. Wouters and Dominique-Marie Votion
Land 2022, 11(8), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11081345 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2799
Abstract
In spring, grazing equids may suffer from a severe rhabdomyolysis syndrome named atypical myopathy. This environmental intoxication results from ingestion of toxins contained in Acer pseudoplatanus seedlings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of herbicide spraying and mowing to [...] Read more.
In spring, grazing equids may suffer from a severe rhabdomyolysis syndrome named atypical myopathy. This environmental intoxication results from ingestion of toxins contained in Acer pseudoplatanus seedlings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of herbicide spraying and mowing to reduce the toxic pressure of sycamore seedlings. In a first experiment, the efficacy of three herbicides to eradicate seedlings was compared to mowing. In a second experiment, the influence of the mowing timing on pasture productivity was determined. In both experiments, sycamore seedling counting, grass height and botanical composition were determined. In experiment 2, the final harvest biomass and its nutritional value were also determined. Herbicides and mowing both reduced the number of seedlings, which nevertheless disappear naturally over time without intervention (i.e., in control areas). As opposed to mowing, herbicide spraying altered the composition of the pasture flora. Both sprayed and mowed seedlings remain toxic until full decomposition. Early mowing (i.e., early April) did not affect the harvest yield. Late mowing (i.e., end of April) reduced the harvest yield but its nutritional value fitted the horses’ need. In conclusion, mowing is the best strategy to reduce the risk of Acer pseudoplatanus poisoning in grazing equids while preserving ecological sustainability and nutritional value of pastures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Livestock System)
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23 pages, 1862 KiB  
Review
Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.
by Hiwa M. Ahmed
Molecules 2019, 24(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010102 - 28 Dec 2018
Cited by 237 | Viewed by 22455
Abstract
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (PF) is an annual herbal medicinal, aromatic, functional food, and ornamental plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The origin of perilla traces back to East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India), where it has [...] Read more.
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (PF) is an annual herbal medicinal, aromatic, functional food, and ornamental plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The origin of perilla traces back to East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India), where it has been used as a valuable source of culinary and traditional medicinal uses. The leaves, seeds, and stems of P. frutescens are used for various therapeutic applications in folk medicine. In the absence of a comprehensive review regarding all aspects of perilla, this review aims to present an overview pertaining to the botanical drug, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological activity. It was found that the taxonomic classification of perilla species is quite confused, and the number of species is vague. Perilla has traditionally been prescribed to treat depression-related disease, anxiety, asthma, chest stuffiness, vomiting, coughs, colds, flus, phlegm, tumors, allergies, intoxication, fever, headache, stuffy nose, constipation, abdominal pain, and indigestion, and acts as an analgesic, anti-abortive agent, and a sedative. Until now, 271 natural molecules have been identified in perilla organs including phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, triterpenes, carotenoids, phytosterols, fatty acids, tocopherols, and policosanols. In addition to solvent extracts, these individual compounds (rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, luteolin, apigenin, tormentic acid, and isoegomaketone) have attracted researchers’ interest for its pharmacological properties. Perilla showed various biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotection effects. Although the results are promising in preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo), clinical studies are insufficient; therefore, further study needs to be done to validate its therapeutic effects and to ensure its safety and efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry)
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12 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Illicium verum Hook. f. and Illicium anisatum L.: Anatomical Characters and their Value for Differentiation
by Elisabeth FRITZ, Silvester M. ÖLZANT and Reinhard LÄNGER
Sci. Pharm. 2008, 76(1), 65-76; https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.0802-03 - 30 Mar 2008
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2342
Abstract
In the last years intoxications after consumption of Illicium verum Hook. f. have been reported due to adulterations with I. anisatum L.. Many efforts have already been made to develop a simple method which would enable the detection of I. anisatum in powdered [...] Read more.
In the last years intoxications after consumption of Illicium verum Hook. f. have been reported due to adulterations with I. anisatum L.. Many efforts have already been made to develop a simple method which would enable the detection of I. anisatum in powdered samples of I. verum. Since many controversial facts concerning the value of anatomic characters for differentiation have been published 13 botanically vouchered samples were re-examined by means of light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, SEM, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. All anatomical details show a great variability even between the follicles of a certain aggregate. This is also true for the cuticular striation which has been proposed in literature as reliable character. Special attention was paid to the structure of the aleurone grains of the endosperm and the shape of the calcium oxalate crystals in the testa. In contrast to previous assumptions these characters do not allow a certain differentiation either. However, the presence of hexagonal crystals can serve as indicator for samples of I. anisatum. At present a reliable proof of purity of powdered samples of I. verum seems to be possible by chemical analytical methods only. Full article
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