Tag: Poisonous plants

In 2022, U.S. Poison Control Centers reported 2,007 exposures to plants containing cardiac glycosides [1.7.3]. This guide answers the critical question: What plants cause digoxin toxicity and how can you identify them?

Ricin, a potent protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant, is listed as a potential bioterrorism agent by the CDC. While the plant is cultivated globally for its versatile oil, its shiny, mottled seeds contain a highly poisonous substance, leading to the crucial question: Which part of castor is poisonous? The danger is primarily concentrated in the seeds, which contain the lethal ricin toxin.

Over 2,000 species of plants, many within the nightshade family, contain the potent anticholinergic compounds known as tropane alkaloids. Understanding **what plants are anticholinergic** is crucial, as ingestion of these can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, toxicity.

The plant *Colchicum autumnale*, known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron, is highly poisonous and its greatest concentrations of toxic alkaloids occur in the flowers and seeds. The primary toxic alkaloid responsible for its lethal effects is **colchicine**, a compound with a fascinating and dangerous dual identity.

According to botanists, the scientific name for the foxglove plant is *Digitalis*, which contains toxic cardiac glycosides. The dual meaning can cause confusion, as 'digitalis' is also the name for the heart medication derived from the plant's compounds, highlighting the vital distinction between a raw, poisonous herb and a precisely dosed pharmaceutical.

Despite its delicate appearance, every part of the lily-of-the-valley plant contains potent cardiac glycosides and is highly poisonous. This raises a critical question: **What does lily-of-the-valley do to your body?** The answer lies in its effect on the heart, but its toxins can cause severe, multi-system damage if ingested.