Toxic Plants Gastrointestinal Irritants INTERNAL POISONING CAUSED BY EATING PLANT PARTS: Gastrointestinal Irritants

1. Oxalates POISON LOCATION: The greatest concentration of the toxin occurs in the leaves. POISON TYPE: CALCIUM OXALATE, a compound derived from oxalic acid, as well as enzymes which trigger the release of histamine in the bloodstream of persons who ingest the leaves. Oxalates are needle-like crystals, which, when eaten, may pierce the mouth, throat & digestive tract as they pass through, causing, at the very least, intense discomfort.

TYPICAL POISONING SCENARIO: The main problem lies with infants, toddlers, or pets who, once attracted to the showy flowers and foliage, may nibble on the leaves. If ARUMS are kept out of curious mouths, there is little further risk, as they are quite safe to handle. Poisonous Oxalates of calcium & potassium are also present, with oxalic acid, in the leaves of the familiar RHUBARB, a member of the Buckwheat Family, but ironically, its red stems are edible in moderation

Arum

Rhubarb

SYMPTOMS: Even small doses of Oxalate toxin is enough to cause intense sensations of burning in the mouth and throat, swelling, and choking. In larger doses, however, Oxalate causes severe digestive upset, breathing difficulties and- if enough is consumed- convulsions, coma and death. Recovery from severe oxalate poisoning is possible, but permanent liver and kidney damage may have occurred.

Acute poisoning Local irritation of the mouth, esophagus and stomach with pain and vomiting Muscular tremors If oxalate ingested acute renal failure may occur from blocking of renal tubules by Ca-oxalates Chronic poisoning Renal impairment Gangrene

NOTES: The reduction in viable Ca leads to violent muscular stimulation with convulsion and collapse. 5-15 g are fatal The principle manifestation of oxalic acid poisoning is anuria. The kidney show cloudy

Plants containing Oxalates ARUMS belong to a large, mainly tropical family of plants the Araceae. All Arums typically have unique flowers, consisting of a spike of reduced male or female organs, or both, surrounded by a showy petal-like leaf, a bract, which is often colourful. ARUMS are best known to us as ornamental houseplants, such as CALADIUM, DIFFENBACHIA PHILODENDRONS ANTHURIUM,

Caladium CALADIUM, which is popular as an indoor ornamental, is a tropical member of the Araceae family. Like other Arums, CALADIUM contains Oxalate crystals. If eaten, the leaves may cause burning, swelling, and choking. Fortunately, handling the plant is perfectly safe, unless you're in the habit of watering it when your Significant Other has already done so.

DIFFENBACHIA DIFFENBACHIA OR DUMBCANE is a tropical member of the Araceae family. It is a popular indoor ornamental in Nova Scotia because it tolerates low light & dry heat. Like other Arums, DIFFENBACHIA contains Oxalate crystals. If eaten, the leaves may cause burning, swelling, and choking. Fortunately, handling the plant is perfectly safe, unless you drop the pot on your foot, or the cat.

Dieffenbachia

PHILODENDRON PHILODENDRON is a tropical member of the Araceae family. It is a popular indoor ornamental in Nova Scotia because of its spectacular foliage and low maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, like other Arums,

PHILODENDRONS contain Oxalate crystals PHILODENDRONS contain Oxalate crystals. If eaten, the leaves may cause burning, swelling, and choking. Even handling the plant less than safe- and we don't mean walking into a door while carrying the plant in front of you. If the skin is exposed to the latex, where the abrasive Oxalate crystals are found, an uncomfortable skin rash can develop. So- enjoy your Philodendron, but watch it taking cuttings for Mom, eh?

PHILODENDRON

ANTHURIUM ANTHURIUM OR ARROWHEAD is a native of tropical America and the Pacific Islands which is a popular ornamental in the centrally heated environments of office blocks. If you eat the leaves while waiting for that 10 am appointment, the Oxalate crystals may pass unchanged through your digestive system, or they may cause burning, swelling, and choking.

Garden Sorrel

Rheum palaestinum

Treatment Precipitate oxalate by giving calcium in any form orally, as milk, chalk, Ca-gluconate, Ca-chloride or Ca-lactate. Do not use gastric lavage or emesis if tissue corrosion has occur 10g of Ca-lactate in lavage or emesis fluids As antidote give 10% ca-gluconate or chloride, 10ml iv slowly.

Supportive Therapy Give demulcents, milk, oil, aluminum-magnesium hydroxide. Cold packs to lips and gums Antihistamins