S2 L78 Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka

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S2 L78 Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka

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Title: S2 L78 Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka

1
S2 L7-8 Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka

Anna Drew
Peradeniya University BPharm Batch 2005/6
(8 July 2008)
with slide contribution from Ruben Thanacoody,
www.wikitox.org

2
Paracelcus 1493-1541

All substances are poisons there is none which
is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a
poison from a remedy.

3
Thevetia peruviana

Family Apocyanaceae
Sinhala name/s kaneru
Tamil name/s manjal alari
English/common name/s yellow oleander, lucky nut
Plant habitat
often used for hedging in Sri Lanka
native of Central S.America but now grown
throughout tropical and subtropical regions
Toxic part of the plant seed (although all parts
toxic)
Lethal dose kernel of one fruit (or 2 leaves for
a child)
Main toxic constituent/s thevetin A, thevetin B
Constituent type cardiac glycosides

4
Voltage dependent L-type Ca2 channel
Na channel
Na/K ATPase

K channel(s)
Ca2
3 Na
ß-adrenergic receptor
Na/Ca2 exchanger
Heart muscle
Representative Cardiac Cell
5
Phase 2

Ca2
Ca2
3 Na
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Cell Electrophysiology
6
K
2 K
Phase 2

3 Na
Na
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Ca2
Therapeutic Toxic MoA
7

Clinical features of poisoning digoxin-like
Early on burning sensation in mouth, tingling of
tongue, dry throat, giddiness, nausea vomiting,
diarrhoea
Cardiovascular sinus bradycardia, first and
second degree heart block, junctional rhythms,
atrial and ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular
fibrillation
Other yellow vision, anxiety, convulsions, coma
Diagnosis
cardiac glycoside blood levels
seed remnants, vomitus, gastric aspirate may help
identify
monitor serum potassium and electrolytes
Treatment of poisoning
induce emesis at home (ipecac)
gastric lavage within 1 hour or activated
charcoal
atropine 0.5mg IV for bradycardia, repeated
cardiac pacing for third degree heart block
anti-digoxin Fab antibodies in severe cases

References Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous
plants of Sri Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College
of Paediatricians, 2006 IPCS Inchem. Thevetia
peruviana. Dated March 1990 Accessed at
http//www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant on 29
June 2008 www.wikitox.org
8
Datura metel

S.H.T. SUDESHIKA
T.A.D. SANJEEWA

9

Scientific name Datura metelSynonyms Datura
fastuosa (L.) Datura
alba (Nees.) Family Solanaceae Sinhala
name Ela-attanaTamil name AyigamCommon
names Devil's trumpet,
downy thorn-apple,
black datura, angel's
trumpet

10

Plant habitat Native to China, India and South
East Asia.
It is a common weed in waste and cultivated
land in Sri-lanka and now it is used in
landscaping and
gardening .
Plant description Shrub-like annual herb with
large flowers, typically
white or yellow with
deep purple accents. Leaves are alternate and
simple.
Traditional use Leaves/dried flowers are used
to relieve asthma or wheezing like symptoms in
many cultures eg Chinese herbal medicine (yáng
jin hua).
Leaf poultices are applied to engorged breasts
to relief excess milk production, rheumatic
swelling of joints and lumbago.
Powdered root is rubbed into gums or stuffed
into cavities for toothache.
Toxic part of the plant all parts.
Main toxic constituents tropane alkaloids

Leaves/flowers - mainly atropine
Seeds/roots - mainly hyoscyamine
Fruits scopolamine
Dose Accidentally (or intentionally)
ingesting even a single leaf could
lead to severe side effects
Symptoms anticholinergic
Thirst, dry mouth, blurred vision,
photophobia, urinary retention occur soon after
ingestion. Skin is hot, dry and flushed. Pupils
are dilated and fixed.
Cardiovascular effects are sinus tachycarida,
hypertension, supra/ventricular arrhythmias,
orthostatic hypertension.
Severe poisoning causes disorientation,
agitation, violent behaviour, convulsions,
delirium, visual and auditory hallucinations,
ataxia, respiratory depression, coma.

Mode of action
It stimulates the central nervous system and
simultaneously depresses peripheral nerves and
dilates the pupils by peripheral action. The most
probable action in this case is paralysis of the
occulomotor nerve ending or its myoneural
junction.
Treatment of poisoning
Ipecac to induce emesis or gastric lavage.
Activated charcoal to reduce absorption of toxic
substances.
Catheterization to empty bladder if necessary
Diazepam for hallucinations and delirium.

References
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura_metel
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/
poison/Daturme.htm
www.people.vcu.edu/asneden/tropane20alkaloids.pd
f
waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0703.htm
DMA Jayaweera. Medicinal plants used in Ceylon
Parts 1-5. Colombo National Science Foundation,
2006
Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous plants of Sri
Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College of
Paediatricians, 2006

13
Abrus precatorius

D. Niyangoda T.A. Ekanayaka
14

Scientific name Abrus precatorius L.
Synonyms A.minor, A.pauciflorus
Family Leguminosae
Sinhala name Olinda
Tamil name Adisamiyai
Common names
Abrus seed, crabs eye, Indian bead, Indian
liquorice, wild liquorice, lucky bean, prayer or
rosary beads, precatory bean, weather plant,
jumble beads, jequirity bean
Plant description slender perennial twiner
Habitat grows wild in dry regions of Sri Lanka
at low elevations
Traditional use
To cure itch, sores and wounds due to bites of
dogs, cats and rats

Toxic part of the plant seed
The most poisonous parts of the plant involved in
poisoning are the small, scarlet seeds, that have
a black eye at the hilum
Toxicity One seed well masticated can cause
fatal poisoning (adults and children)
Main toxins Abrin - concentrated in seeds
Mode of action
Abrin exerts its toxic action by attaching itself
to the cell membranes
It has a direct action on parenchymal cells (eg
liver and kidney cells) and red blood cells
Clinical effects
Early features of toxicity - burning of the mouth
and oesophagus, and severe gastroenteritis with
vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Haematemesis and melaena are less common
Later - drowsiness, disorientation, weakness,
stupor, convulsions, shock, hepatotoxicity,
cyanosis, retinal haemorrhages, haematuria, and
acute renal failure (oliguria) can occur
(Contact with the eyes can cause conjunctivitis
and even blindness)

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by the presence of the typical
manifestations following ingestion
gastroenteritis with risk of dehydration,
haematemesis and melaena. Drowsiness and
convulsions may occur.
Toxicological analysis of body fluids for the
poison is not helpful.
Plant material, seeds or remnants of seeds,
vomitus and gastric aspirate should be collected
in clean bottles for identification.
Main risks and target organs
The main risk is the severe gastroenteritis
leading to dehydration and shock. Ingested seeds
can affect the gastrointestinal tract, the liver,
spleen, kidney, and the lymphatic system.
Treatment
Administration of fluids and electrolytes will
alleviate dehydration.
References

17
Myristica fragrans

M. Jayasinghe
C.M.C. Indrajith

Scientific name Myristica fragrans
Family Myristicaceae
Sinhala name Sadikka, Wasawasi (aril)
Tamil name Adipam, Attigam, Kasam, Sadi,
Sadikkay
English/common names Nutmeg, Mace tree
Plant habitat
A native of E.Moluccas and other Indian Islands
Now cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malaya,
Philippines, W.Indies South America
Traditional use
As a spice in foods
As a traditional medicine for diarrhoea
Toxic part of the plant seeds (nutmeg) and, to a
lesser extent, the aril (mace)

myristicin
19

Mode of action
Elemicin undergoes oxidation of its oleficin side
chain to produce TMA (3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine)
, a psychotropic drug agent
Myristicin produces MMDA which is metabolised to
form TMA. MMDA has a higher potency than TMA
Nutmeg has monoamineoxidase inhibition properties
and anti-prostaglandin synthesis effects
Clinical features of poisoning
symptoms are usually seen within 3-6 hours after
ingestion and vary according to the dose taken
and the variability between different samples of
nutmegs
intoxication resembles anti-cholinergic
intoxication ie profuse sweating, flushed face,
dry mouth, burning epigastric pain, tachycardia,
restlessness, giddiness, hallucinations
unlike anti-cholinergic symptoms pupils constrict
Diagnosis
Blood monitoring (electrolytes, liver enzymes,
renal function) and urinalysis
Treatment of poisoning symptomatic and
supportive
Induce emesis (with ipecac) or gastric lavage
Activated charcoal
Diazepam for restlessness or hallucinations

References http//www.rain tree
nutmeg.com/plant images/myristica pic.htm
01.07.2008 http//www.inchem.org/documents/pim
s/plants/pim335.htm 1.07.2008
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ 1 July 2008
Jayaweera DMA. Medicinal plant use in Ceylon -
Part 3. Colombo The National Science Foundation,
2006
20

Alocasia macrorrhiza

U.G.W.L.Jayeweera C.Premely
21

Scientific name Alocasia macrorrhiza
Synonyms A.odora, A.commutata, Colocasia
macrorrhiza, Caladium glycyrrhizum, Philodendron
peregrinum, Arum grandiflorum
Family Araceae (Magnoliophyta)
Sinhala name Habarala
Tamil name Parum sembu
English/common names
giant taro, elephant ear, ape flower
Plant habitat
grows in all tropical countries including India,
Sri Lanka, Malaya Philippines
Traditional use
Acrid juice of the leaf gives instant relief to
stings of the giant nettle
Chopped leaves roots used as an application on
painful joints

Flower of the Alocasia plant
Taro corms
22

Toxic part of the plant all parts
Main toxic constituent/s
all parts of the plant contain specialized cells
containing bundles of needle-like calcium oxalate
crystals and toxic proteins
Mode of action
When the plant is chewed the sharp crystals
injure the mucous membrane allowing toxic
proteins to penetrate
Lethal dose
The extreme oropharyngeal response generally
limits the amount of plant ingested and oxalate
absorbed through the oral mucosa is unlikely to
cause systemic poisoning
Symptoms
Eating parts of the plant causes a severe burning
in mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include
Redness, swelling, pain, burning pain of the
tongue and mucous membranes, profuse salivation,
dysphagia
Swelling can rarely cause obstruction and
respiratory compromise
Loss of speech may last several days and swelling
more than a week
Treatment of poisoning
wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth and
give milk to drink

References http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alocasia
3 July 2008 Jayaweera DMA. Medicinal plants
used in Ceylon. Part 1. Colombo The National
Science Foundation, 2006 Lucas GN, De Silva TUN.
Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka. Colombo Sri
Lankan College of Paediatricians, 2006
23
Nicotiana tabacum
Sanduni Sudusinge Uthpala Siriwardhane Mano
Wickramarathne
24

Scientific name Nicotiana tabacum
Family Solanceae
Sinhalese name Dum kola
Tamil name Phaielai
English name Tobacco
Plant habitat native of tropical and
subtropical America but it is
now commercially cultivated worldwide
Traditional use - as an insecticide
- intestinal worms or constipation
- dried tobacco leaves for chewing,
snuffing or smoking
Toxic part of the plant leaves, stems, roots and
flowers
Main toxic constituents nicotine

Mode of action
Nicotine binds stereo specifically to
acetylcholine receptors at autonomic ganglia, the
adrenal medulla, the neuromuscular junction and
the brain
This evokes the release of catecholamine
nicotine produces ganglionic blockade, vagal
afferent nerve stimulation, or direct depressor
effects mediated by action on the brain
Clinical features of poisoning
Mild salivation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness,
headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, hand tremor
Serious mental confusion, circulatory collapse
(shallow rapid pulse, cold sweating),
convulsions, loss of consciousness, cardiac
arrest, respiratory paralysis
Diagnosis
Blood monitoring (blood gases) and urinanalysis
Treatment of poisoning
induced emesis (ipecac) or gastric lavage and
activated charcoal
supportive therapy directed towards maintaining
respiration and blood pressure (IV fluids) and
controlling convulsions

References www.wikipedia.com www.inchem.org
Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous plants of Sri
Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College of
Paediatricians, 2006
26
POISON NUT !
Scientific name Strychnos nux-vomica
Synonyms S.lucida, S.colbrina, S.aromatica
Family Loganiaceae Sinhala name
Godakaduru, Visha kaduru Tamil name Eddi,
Etti, Kagodi English/common name Poison
nut, Nux vomica, Quaker buttons Plant habitat
? dry forests of Ceylon, flowers in August
? A moderate sized or large tree
with an erect trunk, Slide 5 ?
Bark ? Wood ? Leaves ?
Flowers ? Fruit Traditional use Root
- cures fever and bites of venomous snakes
Used for preparation of
homeopathic medicine Toxic part of the plant
seed (although all parts toxics)
Wathsala Wimalasena Kanishka Jayaweera
27

Main toxic constituents strychnine,
(brucine)
Constituent type alkaloids
.Lethal dose plant poisoning is rare possibly
due to bitter taste
? The quantity of strychnine in one seed
could be fatal
? If seeds are swallowed uncrushed they
are not poisonous
Mode of action
? Strychnine is a potent convulsant. It
causes increased reflex excitability in the
spinal cord
? Brucine resembles strychnine activity
but it is less potent
Clinical features of poisonings
? Symptoms appear within 15 - 30 min of
ingestion
- Initial symptoms
bitter taste in mouth, feeling of suffocation
- Twitching of the muscles in neck,
body and limbs
- Extreme contractions
affecting all muscles in the body
- The patient is conscious
and has intense pain.

28
Diagnosis ? Based on history of
ingestion and development of muscular
stiffness ? Strychnine (and brucine) can
be measured chemically but there is no time to
perform this procedure before treatment ?
Measure acidosis, serum potassium, SGOT, LDH, CPK
etc Treatment of poisonings ? Activated
charcoal ? Support respiratory and
cardiovascular functions ? If
convulsions cannot be controlled with diazepam
(IV or rectal), or if they recur, administer
phenobarbitone or phenytoin. ?
Intubation with suxamethonium chloride may be
necessary ? When convulsions and
hyperactivity are completely controlled,
gastric lavage can be performed
safely References http//www.inchem.org/docume
nts/pims/plant accessed 29 June 2008 Jayaweera
DMA. Medicinal plant use in Ceylon - Part 3.
Colombo The National Science Foundation, 2006
Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous plants of Sri
Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College of
Paediatricians, 2006
29
Flower
Seed
Leaf
Fruit
Bark
30
Glorisa superba
as a Poisonus Plant in Sri Lanka
Presented by
V.N.Dissanayaka V.Ajeethan
31

Scientific name Gloriosa superba
Synonyms G.simplex, Methonica doniana,
Eugonia superba
Family Colchicaceae, Liliaceae
Sinhala name Niyangala
Tamil Karththigaikkilangu, Illangalli
English/common names
flame lily, glory lily, tiger claw
Plant habitat
native of tropical Africa, India, Malaya, etc
found in low country Sri Lanka
Traditional use
tuber bruises and sprains

Main toxic constituents
colchicine ( gloriosine in tubers)
Constituent type alkaloid
Mode of action
Colchicine has an antimitotic effect
It stops cell division by disrupting the spindle
apparatus during the metaphase
Cells with rapid turnover are affected (bone
marrow, intestinal epithelium, hair-producing
cells -gt hair loss)
It can alter neuromuscular function
(It can withstand drying, storage and boiling -
tubers not a foodsource!)
Clinical features of poisoning
Initial symptoms develop within 6-12 hours of
ingestion
burning pain, numbness, itching and tingling
around the mouth and throat with thirst
nausea, intense vomiting
abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea with blood and
mucus
These lead to
electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, hypovolaemic
shock manifested hypotension and tachycardia

After 24 hours patients develop
Muscle weakness, myoglobinuria, bronchial
constriction, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia,
clotting defects with bleeding, polyneuropathy
cardiac arrhythmias, hepatic insufficiency, acute
renal failure
In severe cases there may be
Respiratory depression, confusion, delirium,
convulsions, coma
Death occurs due to shock or respiratory failure
Diagnosis
Toxicological, biomedical, blood gas,
haematological analyses
Treatment of poisoning
hospitalize the patient immediately
induce vomiting (ipecac) / gastric lavage
give repeated activated charcoal
supportive care eg IV fluid, assisted
ventilation may be needed

References Jayaweera DMA. Medicinal plant use in
Ceylon - Part 3. Colombo The National Science
Foundation, 2006 http//www.inchem.org/documents/
pims/plant (Accessed 4 July 2008 Lucas GN, De
Silva TUN. Poisonous plants of Sri Lanka.
Colombo Sri Lankan College of Paediatricians,
2006
34
Poisonus plants of Sri lanka Ricinus communis

A.D.Wickramasooriya
S.S.Wijerama

Scientific name Ricinus communis Linn.
Synonyms
Ricinus africanus
Willd., Ricinus communis L. var. viridis (Willd.)
Müll. Arg., Ricinus inermis Jacq., Ricinus
lividus Jacq., Ricinus macrocarpus G. Popova,
Ricinus microcarpus G. Popova, Ricinus persicus
G. Popova, Ricinus speciosus Burm., Ricinus
viridis Willd., Ricinus vulgaris Mill., Ricinus
zanzibaricus G. Popova, Croton spinosus
Family Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
Sinhala name/s Erandu, Tel-erandu, beheth
endaru, thel endaru
Tamil name/s Amanakku, Muttu-kottai, Andagam
English/common name/s castor bean,
castor-oil plant, Palma Christii
Plant habitat
Cultivated as a decorative plant in village
gardens in Sri lanka
Probably of African origin but now grows in
tropical, subtropical and temperate areas
Commercially cultivated mainly in Brazil, India,
Italy, etc.
Traditional use
In Sri lanka the root of the plant is used in
pleurodynia (muscular rheumatism) and rheumatic
pains while seeds are used for lumbago and
sciatica
Africans use the bark for stitching up wounds
as a dressing for sores

Toxic part of the plant seeds are the most toxic
part (leaves are also poisonous)
Lethal dose 1mg/kg pure ricin in man
Ingestion of a single well chewed bean has caused
death
1-3 seeds can be fatal to a child
2-4 seeds cause severe poisoning in an adult
poisoning is unlikely if seeds are swallowed
without chewing
Main toxic constituent/s Ricin
Constituent type Glycoprotein or a toxalbumin
member of a class of plant toxins known as type 2
ribosome inactivating proteins
Mode of action Ricin impairs chain elongation in
protein synthesis, causing cell death and tissue
damage
Clinical features of poisoning
Early on - burning sensation of the mouth and
throat occurs
After 3-6 hrs - nausea, vomiting, severe
abdominal pain and diarrhoea resulting in
dehydration electrolyte imbalance and shock
Cardiovascular - hypotention, tachycardia, ECG
changes and circulatory failure

Diagnosis
Blood gases and electrolytes analysis
Close monitoring of renal, hepatic hematological
systems blood clotting.
Botanical pharmacognostical identification of a
sample of the plant or vomitus
Radioimmunoassay with antiricin antibodies
labeled with iodine 125 for ricin in plasma or
urine
Treatment of poisoning
Induce emesis at home (ipecac)
Immediate gastric lavage or activated charcoal
Correct fluid electrolyte imbalance immediately
In case of bronchial asthma, oxygen, B2-agonist
eg salbutamol and corticosteroids may be
necessary (if acute poisoning occurred by
inhalation)
Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be
beneficial in treating skin lesions (if acute
poisoning occurred by skin exposure)

References Jayaweera DMA. Medicinal plants used
in Ceylon. Part 2. Colombo The National Science
Foundation, 2006
http//www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant.htm www
.wikipedia.org Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous
plants of Sri Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College
of Paediatricians, 2006
38
Manihot utilissima

Scientific name Manihot utilissima
Synonyms Jatropha manihot (Kunth),
Manihot manihot (Cockerell),
Manihot melanobasis (Muell)
Family Euphhorbiaceae
Sinhala name "Manyokka"
Tamil names Maravalli Alavalli
English /common name cassava, manioc, tapioca
Plant description shrub with a big tuberous root
Plant habitat The sweet and bitter cassava
plants are indigenous to Southern and Central
America but have been introduced to almost all
tropical countries
Traditional use Used as a food source.
American Indians use the brown juice for burns
By J.S.R.Sherif
E.M.A.K.Ekanayaka

Toxicity of the plant The leaves and roots
contain free and bound forms of the cyanogenic
glycoside linamarin, which is converted to
cyanide in the presence of linamarinase, a
naturally occurring enzyme in cassava or via
exposure to the atmosphere. (Slide 5)
Two varieties
Sweet - contains as little as 20 milligrams of
cyanide (CN) per kilogram of fresh roots
Bitter - may produce more than 50 times as much
(1 g/kg)
The paralytic neurological disease caused by
long-term consumption of cassava is called
mantakassa. Yam that is cut, washed and boiled in
an open container at 72C for long enough will
destroy the enzyme and any hydrocyanic acid
formed will evaporate.
Lethal dose One dose of pure cassava cyanogenic
glucoside (40mg) is sufficient to kill even a
cow. Hence about 300 grams of fresh root is
enough to kill an adult human and about 125 grams
of fresh root would be enough to kill a child
Mode of action
A "large" sudden dose (HCN) is highly poisonous
to all humans and animals because it rapidly
inactivates cellular respiration thereby causing
death. This means that it stops cells from being
able to use oxygen. The heart, respiratory system
and central nervous system are most susceptible
to cyanide poisoning and cease to function as a
result of lack of oxygen.

Clinical features of poisoning
Acute Within 3-6 hours of ingestion burning
epigastric pain, vomiting, flushing of skin, dry
mouth, tachycardia, pupil constriction,
restlessness, giddiness and hallucinations occur.
Chronic initial symptoms are described as
tremor, cramps, a heavy feeling and/or weakness
in the legs, a tendency to fall down and
difficulty remaining upright
There is a visible hypertonic gait when walking
or running
Occasionally there will be lower back pain,
blurred vision, speech difficulties and/or
paresthesia of the legs, but they disappear
within a month, later some people will develop
dysarthria, abnormalities of eye movement,
hypertonicity of the arms
Diagnosis
Acute poisoning signs of extreme metabolic
acidosis
Chronic poisoning a visible hypertonic gait when
walking or running, bilateral brisk knee and
Achilles tendon reflexes without signs of
vertebral lesions
The onset of the disease takes less than one week
and then remains stable
Urinary concentrations of (thiocyanate and
linamarin are elevated)
(Cyanide (CN-) is normally converted thiocyanate
(SCN-) by the enzyme rhodanase)
Treatment of poisoning
There is no known treatment for cyanide poisoning
. Treatment with sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3), a
cyanide antidote, gave disappointing results. A
good and varied diet, high dose multivitamins
(specially B12 ,it detoxifies the HCN) and
physical rehabilitation are advised.

References Affran DK. Cassava and its economic
importance. Ghana Farmer 1968 12(4) 172-178
Bellotti AC et al. Recent advances in cassava
pest management. Ann Rev Entomol 1999 44
343-370 Lucas GN, De Silva TUN. Poisonous plants
of Sri Lanka. Colombo Sri Lankan College of
Paediatricians, 2006
41
(No Transcript)
42
Peganum harmala

Presented by
? M.M.JAYARATHNA
? H.V.N.LAKMALI

Botanical Name Peganum harmala
FamilyName Zygophyllaceae Local Name Ispandur
Urdu Name Harmal Sinhala name Rata aruda
English name Wild Rue Tamil name
Simaiyarawandi Part used Whole plant Flowering
May - June
43
Plant habitat

US states of
Arizona,California
Montana, Texas - grows in salt deserts and shrub
lands.
Grows in India, Persia,
Mediterranean region, Central Asia, Arabia,
North Africa

44
Multibranched, leafy, perennial,bright green,
succulent herb.Leaves divided, seed
angled,Flowers white, single.

Constituent type alkaloids
Harmaline
Harmine
Harmalol
Tetrahydroharmine
Vasicine
Mode of action
Harmaline is a reversible monoamine oxidase
inhibitor found especially in higher quatities in
ripe seeds
The plant also has antibacterial, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity

CLINICAL FEATURES
Overdose is potentially comprised of
hallucinations and neurosensorial syndromes,
bradycardia, low blood pressure, raised body
temperature and gastrointestinal disturbances
such as nausea and vomiting
DIAGNOSIS ON
Physical examination
TREATMENTS
Supportive therapy
IV fluids
Antacids (or H2 antagonists)
References
IPCS Inchem.Peganum harmala Accessed at
http//www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant 04
July 2008
Massoud M et al. Toxicity of Peganum harmala
Review and a Case Report. Iranian Journal of
Pharmacology Therapeutics 2002 1(1) 1-4

46
Adenia palmata

Synonyms Adenia hondala, Granadilla hondala,
Modecca palmata
Family Passifloraceae
Sinhala name/s hondala
Tamil name/s kondala
English/common name/s ?
Plant habitat
large aerial plant climbing by tendrils attached
to large trees growing in the wet and dry zones
along forest edges
Traditional use ?
Toxic part of the plant fruit (which closely
resembles passion fruit -gt accidental
ingestion by children)
Lethal dose ?

47
(No Transcript)
48

Mode of action
1st phase hydrocyanic acid
2nd phase local toxalbumin effects
3rd phase - hypersensitivity reaction
Clinical features of poisoning
1st phase vomiting, fever, restlessness,
dizziness, disorientation, abdominal pain and
diarrhoea within one hour
2nd phase necrotising enteritis -gt diarrhoea
with blood and mucus, abdominal colic and right
iliac fossa tenderness after a variable period of
time
3rd phase myocarditis with ECG changes, tender
hepatomegaly, retinopathy with papilloedema,
exudates and haemorrhages may be seen 2-3 weeks
after ingestion all transient
Diagnosis
cardiac glycoside blood levels
seed remnants, vomitus, gastric aspirate may help
identify
monitor serum potassium and electrolytes
Treatment of poisoning
if no vomiting occurs induce emesis with ipecac
syrup or perform gastric lavage
activated charcoal will help with the absorption
of toxic substances
IV fluid therapy may be needed