Toxic, Hallucinogenic and Allergic Plants (PDF)

Toxic, Hallucinogenic and Allergic Plants 1  1. Introduction Humans learned about plant toxicity early on, by probably the hard way. (This is similar to how kids learn. They’ll either learn by trying (hard way) or are taught slowly) When toxicity...

Toxic, Hallucinogenic and Allergic Plants 1  1. Introduction Humans learned about plant toxicity early on, by probably the hard way. (This is similar to how kids learn. They’ll either learn by trying (hard way) or are taught slowly) When toxicity was high, it was exploited for hunting or for war; when it was moderate, humans learned to watch out for it.  In fact, vernacular names‫العامية‬ ‫االسماء‬ document this empirical knowledge ‫تجريبي‬ (poison hemlock, deadly nightshade, henbane, dumb cane, poison oak). We have scientific names, English names, and vernacular names. Early on as well, humans recorded their observations.  In common language, toxic plant is equated with poison hemlock, digitalis, belladonna, in other words “lethal” plants. Fortunately, the problems caused by the plants in our environment are generally less dramatic. They mostly have multiple facets )‫(جوانب كثيرة‬  Allergy differs from one person to another. Some people might have penicillin allergy and others won’t. ‫أزهار الزيتون‬ might also cause allergies. Respiratory allergy, allergic dermatitis, phytophotodermatitis (phyto = plant, photo = light, dermatitis = inflammation of the skin). Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s wort or Hypericum, is a plant that will cause phytophotodermatitis when ingested and then exposed to the sun. It is used in moderate depression and one of its species grows in the UJ. We must advice the patient to not be exposed to the sun when using the plant because the active ingredients in the plant, hypercin and hyperforin, are sensitive to the light. )‫ الروجى‬,‫ نبات القديس‬,‫(الحمرا‬ and thorn injury are plant problems as probable as ingestion.  Defining exactly what constitutes a poisonous ‫يشكل‬ plant is not easy; almost any plant can cause nausea and vomiting or intestinal cramping when enough is ingested. However a suitable definition is that poisonous plants are those which contain specific components that when small quantities (1g – 2g) are used (via ingestion or just via contact) cause specific biochemical alterations or physiological symptoms. For example: For mint (grass) to be toxic, we need 20Kg; therefore, it is not considered a toxic plant. No one will ingest this large amount of mint!  In 1994, the United States poison control centers (AAPCC) recorded 103,616 calls. The magnitude of these figures is an invitation to determine the circumstances of the calls, to evaluate ‫ظروف‬ the true consequences of the ‫نتائج عواقب‬ accidents, and to inventory the plant‫جرد‬ species at fault. Doesn’t mean that all calls were because of PLANT poisons.  Health professionals, physicians, pharmacists are the first to be concerned with incidents and accidents caused by plants. Pharmacist are considered the only health professional members who are familiar in botany, so is the main ‫دراية مألوف‬ defense line.  It is well known that many plants produce chemical compounds which cause different reactions for other living organisms, either in direct contact or by ingestion. Primary compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) can be defined as those required for a plant's basic metabolism. Secondary compounds, loosely, are all others. Many of the secondary metabolites would be toxic to the organism producing them if allowed to accumulate or become concentrated in living tissues.  Plants evolved ‫ طورت‬self-protective ways (similar to what bacteria does = resistance) of handling potentially toxic secondary metabolites (waste product) by: removing them physically into metabolically inactive locations (e.g. bark, vacuoles, roots, etc); converting them into non toxic compounds via specific chemical reactions (hydroxylation); Plants found that secondary metabolites gave them an opportunity for effective defense against attack by herbivorous insects (such as thorns (‫)ورد الجوري‬, bad smell, or having a bitter taste)  For years, emphasis‫ التركيز ز‬was shown mainly on these plant compounds possessing many therapeutically activities. Poisonous plants are to be found among all types of native plants: algae, fungi, ferns, herbs, shrubs, and trees. For example: ergot (ergotism) is a toxic plant but has been used as a vasoconstrictor. Blood will no longer reach the extremities and might lead to gangrene. This doesn’t mean that it is no longer used. It is used in small quantities for migraines and excessive bleeding during childbirth. Ergotamine was later isolated from ergot. In conclusion, toxic plants can be used therapeutically.  Some of our most cultivated ornamentals ‫ نباتات الزينة‬are extremely poisonous and these plants very common in houses and public buildings (restaurants, hotels). Fortunately, relatively large amounts of most plants are necessary to produce serious or fatal poisoning in man.  The majority of the victims in poisoning are children; small children have a great curiosity and will often chew on anything within reach. Much smaller amounts of the toxin are needed to cause very severe or fatal results (because they have smaller bodies).  The toxic constituents of these plants are determined by different factors such as: stage of the development, climate and other environmental factors, habitat, plant parts, and different varieties of the same species. E.g. on the stage of development: cannabis. When the plant is first planted, the main active ingredient will be cannabidiol (CBD). As it grows, CBD will start to convert into THC (active ingredient we want). Another example is opium poppy. The first two weeks, the main active ingredient will be codeine. In the third to sixth week, morphine will predominate. The term poisonous plant designates many kinds of plants as well as a wide range of poisonous or disturbing‫ مزعج‬effects. These effects may generally be classified as:. INTERNAL POISONING CAUSED BY EATING PLANT PARTS Gastrointestinal Irritants Oxalates ( calcium oxalate (salt), oxalic acid) Protoanemonins ( protoanemonin, ranunculin) Toxalbumins ( ricin) Saponins ( hederin, cucurbitacin E)  Action on the heart muscle ( Cardiovascular Stimulants/ Depressants) (E.g. is digoxin, which is obtained from digitalis) Cardenolides ( oleander, squill) Diterpene Alkaloids ( aconite) Glycosteroidal Alkaloids ( solanine, solasodine) Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids ( Iycorine)  C. Colchicinoids (plants containing colchicine) D. Carcinogenic irritant Eupborbiaceae (latex producing plants) F. Action on the autonomic nervous system - Anticholinergics ( hyoscyamine, scopolamine) - Nicotinomimetic Alkaloids (coniine, nicotine) G. Cyanogenic Plants (compounds containing a cyano group)(amygdalin, prunasin: precursor of and intermediate in the biosynthesis of amygdalin). They are found in bitter and sweet almonds (and in the seeds of apricots). Luckily, sweet almonds (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) contain very small concentrations; however, bitter almonds will contain large concentrations of amygdalin and prunasin (Prunus amygdalus amara). Amygdalin is responsible for the bitterness of the almonds. The cyanide group in amygdalin will be converted into HCN in the body when ingested, which is toxic and might lead to asphyxiation. Cyanide might be used in suicidal attempts. H- Toxins and Teratogens (an agent or factor which causes malformation of an embryo). Avoid plants such as chamomile and mint especially in the first months.  Colchicine is used for the following: Gout Mediterranean Fever Last choice in cancer treatment Behcet's Disease ALLERGIES OR ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO WIND-BLOWN SPORES OR POLLEN. Inhalant Allergens Ingestant Allergens Injectant allergens Contactant allergens 3. DERMATITIS OR SKIN IRRITATION CAUSED BY DIRECT OR INDIRECT CONTACT WITH A PLANT. (such as poison ivy) 4. MECHANICAL INJURY FROM SHARP PRICKLES, OR THORNS FOUND IN MANY PLANTS. 5. Hallucinogens Fungi Lysergic Acid Derivatives (LSD) Indian Hemp (cannabis → Hashish and marijuana) Ibogain DMT ( Dimethyltryptamine) Peyote (spineless cactus native to Mexico. Europeans drink it when celebrating → euphoria) Coca and Cocaine Alkaloids of Opium (Morphine → Heroin)  Our objectives‫ اهدافنا‬are To increase the awareness‫ الوعي‬of these potential dangers, To aid ‫المساعدة‬in the identification of the more common poisonous plants native, ornamental or cultivated in Jordan, and To assist you in the recognition‫ التعرف‬of symptoms and treatment of such cases. This field is where the practicing pharmacist, in his ever-expanding clinical role of adviser, can make an outstanding contribution to public health and community welfare‫رفاهية‬. ‫ في دوره‬، ‫هذا المجال هو المكان الذي يمكن فيه للصيدلي الممارس‬ ‫ أن يقدم مساهمة بارزة في رفاهية‬، ‫السريري المستمر في التوسع كمستشار‬.‫للصحة العامة ورفاهية المجتمع‬