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Pombo Geertsma I, van der Linden CFH, Vickery R, van Andel TR. Why are plants named after witches and devils in north-western Europe? J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117804. [PMID: 38307353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Witches in Western Europe are associated with the use of medicinal, abortifacient, hallucinogenic, and toxic plants. Curiously, these associations are not backed up by first-hand evidence and historians are unconvinced that people convicted as witches were herbalists. Local plant names provide an untapped source for analysing witchcraft-plant relationships. AIM OF THE STUDY We analysed vernacular plant names indicating an association with witches and devils to find out why these species and witchcraft were linked. MATERIALS AND METHODS We constructed a database with vernacular names containing the terms witch and devil in related north-west European languages. The devil was added because of its association with witchcraft. The plant species' characteristics (e.g., medicinal use, toxicity) were assessed to determine if there were non-random associations between these traits and their names. RESULTS We encountered 1263 unique vernacular name-taxa combinations (425 plant taxa; 97 families). Most species named after witches and/or devils were found within the Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae. For Dutch, German and English we confirmed associations between witchcraft names and toxicity. Hallucinogenic plants do not appear to be associated with witch-names. For Dutch, we found significant associations between plant names and medicinal and apotropaic uses, although we did not find any association with abortifacient qualities. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that there is a wide variety of plants associated with witches and the devil in north-western Europe. Plant names with the terms witch and devil were likely used in a pejorative manner to name toxic and weedy plants, and functioned as a warning for their harmful properties. Our study provides novel insights for research into the history of witchcraft and its associated plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Pombo Geertsma
- Quantitative Biodiversity Dynamics, Utrecht University Botanic Gardens, Utrecht University, 3508, TD, the Netherlands; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box, 2300 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Corné F H van der Linden
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708, PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Roy Vickery
- South London Botanical Institute, 323 Norwood Road, London, SE24 9AQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Tinde R van Andel
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box, 2300 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands; Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708, PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Tan Y, An K, Su J. Review: Mechanism of herbivores synergistically metabolizing toxic plants through liver and intestinal microbiota. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 281:109925. [PMID: 38643812 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Interspecific interactions are central to ecological research. Plants produce toxic plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) as a defense mechanism against herbivore overgrazing, prompting their gradual adaptation to toxic substances for tolerance or detoxification. P450 enzymes in herbivore livers bind to PSMs, whereas UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and glutathione S-transferase increase the hydrophobicity of the bound PSMs for detoxification. Intestinal microorganisms such as Bacteroidetes metabolize cellulase and other macromolecules to break down toxic components. However, detoxification is an overall response of the animal body, necessitating coordination among various organs to detoxify ingested PSMs. PSMs undergo detoxification metabolism through the liver and gut microbiota, evidenced by increased signaling processes of bile acids, inflammatory signaling molecules, and aromatic hydrocarbon receptors. In this context, we offer a succinct overview of how metabolites from the liver and gut microbiota of herbivores contribute to enhancing metabolic PSMs. We focused mainly on elucidating the molecular communication between the liver and gut microbiota involving endocrine, immune, and metabolic processes in detoxification. We have also discussed the potential for future alterations in the gut of herbivores to enhance the metabolic effects of the liver and boost the detoxification and metabolic abilities of PSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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Teixeira CJR, Dos Santos BP, Saraiva CJC, Pedroza HDP, Oloris SCS, Soto-Blanco B. TLC and HPLC methods for the determination of plumbagin for the diagnosis of poisoning by Plumbago scandens L. Toxicon 2024; 239:107634. [PMID: 38307130 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Plumbago scandens L. (Plumbaginaceae) occurs in all regions of Brazil. It has been described as toxic to cattle and goats. Caustic lesions in the upper digestive tract characterize poisoning. P. scandens contains a naphthoquinone named plumbagin, which presents high cytotoxic activity. Plumbago auriculata Lam., a widely used ornamental plant, is considered potentially toxic, but there is limited data about its toxicity. This work aimed to validate analytical methodologies for determining the levels of plumbagin in samples of leaves, stems, and rumen content to be used as an auxiliary chemical marker in the laboratory diagnosis of intoxication. One methodology used thin layer chromatography (TLC), and another used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) R.D.Webster), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs), corn silage, and rumen content did not interfere with plumbagin in the two methodologies. The TLC methodology generates qualitative results but is simple to implement and has a low cost. The HPLC methodology showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 μg/mL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.05 μg/mL. Leaf and stem samples of P. scandens evaluated showed high levels of plumbagin (0.261 ± 0.087 % and 0.327 ± 0.055 %, respectively). In contrast, leaves of P. auriculata did not show detectable levels of the toxin, and some stem samples showed low levels (up to 0.000114 %). Thus, these methodologies can be used to confirm or rule out the consumption of P. scandens in rumen content from animals suspected of poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos José Rocha Teixeira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31275-013, Brazil
| | - Barbara Pereira Dos Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31275-013, Brazil
| | - Carolina Julia Costa Saraiva
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31275-013, Brazil
| | - Heloísa de Paula Pedroza
- Centro Universitário Presidente Antônio Carlos (UNIPAC), Rodovia MG 482, Km 3, Conselheiro Lafaiete, MG, Brazil
| | - Silvia Catarina Salgado Oloris
- Serviço de Biologia Celular, Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias (Funed), Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30510-010, Brazil
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31275-013, Brazil.
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Lima TS, Silva Filho GB, Fonseca SMC, Bom HASC, Silva JPG, Frota MLSL, Santos JRP, Tenório MSM, Araújo EAM, Barbosa FPS, Wicpolt NS, Mendonça FS. Outbreaks of dermatopathy caused by Tephrosia noctiflora intoxication in Brazilian cattle. Toxicon 2023; 231:107201. [PMID: 37336392 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to update the knowledge concerning the intoxication by Tephrosia noctiflora in Brazilian cattle herds by reporting new cases of intoxication in lactating cows, their calves and bulls and highlight the epidemiology, clinical signs, pathogenesis, gross, and microscopic lesions. The morbidity and mortality of this intoxication in the farms studied was low. Gross lesions in all affected cattle consisted of dermatitis with hyperpigmentation, crusts, ulceration, erythema, and lichenification in the skin of limbs, ventral abdomen, perianal and perineal areas of lactating calves and adult cattle. Microscopically, the main lesion observed consisted of severe dermatitis with parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, papillated proliferation, and diffuse, accentuated lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate in the epidermis and dermis. The presence of skin lesions mainly in the limbs and ventral abdomen of cattle implies the pathogenesis of intoxication is related to a primary contact dermatitis, and the occurrence of similar lesions on the skin of nursing calves reinforces this hypothesis. The putative toxins of T. noctiflora have been thought to be rotenoids. Additional work is needed to define better if these compounds are the main toxin responsible for the dermatopathy observed in these herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma S Lima
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Givaldo B Silva Filho
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Silvio M C Fonseca
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Hisadora A S C Bom
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - João P G Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Maria L S L Frota
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - José R P Santos
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - Emanuel A M Araújo
- Monteiro Ranch products, Rua Antonio Francisco de Lira, Buenos Aires, PE, 55845-000, Brazil
| | | | - Nathalia S Wicpolt
- Federal University of Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, S/N, Ondina Campus, BA, 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Fábio S Mendonça
- Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
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Long K, Townesmith A, Overmiller A, Applequist W, Scalzo A, Buchanan P, Bitter CC. Plant identification applications do not reliably identify toxic and edible plants in the American Midwest. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:524-528. [PMID: 37535032 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2237282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to potentially toxic plants is a global problem, resulting in thousands of calls to poison centers and emergency department visits annually and occasional deaths. Persons with limited botanical knowledge may be tempted to rely on smartphone applications to determine if plants are safe to forage. This study evaluated the reliability of several popular smartphone applications to identify foraged foods and distinguish them from potentially toxic plants in the Midwestern United States. METHODS Sixteen plant species were selected based on local availability, attractiveness as foraged food, and potential for misidentification. Of the 16 species, five are edible, three are potentially toxic if improperly harvested or prepared, and eight are considered to be toxic. Plant specimens were identified by graduate-level botanists and photographed during multiple stages of their growth cycles. LeafSnap, PictureThis, Pl@ntNet and PlantSnap were used to identify the plants. RESULTS Overall accuracy of the applications in identifying plant genus was 76% (95% confidence interval: 73-79, range 96% for PictureThis to 53% for PlantSnap). Accuracy for identification of plant species was 58% (95% confidence interval 55-62%, range 94% for PictureThis to 34% for PlantSnap). Five of eleven potentially toxic species were identified as an edible species by at least one application. CONCLUSION Accuracy of the smartphone applications varies, with PictureThis outperforming other apps. At this time, apps cannot be used to safely identify edible plants. Foragers must have adequate botanical knowledge to ensure safe harvesting of wild plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevan Long
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- United States Air Force, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Scalzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Section of Toxicology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Paula Buchanan
- Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Cindy C Bitter
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Wang Y, Sun Y, Liu Y, Wang Z, Chang S, Qian Y, Chu J, Hou F. Ecological thresholds of toxic plants for sheep production and ecosystem multifunctionality and their trade-off in an alpine meadow. J Environ Manage 2022; 323:116167. [PMID: 36116258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Toxic plants are a natural component of alpine meadow which co-evolved with Tibetan sheep for thousands of years. One challenge for indigenous herders is to know the ecological thresholds of toxic plants and maintain their vital functions in ways that are compatible with economic income and ecological conservation. To achieve this, field trials with Tibetan sheep grazing in alpine meadow were conducted to examine the ecological thresholds of toxic plants for sheep production and ecosystem functions and their trade-offs. Our results demonstrated that the changing point values of biomass proportion of toxic plants for dry matter intake and liveweight gain of sheep were 17% and 22%, respectively. The changing point value of biomass (richness) proportion of toxic plants for soil carbon accumulation index was 31% (59%), for soil nutrient cycling index was 38% (42%), and for ecosystem multifunctionality index was 28% (50%). The trade-off between liveweight gain of sheep and ecosystem multifunctionality first decreased and then increased along the gradient of biomass proportion of toxic plants (the value of changing point was 37%), and had a significant negative correlation with richness of toxic plants. In addition, structural equation modeling indicated that toxic plants can affect the trade-off between liveweight gain of sheep and ecosystem multifunctionality though increasing acid detergent fiber of plant and decreasing plant species richness, belowground biomass and soil total phosphorus. Consequently, opinions towards toxic plants should shift from the conventional view that they are serious threat to grassland ecosystem health to an inclusive understanding that they are beneficial to livestock and ecosystem functions under certain ecological thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China; Grassland Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Zhaofeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Shenghua Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Yongqiang Qian
- Grassland Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Jianmin Chu
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Fujiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China.
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Ubiali DG, Lee ST, Gardner DR, Cook D, Pereira GO, Riet-Correa F. Cestrum axillare (Solanaceae) poisoning in ruminants. Toxicon 2022; 218:76-82. [PMID: 36115412 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Cestrum axillare poisoning causes significant economic losses in farms of ruminant production due to a fatal acute hepatic disease. The consumption of C. axillare occurs on farms or pastures with a scarcity of feed or with dry forage. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data of poisoning outbreaks by C. axillare from 1953 to 2021 in grazing ruminants in southeastern Brazil are reported. A total of 68 bovines, two buffaloes, and two goats exhibited clinical signs and resulted in death due to C. axillare consumption, with 79% of the cases occurring during the dry period. Clinical signs were apathy, anorexia, ruminal arrest, arched back, and constipation with hard stools, sometimes with blood or mucus. Cases with neurological signs due to hepatic encephalopathy showed excitement, aggressiveness, drooling, staggering, and muscle tremors. The pathological findings included hepatocellular necrosis in the liver and microcavitations in the brain's white matter (status spongiosus). The hepatotoxins, carboxyparquin and parquin, were detected in C. axillare leaf samples collected from paddocks grazed by cattle in three southeastern Brazilian municipalities where outbreaks of C. axillare poisoning occurred. This is the first report of parquin and carboxyparquin in C. axillare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Ubiali
- Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP), Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRuralRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Stephen T Lee
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Logan, USA
| | - Dale R Gardner
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Logan, USA
| | - Daniel Cook
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Logan, USA
| | - Gabriela O Pereira
- Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP), Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRuralRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil
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Lozano MC, Roa L, Moreno CA, Verján-García N, Doncel B. Experimental intoxication of Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers with Enterolobium cyclocarpum fruits. Toxicon 2022; 216:57-64. [PMID: 35780973 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a poisonous plant distributed throughout the Americas. The E. cyclocarpum fruits have high toxic potential for cattle in Colombia and the clinical signs and pathological lesions are ill-defined. To begin address this issue, twelve Brahman heifers were administered E. cyclocarpum fruits and the evolution of clinical signs were recorded. Blood was collected to establish biochemical and hematological parameters. Animals were euthanized between 4 and 15 days after the initial dose was given, and tissue samples were routinely processed and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin. The severity of clinical signs and tissue lesions were correlated with the dose of E. cyclocarpum fruits. Clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, sialorrhea, jaundice, tympanism, and diarrhea. Skin lesions were consistent with photosensitization. Hematological and biochemical tests showed increased hematocrit, neutropenia, increased serum fibrinogen, elevated hepatic enzymes and azotemia. Histology revealed panlobular cytoplasmic vacuolization and extensive foci of necrosis in the liver. The skin, fore-stomach, abomasum and intestine revealed microcirculatory, inflammatory and ulcerative changes. Protein casts and tubular epithelium vacuolization were found in kidney. Depending on the toxicosis intensity, it is concluded that E. cyclocarpum fruits may cause two clinical and pathological forms of poisoning in Brahman heifers. First, a severe intoxication at repeated exposition with high (20 g/kg/d) or low (10 g/kg/d) dose that affected the digestive and tegumentary systems and the kidney. Second, a mild to moderate form with a single low dose (10 g/kg/d) that affected in lower grades the same systems/organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María C Lozano
- Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia.
| | - Leonardo Roa
- Laboratorio de Patología Veterinaria- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Moreno
- Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Noel Verján-García
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, USA
| | - Benjamín Doncel
- Laboratorio de Patología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Sroka L, Müller C, Hass ML, These A, Aboling S, Vervuert I. Horses' rejection behaviour towards the presence of Senecio jacobaea L. in hay. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:25. [PMID: 34996467 PMCID: PMC8740075 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Senecio jacobaea contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can induce severe hepatic intoxication in horses, either acute when ingested in high amounts or chronic when consumed over a long period. The aim of this study was to determine horses' rejection behaviour towards the presence of Senecio jacobaea in hay when fed ad libitum. We hypothesized that adult horses can sort Senecio jacobaea out of the contaminated hay when hay is fed ad libitum. Six warmblood geldings with a mean (±SD) age of 15 ± 2 years were included. In a randomized study, Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay (5% or 10% contamination level) was provided at several timepoints over the day for 1 hour to six. Hay was provided ad libitum for the rest of the day. The horses' rejection behaviour towards Senecio jacobaea was observed. If a horse ingested two Senecio jacobaea plants twice at different timepoints, then the horse was excluded from the experiment. RESULTS Two out of six horses had to be excluded from the study after three out of 12 observation periods due to repeated Senecio jacobaea intake. Two other horses had to be excluded after nine and 11 out of 12 observation periods. Only two horses were able to sort out the various amounts (5 and 10% contamination level) of Senecio jacobaea during the whole experiment. CONCLUSIONS Horses' intake of Senecio jacobaea cannot be avoided despite being fed with hay ad libitum. Due to the risk of chronic intoxication by pyrrolizidine alkaloids intake, feeding Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay must be avoided, and pastures with Senecio jacobaea growth are considered inappropriate for feed production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Sroka
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Clara Müller
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marie-Lena Hass
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja These
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Aboling
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Machado M, Queiroz CRR, Wilson TM, Sousa DER, Castro MB, Saravia A, Lee ST, Armién AG, Barros SS, Riet-Correa F. Endemic Xanthium strumarium poisoning in cattle in flooded areas of the Araguari River, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Toxicon 2021; 200:23-29. [PMID: 34217747 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizael Machado
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA Tacuarembó, Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | - Cintia R R Queiroz
- Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tais M Wilson
- Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Via L4 Norte, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Davi E R Sousa
- Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Via L4 Norte, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Márcio B Castro
- Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Via L4 Norte, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Anderson Saravia
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Plataforma de Salud Animal, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Stephen T Lee
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Logan, USA
| | - Aníbal G Armién
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Severo S Barros
- Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Graduate Program in Animal Science in the Tropics, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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11
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Otter J, Mayer S, Tomaszewski CA. Swipe Right: a Comparison of Accuracy of Plant Identification Apps for Toxic Plants. J Med Toxicol 2020; 17:42-47. [PMID: 32794048 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-020-00803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plant identification applications for use on smartphones have been increasing in availability, accuracy, and utilization. We aimed to perform an introductory study to determine if a plant identification application (ID app) used on a smartphone could identify toxic plants, and to compare apps to determine which is most reliable. METHODS We compared three popular iPhone plant ID apps, PictureThis (PT), PlantSnap (PS), and Pl@ntNet (PN), used to identify 17 commonly encountered toxic plants. Apps were used to photograph the entire plant, leaves, and flowers of ≥ 10 different plants for each species. Two toxicologists performed plant identification with confirmation of identification performed by a botanist, and inter-researcher agreement was confirmed. For each plant species, scores for accuracy of app identification of leaves, flowers, and whole plant were combined to create an overall composite score used to compare accuracy of each app (95% C.I.). RESULTS PictureThis had the best performance with 10/17 (59% [36 to 78]) plant species identified 100% correctly, as opposed to 8/17 (47% [26 to 69]) for Pl@ntNet and 1/17 for PlantSnap (5.8% [1.1 to 27]). CONCLUSION A plant identification app may be a useful tool to assist healthcare providers and the public in identifying toxic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Otter
- Department of Medical Toxicology, University of California, San Diego, 200 Arbor Dr #8676, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA.
| | - Stephanie Mayer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 334 UCB, N132 Ramaley, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Christian A Tomaszewski
- Department of Medical Toxicology, University of California, San Diego, 200 Arbor Dr #8676, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
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12
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Gordon RJ, Hungerford NL, Laycock B, Fletcher MT. A review on Pimelea poisoning of livestock. Toxicon 2020; 186:46-57. [PMID: 32730770 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pimelea poisoning of cattle, historically known as St. George Disease or Marree Disease, is a prevailing issue in arid grazing regions of inland Australia. Ingestion of the toxic native Pimelea species that contain the secondary metabolite simplexin, a diterpene orthoester with potent protein kinase C activity, induces diarrhoea, characteristic oedema and potentially fatal right-sided heart failure in cattle. Outbreaks of toxic Pimelea in the grazing field depend on seasonal prevalence. However, all stages of the plant carry the toxin, from seeds, juvenile plants to dead plant material. Livestock generally avoid consuming green Pimelea plants and only consume toxic Pimelea when pasture is minimal or where Pimelea growing through grass tussocks results in inadvertent ingestion. Our knowledge base of Pimelea poisoning has greatly improved with past research, yet the health hazards for livestock grazing in Pimelea affected pastures remains a significant issue whilst the ongoing search to develop effective strategies to mitigate poisoning continues. The goal of this review is to collate historical and recent research giving an overview of the current understandings of Pimelea poisoning, the toxin, its toxic effects and progress made towards remedies to alleviate the effects of Pimelea intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell J Gordon
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Health and Food Science Precinct, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | - Natasha L Hungerford
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Health and Food Science Precinct, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Laycock
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mary T Fletcher
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Health and Food Science Precinct, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD, 4108, Australia.
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Serodio JJ, Silva Castro LT, Morais TL, Cunha RDDS, Ferreira de Sant'Ana FJ, Juliano RS, Junqueira Borges JR, Soares Fioravanti MC, Jorge da Cunha PH. Evaluation of the resistance of Nellore, Curraleiro Pe-duro and Pantaneiro cattle breeds by experimental intoxication of Palicourea marcgravii. Toxicon 2019; 168:126-130. [PMID: 31325459 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Palicourea marcgravii is the most important toxic plant in Brazil due to its acute toxicity (sudden death), palatability, cumulative effect and broad geographical distribution. The study aimed to evaluate the resistance between cattle of different breeds by experimental intoxication of Palicourea marcgravii. Eighteen males were randomly divided into three groups (Nellore, Curraleiro Pe-Duro and Pantaneiro), six animals in each group. All animals were experimentally intoxicated with P. marcgravii at 0.5 mg/kg of equivalent sodium monofluoracetate acid, receiving one single oral dose. All cattle presented symptoms and the toxic plant caused death in all cattle of the Nellore and Pantaneiro breeds and only three Curraleiro cattle. No changes were observed in the leukogram, fibrinogen, albumin, total protein and bilirubins. Hyperglycemia and increased of aspartate transaminase, creatinine kinase, urea and creatinine were detected in all breeds. Changes in the values of the gamma glutamyl transferase were individualized and did not follow a standard response. Fourteen cattle presented the histopathological findings of renal hydropic degeneration. The lower death rate of Curraleiro cattle indicates a higher resistance than cattle of the Nellore and Pantaneiro breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana J Serodio
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Luma T Silva Castro
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Tábata L Morais
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Roberta Dias da Silva Cunha
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | - José Renato Junqueira Borges
- Hospital Veterinário, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Via L4 Norte, Cx. Postal 4508, Brasília, DF, 70910-970, Brazil
| | - Maria C Soares Fioravanti
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Jorge da Cunha
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rodovia Goiânia - Nova Veneza, Km 8 Campus Samambaia, CEP, 74001-970, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Kitamura M, Kazato A, Yamamuro T, Ando H, Sasaki Y, Suzuki R, Shirataki Y. Rapid identification of Aconitum plants based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:408. [PMID: 31307543 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Aconitum plants (Ranunculaceae) exhibit toxicity, and accidental ingestion of the plants has been reported in Japan. Identifying the cause of poisoning is important for emergency medical treatment, and a rapid and simple detection technique is required for the identification of poisoning cause. In the present study, we developed a rapid and simple method for detecting Aconitum plant DNA using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Results Specific LAMP primers for Aconitum plants were designed based on the trnL–trnF intergenic spacer region. Using the LAMP primers, the LAMP assay included an initiation reaction of 10 min followed by amplification for 20 min at the isothermal reaction temperature of 65 °C. The LAMP reaction was demonstrated to be specific and highly sensitive to Aconitum plants, given that the assay can be used for 1 pg of purified DNA. Using raw extracted DNA as template, the entire detection procedure from DNA extraction to final detection required only 30 min. Moreover, the protocol identified samples containing approximately 5 mg of Aconitum plants cooked and digested with artificial gastric juice. The currently proposed protocol exhibits good potential as a screening method of Aconitum plant poisoning for emergency medical care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4463-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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15
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Lima SC, Godoy KCS, Leal PV, Lee ST, Pfister JA, Souza AI, de Barros CSL, de Lemos RAA. Toxicity of the different vegetative stages of Amorimia pubiflora to sheep. Toxicon 2018; 158:47-50. [PMID: 30471379 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxic plants containing monofluoroacetate (MFA) cause sudden death in livestock in Australia, South Africa and Brazil, causing economic losses to producers. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of MFA present in young leaves, mature leaves, senescent leaves, and seeds of Amorimia pubiflora harvested at different times of the year and to determine their toxic effect on sheep. Samples of Amorimia pubiflora were collected during April, August and December of 2015 and March of 2016, separated according to the vegetative stage (young leaves, seeds, mature leaves, and senescent leaves), dried in an oven, and administered in daily doses of 5 g/kg/body weight (bw) of fresh leaves to sheep through ruminal cannulae. The experiment was divided into four stages according to the time of collection of the plant so that each sheep received a different vegetative stage of the plant (young leaves, mature leaves, and senescent leaves). Only in the second stage of the experiment was it possible to collect A. pubiflora seeds, which were administered using the same method used for the administration of the leaves. The sheep were dosed with the plant until they showed clinical signs of toxicosis or until the plant was no longer available. Aliquots of leaves and seeds of A. pubiflora were analyzed for MFA concentration. The seeds and young leaves had higher concentrations of MFA than did the mature (harvested in August and December) and senescent (harvested in December) leaves. However, all vegetative stages of the plant were toxic and caused fatal poisoning. The results of our study showed that A. pubiflora is toxic to sheep even when MFA concentrations are low, demonstrating that the presence of this substance is a risk factor for the occurrence of poisoning. Knowing the toxic principle and its variations allow us to determine the conditions for the occurrence of plant toxicosis as well as possible treatment, control, and prophylaxis methods, contributing significantly to the reduction of economic losses on farms due to plant poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Lima
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil.
| | - Kelly C S Godoy
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil.
| | - Paula V Leal
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil.
| | - Stephen T Lee
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1150 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT 84341, USA.
| | - James A Pfister
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1150 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT 84341, USA.
| | - Alda I Souza
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, FAMEZ, UFMS, Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| | - Claudio S L de Barros
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, FAMEZ, UFMS, Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo A A de Lemos
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, FAMEZ, UFMS, Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
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16
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Kharchoufa L, Merrouni IA, Yamani A, Elachouri M. Profile on medicinal plants used by the people of North Eastern Morocco: Toxicity concerns. Toxicon 2018; 154:90-113. [PMID: 30243516 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the North Eastern region of Morocco, many people are interested in medicinal plants and their uses. However, the rationale for the utilization of medicinal plants has remained largely underestimated with little or no scientific data on plant safety. In this paper we attempt to describe and establish a detailed list of current knowledge in relation to the toxicity of these plants and to evaluate the scientific data concerning the harmful effects of the selected natural products. Our approach consists of collecting published data from literature in specialized journals, books and website related to the toxic plants. This research revealed that 89 plant species, retrieved from 287 plants used as medicine in the North-Eastern region of Morocco, are considered toxic or present some kind of toxicity. Our data determines 55 compounds isolated from the plants which are dominated by five groups of toxic compounds: alkaloids followed by glucosides, terpenoids, protides and phenolics. The present work discusses toxicity-related issues arising from the use of medicinal plants by local people. We conclude that the database considered in this study could serve as an important source of information on the toxicity of medicinal plants used by this society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Kharchoufa
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Ilyass Alami Merrouni
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Amal Yamani
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Mostafa Elachouri
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
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17
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Azmat R, Moin S, Saleem A. The insects as an assessment tool of ecotoxicology associated with metal toxic plants. Chemosphere 2018; 197:703-708. [PMID: 29407834 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this article, the assessment of lethal effects of Copper (Cu) on Luffa acutangula and Spinacia oleracea plants investigated in relation to the presence of insect species Oxycarenus hyalinipennis. The analysis of Cu-treated plants displays the information of rapid growth of Oxycarenus hyalinipennis species in triplicate. However, results showed that the impact of metal toxicity appeared as the reduced growth rate of plants, and dense growth of the insect species Oxycarenus halinipennis followed by the chewing/degradation of the toxic plant. The insect's inductees into polluted plants were justified by morphological and primary molecular level using plant stress hypothesis through analysis of the primary chemistry of leaves and roots. That includes various sugar contents which substantiated that these compounds act as the best feeding stimulant from oviposition to adult stage of the insects and accountable for the enactment of insects in the toxic plants. The relationship of these insects to the toxic plants linked with the higher contents of glucose, carbohydrates, and cellulose. The higher carbohydrate and cellulose content in both plants species under Cu accumulation exhibited more signs of insect mutilation over control plants and the lack of chemical resistances allowed the adult insects to spread, survive, reproduce and live long. The presence of insects developed relationships that assimilate all developmental, biological, and the interactive toxicity of Cu in both plant species which indicate the risk associated with these plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafia Azmat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Sumeira Moin
- Department of Botany, University of Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ailyan Saleem
- Department of Chemistry, University of Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
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18
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de Oliveira Neto TS, Riet-Correa F, Lee ST, Cook D, Sousa Barbosa FM, da Silva Neto JF, Simões SVD, Lucena RB. Poisoning in goats by the monofluoracetate-containing plant Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae). Toxicon 2017; 135:12-16. [PMID: 28576552 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of a spontaneous outbreak of Palicourea aeneofusca poisoning in goats are reported. The main clinical signs were motor incoordination, generalized muscle tremors, broad-based posture, tachypnea, tachycardia, vocalization and respiratory distress. Two goats died 5 and 20 min after the observation of the first clinical signs. Another that was found recumbent died 80 h later. One goat with mild clinical signs recovered. Congestion and hemorrhages were observed macroscopically and histologically in most organs. Pulmonary edema was also observed. The main microscopic findings consisted of cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis of the renal tubular epithelium. The average concentration of monofluoroacetate obtained in sixteen samples of P. aeneofusca was 0.29 ± 0.17%. It is concluded that P. aeneofusca is toxic to goats under natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temístocles Soares de Oliveira Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Campina Grande, Health and Rural Technology Center, Avenida Universitária S/N - Bairro Santa Cecília - Patos, CEP: 58708-110, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Campina Grande, Health and Rural Technology Center, Avenida Universitária S/N - Bairro Santa Cecília - Patos, CEP: 58708-110, Paraíba, Brazil; National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA), La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
| | - Stephen T Lee
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1150 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT, 84341, USA
| | - Daniel Cook
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1150 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT, 84341, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Barbosa Lucena
- Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, CEP: 58397-000, Brazil
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Carlier J, Guitton J, Romeuf L, Bévalot F, Boyer B, Fanton L, Gaillard Y. Screening approach by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the blood quantification of thirty-four toxic principles of plant origin. Application to forensic toxicology. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2014; 975:65-76. [PMID: 25438245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plant poisonings have left their mark on history and still cause many deaths, whether intentional or accidental. The means to show toxicological evidence of such poisonings should be implemented with great care. This article presents a technique for measuring thirty-nine toxic principles of plant origin in the blood, covering a large amount of toxins from local or exotic plants: α-lobeline, α-solanine, aconitine, ajmaline, atropine, brucine, cephalomannine, colchicine, convallatoxin, cymarine, cytisine, digitoxin, digoxin, emetine, gelsemine, ibogaine, jervine, kavain, lanatoside C, lupanine, mitragynine, neriifolin, oleandrin, ouabain, paclitaxel, physostigmine, pilocarpine, podophyllotoxin, proscillaridin A, reserpine, retrorsine, ricinine, scopolamine, senecionine, sparteine, strophanthidin, strychnine, veratridine and yohimbine. Analysis was carried out using an original ultra-high performance liquid chromatography separation coupled with tandem mass spectrometry detection. Extraction was a standard solid phase extraction performed on Oasis(®) HLB cartridge. Thirty-four of the thirty-nine compounds were put through a validation procedure. The assay was linear in the calibration curve range from 0.5 or 5 μg/L to 1000 μg/L according to the compounds. The method is sensitive (LOD from 0.1 to 1.6 μg/L). The within-day precision of the assay was less than 22.5% at the LLOQ, and the between-day precision was less than 21.5% for 10 μg/L for all the compounds included. The assay accuracy was in the range of 87.4 to 119.8% for the LLOQ. The extraction recovery and matrix effect ranged from 30 to 106% and from -30 to 14%, respectively. It has proven useful and effective in several difficult forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Carlier
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 800 av. Marie Curie Z.I. Jean Jaurès, 07800 La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France; Ecole Doctorale Interdisciplinaire Sciences-Santé, Université Claude Bernard, Hôpital Louis Pradel, 28 av. du Doyen Lépine, 69677 Bron, France.
| | - Jérôme Guitton
- Laboratoire de toxicologie, Faculté de pharmacie de Lyon, 8 av. Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon, France; Laboratoire de pharmacologie-toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Ludovic Romeuf
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 800 av. Marie Curie Z.I. Jean Jaurès, 07800 La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France
| | - Fabien Bévalot
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 71 av. Rockefeller, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Baptiste Boyer
- Institut Médico-Légal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Fanton
- Institut médico-légal, Faculté de médecine, 12 av. Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Yvan Gaillard
- Laboratoire LAT LUMTOX, 800 av. Marie Curie Z.I. Jean Jaurès, 07800 La Voulte-sur-Rhône, France
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Lima EF, Riet-Correa F, de Medeiros RMT. Spontaneous poisoning by Solanum subinerme Jack as a cause of cerebellar cortical degeneration in cattle. Toxicon 2014; 82:93-6. [PMID: 24561122 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present work reports cerebellar degeneration in cattle associated with the ingestion of Solanum subinerme in northern Brazil. The main clinical signs were periodic crises with loss of balance, falls, opisthotonus, and nystagmus. The histological lesions consisted of diffuse vacuolation of the perikaryon of the Purkinje neurons, followed by the loss of these cells and their substitution by Bergman glia. It is concluded that S. subinerme is another species of Solanum that causes cerebellar degeneration in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everton Ferreira Lima
- Batista Superior School of the Amazon, R. Leonor Teles, 153, Adrianópolis, Manaus AM 69057-510, Brazil
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, CEP 58700-310 Paraíba, Brazil.
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Ndhlala AR, Ncube B, Okem A, Mulaudzi RB, Van Staden J. Toxicology of some important medicinal plants in southern Africa. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 62:609-21. [PMID: 24075916 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Africa is home to two major floral kingdoms: the Paleotropical kingdom of central Africa and the Capensis kingdom of the Western Cape province of South Africa, the latter of which consists of approximately 10,000 species, representing about 20% of Africa's floral 'gold mine', better known as the Cape herbal medicine. Needless to say, such rich flora comes with numerous plants with a potential to cause poisoning to humans. This review document reports important toxic medicinal plants and their toxic ingredients for plant species resident in the southern African region. These include important medicinal uses and pharmacological properties ranging from antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory as well as those that are used as aphrodisiacs and for maternal health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwell R Ndhlala
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3201, South Africa
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