Related Experiment Videos
Prolonged cardiotoxicity from poison lilly (Veratrum viride)
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|September 26, 2000
Summary
A man experienced severe poisoning after consuming Veratrum viride (false hellebore) soup, mistaking it for leeks. The case highlights the critical need for accurate plant identification to prevent toxic ingestions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Botany
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Accidental ingestion of toxic plants can mimic common culinary ingredients.
- Veratrum viride, commonly known as false hellebore, contains toxic alkaloids.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with severe vomiting, altered mental status, bradycardia (30 bpm), and profound hypotension (40/p mmHg) after consuming soup containing Veratrum viride.
- ECG revealed ST segment depression, and the patient required atropine, fluids, and dopamine infusion for hemodynamic support.
Findings:
- The ingested "leeks" were identified as Veratrum viride by a botanist.
- The patient's symptoms, including bradycardia and heart block, persisted for approximately 48 hours despite initial treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the danger of misidentifying wild plants for consumption.
- Accurate botanical identification is crucial in managing poisoning cases and preventing severe toxicity from plants like Veratrum viride.