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[A case of Veratrum poisoning]
M Festa1, B Andreetto, M A Ballaris
1Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale Ospedale Martini, Università degli Studi, Torino.
Minerva Anestesiologica
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Accidental Veratrum album poisoning, mistaken for Gentiana lutea, caused severe gastrointestinal and cardiocirculatory issues. Atropine is the recommended treatment for this plant poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Veratrum album and Gentiana lutea are often confused due to morphological similarities.
- Accurate plant identification is crucial to prevent accidental poisoning.
Observation:
- A case of poisoning resulted from mistaking Veratrum album infusion for Gentiana lutea.
- Distinct botanical features, such as leaf arrangement (alternate in V. album, opposite in G. lutea) and flower color (white for V. album, yellow for G. lutea), differentiate the two plants.
Findings:
- The poisoning affected the gastrointestinal system, causing pyrosis and vomiting.
- Cardiovascular effects included bradyarrhythmias, A-V dissociation, and vasodilation.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of precise botanical identification in herbal medicine and toxicology.
- Underscores the potential dangers of plant-based remedies when misidentified.
- Identifies atropine as the primary therapeutic agent for Veratrum album poisoning.