Toxins

Atropine is a tropane alkaloid that naturally occurs in plants of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Members of this family include deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), Angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium). Atropine acts as an anticholinergic agent, blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous …

Atropine: Nature’s Powerful Aid in Critical Care Read More »

Is oleander toxic? Nerium oleander, commonly referred to as ‘oleander‘, is a highly toxic plant native to the Mediterranean basin and Asia. The toxic properties are several cardiac glycosides collectively known as ‘cardenolides‘ including oleandrin, neriine, digitoxigenin, and digitoxin. These toxins disrupt the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase pump) in the cell membrane. The sodium-potassium pump …

The Toxic Properties of Oleander: Understanding the Dangers Read More »

What are nettles?  Ι   Exploring the mechanisms of action of nettles   Ι  Understanding the biological reasons why nettles sting   Ι  What does a nettle sting feel like?   Ι  How to treat a nettle sting  Ι   How long do the symptoms last?  Ι   Do nettles have venom?   Ι  Why do nettles not sting when you eat …

Nettle Stings: How and Why They Happen Read More »

What is abrin?  Ι  About Abrus precatorius  Ι  Mechanism of action Ι  Abrus precarious uses   Ι  Symptoms  Ι   Diagnosis   Ι   Treatment   Ι Summary What is abrin? Abrin is a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) found in the seeds of the rosary pea (Abrus precatorius L.), family Fabaceae. The rosary pea is a herbaceous …

Deadly Seeds: The Dangers of Abrin Poisoning Read More »

What are grayanotoxins?  Ι   Sources of grayanotoxins  Ι   Mad honey  Ι   Mechanism of action  Ι   Clinical signs of grayanotoxin poisoning   Ι  Diagnosis  Ι   Treatment  Ι   Prognosis  Ι   Prevention  Ι   Conclusion What are grayanotoxins? Grayanotoxins are a type of neurotoxin found in several plants of the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and pieris. Grayanotoxins bind to …

Unraveling Grayanotoxins: Nature’s Toxic Secret Read More »

Jump to: Poison hemlock    Queen Anne’s lace     Difference between poison hemlock and Queen Anne’s lace     Flowers     Leaves     Stem Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) are biennial plants with similar feather-like leaves and umbel flowers. However, while one is a popular garden plant, the other one is highly toxic. The similarity between …

Poison Hemlock vs Queen Anne’s Lace: What is the Difference? Read More »

What are insoluble calcium oxalate crystals?  Ι  What is the function of raphides?  Ι   How are raphides formed?  Ι   What happens if a plant that contains raphides is consumed?  Ι  Plants that contain raphides  Ι   First aid  Ι   Is it safe to keep plants that contain raphides? Ι   Potential applications What are insoluble calcium oxalate …

What are Insoluble Calcium Oxalate Crystals? Read More »

Saponins are a class of natural compounds found in many plant species, that typically have a bitter taste. They are characterized by their amphiphilic nature, which means they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, due to the presence of a hydrophobic triterpene or steroidal sapogenin backbone and one or more hydrophilic sugar molecules attached to …

Saponins: The Secret to Plant Defense Read More »