Introduction Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a beautiful but dangerous plant, commonly found in gardens around the world. While its ornamental flowers are admired, few people realize that every part of this plant is highly toxic. Oleander poisoning can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, consequences if ingested or used improperly.
Origin and Distribution Native to the Mediterranean region, Oleander has spread to various parts of the world due to its ornamental value. It thrives in warm climates and is often used in landscaping for its hardy nature and vibrant flowers.
Toxic Components Oleander contains toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides, specifically oleandrin and neriine, which affect the heart. These glycosides interfere with the normal functioning of heart muscles by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump, leading to fatal arrhythmias.
Symptoms of Poisoning Symptoms of Oleander poisoning include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat (bradycardia or tachycardia)
- Dizziness and confusion
- Visual disturbances
- In severe cases: coma, seizures, and death
Lethal Dose As little as 0.5 mg of oleandrin can be deadly for humans. Ingesting just a few leaves of the plant can be fatal, particularly for small children or pets. Even inhaling smoke from burning oleander can cause severe poisoning.
Time Needed to Kill The onset of symptoms can occur within a few hours of ingestion, with death possibly occurring within 24 hours if the poisoning is severe and untreated.
Detection in Autopsy During an autopsy, Oleander poisoning can be identified by testing blood and tissue samples for the presence of cardiac glycosides. Specialized toxicology screenings are needed as these compounds may not be detected in routine tests.
Antidote and Treatment There is no specific antidote for Oleander poisoning, but treatment includes activated charcoal to prevent further absorption and medications to manage cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind) may be used to counteract the effects of the cardiac glycosides.
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