Poisonings in ruminants by Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis (Fabaceae): A mini-review of teratogenic potential and phytochemical evidence.

Teratogenic plants can be found in pastures in different parts of the world and represent a threat to the reproduction of ruminants. In the northeast region of Brazil, several studies have indicated that Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis is one of the main poisonous plants that causes reproductive problems in sheep and goats. In this context, the present study reviewed spontaneous and experimental poisonings reports by C. pyramidale in sheep and goats, as well as analyzing the phytochemical evidence related to this species. The scientific documents were retrieved from different databases and, after applying the selection criteria, a total of 16 articles published between 2000 and 2024 were included in this review. Cenostigma pyramidale causes embryonic loss, abortion, and congenital malformations in pregnant sheep and goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The main malformations observed in newborn animals are arthrogryposis, scoliosis, micrognathia, multiple skull deformities, cleft palate, and brachygnathism. Many secondary metabolites have already been isolated from C. pyramidale, however, to date, no evidence has been found regarding the possible teratogenic compounds that occur in this plant. From this perspective, new phytochemical studies are necessary to help unravel the mechanisms of action of embryotoxic agents from C. pyramidale.

Unveiling the Dark Side of Datura in Pediatric Poisoning With Insights From Jordanian Experience : A Retrospective Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: Datura stramonium , jimsonweed, is a toxic plant with hallucinogenic properties. Although there are many studies on Datura poisoning, none reported cases in Jordan. This study offers a comprehensive review on D. stramonium ingestion, covering its epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. We aimed to provide better understanding of the factors for Datura ingestion, identify prevention and management strategies, and address research challenges. METHODS: This study adopted a retrospective review design to evaluate the cases of Datura poisoning in Al Karak, province of Jordan during the spring of 2022. Data collected from medical records, toxicology databases, and consultation records were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The common symptoms of Datura poisoning included agitation, mydriasis, and tachycardia. The management approaches comprised supportive care, administration of Diazepam for agitation, and, in some cases, neostigmine to counteract anticholinergic effects. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the risks associated with D. stramonium poisoning and implementing effective prevention and management strategies are crucial. This study highlights the importance of recognizing Datura poisoning as a potential diagnosis in children presenting with unexplained anticholinergic symptoms or agitation to the emergency room.

Japanese Yew (Taxus) poisoning of wild ungulates in Utah during the winter of 2022-2023.

Taxus is a genus of coniferous shrubs and trees, commonly known as the yews, in the family Taxaceae. All species of yew contain taxine alkaloids, which are ascribed as the toxic principles. Anecdotally, free ranging ruminants such as antelope, deer, elk, and moose have been regarded as tolerant to yew. Herein several cases of intoxication of deer, elk, and moose by yew from the state of Utah in the winter of 2022-2023 are documented. Ingestion of yew was documented by three means among the poisoned cervids; plant fragments consistent with yew were visually observed in the rumen contents, chemical analysis, and subsequent detection of the taxines from rumen and liver contents, and identification of exact sequence variants identified as Taxus species from DNA metabarcoding. Undoubtedly, the record snowfall in Utah during the winter of 2022-2023 contributed to these poisonings.

Solanum glaucophyllum intoxication in goats: Case study.

Solanum glaucophyllum is a toxic plant with calcinogenic effect that causes enzootic calcinosis (EC) characterized by soft tissue metastatic mineralization mainly in cattle and rarely sheep, buffaloes, pigs, horses, and goats. We describe an outbreak of EC in a herd of 64 goats due to S. glaucophyllum consumption. Thirty-four goats were affected exhibiting hirsutism, stiffening, kyphosis and emaciation. Twelve goats died. Grossly, tissue mineralization was observed in the aorta and carotid arteries, lungs, and heart. Lesions were characterized by multiple rough white plaques, and hardened tissues with loss of elasticity. Microscopically, multisystemic mineralization was observed in aorta and carotid arteries, heart, lung, abomasum, intestine, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, spleen, and meninges, characterized by extensive granular basophilic deposits of tunica media and/or intima of blood vessels; confirmed as calcium salt deposits with Von Kossa stain. We conclude that ingestion of S. glaucophyllum can cause EC in goats. Though EC is rare in goats under some conditions such as heavy drought and abundant S. glaucophyllum exposure disease can develop.

Acute death as a result of poisoning tropical (Bos taurus indicus) but not temperate (Bos taurus taurus) cattle after oral dosing with Lupinus leucophyllus (velvet lupine).

Due to climate change and increasing summer temperatures, tropical cattle may graze where temperate cattle have grazed, exposing tropical cattle to toxic plants they may be unfamiliar with. This work compared the toxicity of Lupinus leucophyllus (velvet lupine) in temperate and tropical cattle. Orally dosed velvet lupine in tropical cattle caused death. If producers opt to graze tropical cattle, additional care must be taken on rangelands where toxic lupines like velvet lupine grow.

Pine needle abortions in cattle due to consumption of Pinus ponderosa in Argentina: Case reports.

Two outbreaks of pine needle abortions in cattle are here reported for the first time in Argentina. The cases occurred in Chubut and Neuquén provinces in the Patagonia region, causing 29.6% and 9% of abortions in each herd respectively. In both outbreaks, the dams were in the last third of gestation, and, due to a period of cold, snow and lack of available forage, they gained access to Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta forests. No pathological lesions, serological, molecular, or microbiological evidence of infectious causes were observed in any of the six fetuses analyzed. Microhistological analysis of feces confirmed higher presence of fragments of Pinus spp. needles in the diet of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (12.2 vs 3.0%). Moreover, toxicological analysis showed higher tetrahydroagathic acid in the sera of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (10.05 vs 2.81 ppm). In addition, this acid was detected in different fetal fluids (3.6-8.1 ppm) of the six fetuses analyzed. Interestingly, isocupressic acid was detected only in needles of P. ponderosa, and its content was lower than that found in other areas of the world (0.31 and 0.5% in Chubut and Neuquén respectively). These results confirm that the consumption of P. ponderosa by dams could have been the cause of these abortion outbreaks, a fact that should be considered as differential diagnosis in abortions of cattle, especially in silvopastoral systems of Argentina.

Rhododendron poisoning in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Northern Germany.

Poisoning is often suspected to be the origin of disease in South American camelids (SACs) by owners, but only in a few cases this assumption can be confirmed. In small ruminants, rhododendron poisoning is a common emergency for livestock veterinarians. However, this condition has rarely been reported in SACs so far. This paper provides information regarding clinical findings, hematology, clinical chemistry, and treatment of four alpacas after presumed intake of rhododendron leaves including pathological findings of one of the animals. Rhododendron leaves contain grayanatoxins that lead to hyperpolarization of excitable cells. Clinical signs that were observed in the presented alpacas comprised: salivation, dehydration, decreased motility of compartment 1, uncoordinated regurgitation, and cardiac arrhythmia. Clinical chemistry revealed that rhododendron poisoning was associated with metabolic acidosis and azotaemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Most striking macroscopic and histopathological findings included gastric ulceration, and renal infarcts along with inflammatory changes. Leaves of Rhododendron spp. were identified in the forestomach content of this animal. Affected animals were treated symptomatically as there is no specific antidote in rhododendron poisoning. This included parenteral rehydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis (infusion of sodium bicarbonate solution), and oral administration of activated charcoal to bind potential toxins. In addition, antibiotic treatment might be necessary to prevent aspiration pneumonia in case of uncoordinated regurgitation. Of the four animals, the worst affected alpaca was euthanized, one had minimal signs and two responded to supportive care and recovered. In conclusion, rhododendron poisoning might be fatal for alpacas in individual cases and therefore rhododendron bushes should not be placed in the habitat of SACs.

Indigofera cryptantha-induced pigmenturia in cattle in South Africa.

Two field cases of reddish-black pigmenturia occurred where cattle grazed on an established Cenchrus ciliaris (blue buffalo grass) pasture in South Africa. The pasture was noticeably invaded by Indigofera cryptantha, which was heavily grazed. Apart from the discolored urine, no other clinical abnormalities were detected. Urinalysis revealed hemoglobinuria, proteinuria and an alkaline pH. When the animals were immediately removed from the infested pasture, they made an uneventful recovery. However, a bull died when one of the herds could not be removed from the I. cryptantha-infested pasture. Macroscopically, the kidneys were dark red in color and the urinary bladder contained the dark pigmented urine. Microscopically, the renal tubules contained eosinophilic, granular pigment casts in the lumen. In addition, many renal tubular epithelial cells were attenuated with granular cytoplasm and were detached from the basement membranes. Chemical analysis was performed on dried, milled plant material and two urine samples collected during the field investigations. Qualitative UPLC-UV-qTOF/MS analysis revealed the presence of indican (indoxyl-ß-glucoside) in the stems, leaves and pods of I. cryptantha and indoxyl sulfate was identified, and confirmed with an analytical standard, in the urine samples. It is proposed that following ingestion of I. cryptantha, indican will be hydrolysed in the liver to indoxyl and conjugated with sulfate. Indoxyl sulfate will then be excreted in relatively high concentrations in the urine. In the alkaline urine, two indoxyl molecules might dimerize to form leucoindigo with subsequent oxidation to indigo, thus, contributing to the dark pigmentation of the urine. It is also possible that indoxyl sulfate contributed to the renal failure and death of the bull. Although I. suffruticosa-induced hemoglobinuria has been described in Brazil, this is the first report of I. cryptantha-induced pigmenturia in cattle in South Africa.

Chronic phalaris toxicity in macropods is widespread and peaks in July in Victoria, Australia.

Phalaris aquatica is pasture species introduced into Australia during early European settlement. Consumption of the plant can cause the neurological condition chronic phalaris toxicity (CPT) in sheep and cattle. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of CPT in macropods, which has raised concerns regarding its impacts on their welfare. Currently, little is known about the distribution or seasonal patterns of this disease in wildlife, information pivotal in assessing its potential risks. Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a survey targeting government bodies, veterinary businesses and wildlife organisations to investigate the locations and time of occurrence of CPT in macropods in the state of Victoria, Australia. We received 13 survey responses, 12 verbal reports, a full record of investigated cases from a university veterinary school and cases from a wildlife rescue organisation. Over the period of 11 years, Victoria had 918 cases of CPT recorded in macropods from 36 local government areas, with cases concentrated centrally just north of the state capital of Melbourne and July (midwinter) being the month with the highest case count (n = 220). There was a significant positive correlation between case count and both the abundance of kangaroos (Macropus giganteus and Macropus fuliginosus) (P < 0.01) and the abundance of P. aquatica (P = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between annual case count and average rainfall of March (P = 0.016) and April (P = 0.02). Understanding these relationships will assist land and wildlife managers in predicting the risk and magnitude of disease outbreaks of CPT each in Victoria.

Ruminant metabolism of zygacine, the major toxic alkaloid in foothill death camas (Zigadenuspaniculatus).

Death Camas (Zigadenus spp.) are common poisonous plants distributed throughout North America. The toxic alkaloids in foothill death camas are zygadenine and a series of zygadenine esters, with zygacine, the 3-acetyl ester of zygadenine, being the most abundant. Both cattle and sheep can be poisoned by grazing death camas, however, sheep consume death camas more readily and are most often poisoned. We hypothesized that the presence of enzymes, including esterases present in the rumen, liver, and blood of livestock would metabolize zygacine. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolism of zygacine in sheep and cattle using in-vitro and in-vivo systems. Results from experiments where zygacine was incubated in rumen culture, plasma, liver S9 fractions, and liver microsomes and from the analysis of rumen and sera from sheep and cattle dosed death camas plant material demonstrated that zygacine is metabolized to zygadenine in the rumen, liver and blood of sheep and cattle. The results from this study indicate that diagnosticians should analyze for zygadenine, and not zygacine, in the rumen and sera for the diagnosis of livestock suspected to have been poisoned by foothill death camas.

Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning.

INTRODUCTION: The death of Socrates in 399 BCE is described in Plato's dialogue, the Phaedo, written an unknown time afterwards from accounts by others. THE EVIDENCE: Socrates' death has almost always been attributed to his drinking an extract of poison hemlock, Conium maculatum, despite apparent discrepancies between the clinical features described in classical translations of the Phaedo and general clinical experience of poisoning with the toxic alkaloids it contains. EVALUATION: Recent acute philological analysis of the original Greek text has resolved many of the discrepancies by showing that the terms used in the classical translations were misinterpretations of the clinical signs described. It is also likely that the unpleasant clinical effects, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and muscle fasciculation commonly described in modern reports of poison hemlock poisoning, were not mentioned to present the death of Socrates in a way consistent with his philosophical ideals and those of his pupil Plato. CONCLUSIONS: Seen in this way, the death of Socrates can be accepted as a limited case report of Conium maculatum poisoning. Even after reaching that conclusion, intriguing scientific questions remain about the toxicity of the coniine alkaloids and the mechanisms of their effects.

Pyrogallol Toxicosis in Horses.

Plants in the maple genus, Acer, and pistachio genus, Pistacia, have been reported to cause acute hemolysis in horses. The cause of hemolysis seems to be metabolism of gallic acids to the potent oxidant pyrogallol by enteric bacteria of the horse. Diagnosis is often tentative and circumstantial. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and can include detoxification, fluid and electrolyte therapy, supplemental oxygen, and pain control. Corticosteroid and antioxidant therapies do not improve prognosis. Prognosis is guarded to poor but horses that survive 6 days postexposure are expected to recover.

Plants Causing Toxic Myopathies.

Boxelder and sycamore maple contain hypoglycin A (HGA), the toxic metabolite of which, MCPA-CoA, inhibits fatty acid ß-oxidation, causing seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) or atypical myopathy (AM), respectively. White snakeroot and rayless goldenrod contain multiple benzofuran ketones (BFKs). The identity/toxicity of BFKs appear variable, possibly involving interactions between toxins/toxic metabolites, but ultimately inhibit cellular energy metabolism. Unthrifty horses grazing sparse pastures during the fall appear predisposed to these plant-associated, frequently fatal, toxic myopathies. Toxidromes are characterized by varying degrees of rhabdomyolysis and cardiac myonecrosis, with plant toxins remaining toxic in hay and being excreted in milk.

Deliberate Self-Poisoning with Plants in Southeastern France, a Poison Center 20-Year Report.

INTRODUCTION: In a few regions of the globe, deliberate botanical intoxication may induce significant rates of toxicity and fatality. The objective of this report was to describe plant self-intoxication using the experiences of the southeastern France poison control center (PCC) between 2002 and 2021. RESULTS: During those 20 years, 262 deliberate plants poisonings were reported involving 35 various plants. In most of the cases, poisoning was caused by Nerium oleander (n = 186, 71%), followed by the Datura genus (4.2%), Ricinus communis (3.8%), Taxus baccata (1.9%), Digitalis purpurea (1.2%), Aconitum nape (1.9%), Myristica fragans (1.5%), and Pyracantha coccine (1.2%). Through the 262 plants poisonings, 19 patients among the 186 Nerium oleander poisonings received Digifab as an antidote and 1 patient received physostigmine among the 11 Datura poisonings. Only four deaths were reported for this review, each involving Nerium oleander. DISCUSSION: The first involved species was Nerium oleander (71% of all plants poisonings), then Datura sp and Ricinus communis. It is explained by this native local species' important repartition. Most patients must be admitted to an emergency department for adapted medical care; however, only 41 of them described severe poisonings symptoms. Even fewer needed an antidote, only 20 patients. There is no protocol for the use of a specific treatment, and it might be interesting to develop one for this purpose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective review was realized with files managed by the southeastern France PCC based in Marseille from 2002 to 2021. Our department covers the complete French Mediterranean coast, Corsica, and tropical islands (Reunion Island, Mayotte). For every patient, toxicity was evaluated using the Poison Severity Score (PSS).

DNA barcoding as new diagnostic tool to lethal plant poisoning in herbivorous mammals.

Reliable identification of plant species in the digestive tract of a deceased animal often represents the major key to diagnose a lethal intoxication with poisonous plants in veterinary pathology. In many cases, identification of the species is challenging or even impossible because the diagnostic morphological features have been degraded, and because the interpretation of such features requires a considerable expertise in plant anatomy and biodiversity. The use of DNA barcoding markers can support or even replace classical morphological assessment. While these markers have been widely used for plant taxonomy, their forensic application to clarify causes of animal poisoning is novel. In addition, we use specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms as fingerprints. This allows for a clear decision even in cases, where the conventionally used statistical e-values remain ambiguous. In the current work, we explore the feasibility of this strategy in a couple of exemplary cases, either in concert with anatomical diagnostics, or in cases where visual species identification is not possible, or where chemical toxin detection methods are not well established, complex, time consuming and expensive.

[One case of acute poisoning with stramonium].

This paper reported 1 case of poisoning caused by stramonium. Cases of Datura poisoning have been reported nationwide, Its effect on the central nervous system of patients is characterized by first excitation and then inhibition, clinical manifestations include decreased gland secretion, dilated pupils, and tachycardia, etc. Its poisoning mechanism is anticholinergic effect, the effect on Peripheral nervous system is to inhibit Parasympathetic nervous system. Hemoperfusion combined with neostigmine anticholinergic therapy at the early stage of poisoning can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients in a short time.

Severe outcomes following pediatric cannabis intoxication: a prospective cohort study of an international toxicology surveillance registry.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of jurisdictions have legalized recreational cannabis for adult use. The subsequent availability and marketing of recreational cannabis has led to a parallel increase in rates and severity of pediatric cannabis intoxications. We explored predictors of severe outcomes in pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department with cannabis intoxication. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we collected data on all pediatric patients (<18 years) who presented with cannabis intoxication from August 2017 through June 2020 to participating sites in the Toxicology Investigators Consortium. In cases that involved polysubstance exposure, patients were included if cannabis was a significant contributing agent. The primary outcome was a composite severe outcome endpoint, defined as an intensive care unit admission or in-hospital death. Covariates included relevant sociodemographic and exposure characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-eight pediatric patients (54% males, median age 14.0 years, interquartile range 3.7-16.0) presented to a participating emergency department with cannabis intoxication. Fifty-two patients (38%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, including one patient who died. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, polysubstance ingestion (adjusted odds ratio = 16.3; 95% confidence interval: 4.6-58.3; P < 0.001)) and cannabis edibles ingestion (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.9-15.9; P = 0.001) were strong independent predictors of severe outcome. In an age-stratified regression analysis, in children older than >10 years, only polysubstance abuse remained an independent predictor for the severe outcome (adjusted odds ratio 37.1; 95% confidence interval: 6.2-221.2; P < 0.001). As all children 10 years and younger ingested edibles, a dedicated multivariable analysis could not be performed (unadjusted odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: Severe outcomes occurred for different reasons and were largely associated with the patient's age. Young children, all of whom were exposed to edibles, were at higher risk of severe outcomes. Teenagers with severe outcomes were frequently involved in polysubstance exposure, while psychosocial factors may have played a role.