Poisonous plants of regional importance
Poisonous plants - Poisonous as such : containing toxic
substances – phytotoxins- toxic to the animals
Not toxic as such ; become toxic under unfavourable conditions to the animal- season, stage of the plant growth, hunger, management , practices
Phytotoxins-toxic principles present in the plant
Predisposition Fodder scarcity New areas Loss of sense of discrimination Malicious poisonong Lack of information/knowledge
Classification
Organic phytotoxins by-products of plant metabolism. Eg: alkaloids , glycosides,essential oils, terpenes, proteins, and resins etc. Inorganic phytotoxins fluorides, nitrates and selenium compounds merely accumulate in the plant due to their translocation from the soil and water rich in these substances.
Factors affecting the phytotoxicity
Region/place Stage of growth Part of the plant Quantity ingested Climate Soil composition Size Age Sex Prevailing health/ nutritional status of the animal Management practices- use of fertilizers etc
Clinical condition
Acute Gastrointestinal and nervous signs predominant. Off-feed, colic, bloat, diarrhoea mixed with blood and mucous, salivation, CNS signs - convulsions, paralysis , coma , deathChronic Not fatal, affects the economy of farmer Fall in production and fertility of animals. Allergic dermatitis, photosensitisation, Haemoglobinuria and agalactia
Diagnosis History and Information on feeding practices Survey of the grazing area and farm premises Symptoms, botanical and toxicological Analysis of hay, forage, silage or suspected
plant material.Materials to be sent to the lab Fresh plant material Whole fresh plant if it is small, Leafy branch with
flowers In case of large plants and trees- uncrushed bulky
parts-root, fruits in a plastic bag Dried plant material in a rigid cardboard box taking care not to break
branches/detach leaves
Treatment Adsorbents like charcoal, raw white of an egg
orally Antiserum (if the causative phytotoxin is
specifically known) Specific antidotes whenever available Symptomatic treatment- administration of
astringents, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, fluid therapy, liver tonics, etc.
Prevention• Drying of plants • Caution while stall-feeding• Manual removal of poisonous plants and weeds
from the farm premises
Abrus precatorius(Gulaganji)
Abrin Intensive irritation, inflammation,
oedema, ecchymoses,Necrosis at the site of
introduction.Anorexia, salivation, inco-ordination,muscular spasms
Convulsions. Death in2-3 days. Rx: Actd CharcoalDemulcentsSaline purgatives Fluid therapy
Abrus precatorius
(Gulaganji)
Adhatoda vasica ( aadu muttada gida, aadu sokada gida)
Vasicine Persistent Bronchodilation Hypotension, uterotonic-
abortifacient Cardiac depression
Rx Symptomatic
Allium cepa Onion
N-propyl disulfideHaemoglobinuria. Anaemia. In extreme cases onion
odour in urine and tissues.(diagnostic feature)
Rx
Symptomatic
Areca catechu betel-nut palm
ArecolineEmesis, exaggerated
catharsis Colic, diarrhea,
restlessness Convulsions
Rx Atropine sulphate
0.044mg/kg BW
Argemone mexicana( arasina datturi)
SanguinarineGlaucoma Ascites
Rx Diuretics supportive therapy
Datura stramonium (Thorn apple)
• Atropine hyoscine and hyoscyamine• Solanine, solanidine, tropeine • Mydriasis, cycloplegia (impaired
vision)• Anorexia, muscular spasms, dryness of
mouth, tachycardia,• Respiratory depression and nervous
symptoms.• Rx• Emetics – to empty stomach contents.• Mild cholinergics• Sedatives / hypotics to control nervous
signs.• Medullary stimulatnts
Solanum nigrum (kempu kachi, karikachi gida)
black night shade
Atropine hyoscine and hyoscyamine
Solanine, solanidine, tropeine Mydriasis, cycloplegia (impaired
vision) anorexia, muscular spasms, dryness
of mouth, tachycardia, r Respiratory depression and nervous
signs.Rx Emetics Mild cholinergics Sedatives / hypotics to control
nervous signs. Medullary stimulatnts
Brassica nigra ( saasive)
• SinigrinAcute gastroenteritisColic,dyspnoea
Rxsymptomatic
Calotropis gigantica, Calotropis procera
(Arka, ekka, bili ekka)
• Gigantin (a glycoside) Glycoside (digitalis like action on
heart) Gastro intestinal upset, loose stool, Vomition cardiac arrhythmiaRx Rest Anti arrhythmics like Phenytion,
Lignocane, Propanol, Potassium chloride 0.6-1mg orally
followed by 0.3-0.5g (Dogs) in every 2hrs.
Capsicum annuum Chili pepper
Capsaicin GI irritant -vomiting and
diarrhea. Not likely to be lethal.
RxSymptomatic; irritation relief
—cool water irrigation, Topical or oral mineral or
vegetable oil.Topical anesthetics.
Cassia tora (chagate, thagate)
anthraquinone, flavonoids, glucosides
CNS depression severe diarrhoea
Rx Symptomatic
Crotolaria juncea (jute; janumu)
pundinaru, senabu)
Monocrotaline Related pyrrolizidine
alkaloids in seedsBloody faeces,
salivation nasal discharge,
jaundice, Dyspnoea and colic.
RxSymptomatic
Croton tiglium ( Nervala, nepala)
Crotonalic acid Tiglicacid Nausea,tympanitis, colic
and diarrhoea
RxSymptomaticDemulcents.Astringents Antimotility agents like
Loperamide
Equisetum arvense horse tail (kudure bala)
Thiaminase Excitement, Nervous signs, nystagmus,
opisthotonusWeakness, diarrhea,
crouching stance
RxThiamine parenterally (Large
animals 100mg-1g, Small animals 5-10g
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern
Thiaminase Excitement, Nervous signs,
nystagmus, opisthotonusWeakness, diarrhea,
crouching stance
RxThiamine parenterally
(Large animals 100mg-1g, Small animals 5-10g
Eupatorium odoratum ( communist gida)
Sterols FlavonesNephrotoxic Hepatotoxic signRx Saline purgatives Fluid therapy Demulcents Hepatic stimulants
Gossypium herbaceum cotton
Gossypol Cardiac myopathyHepatic necrosis. Anorexia, dyspnoea and
weakness Haematuria.RxSymptomaticPrevention by cooking or
by addition of 1% CaOH. or 0.1% ferrous sulfate
Ipomoea carnea(chandrakai balli)
Ipomeanols. toxic saponin Photosensitive principle in
leaves. Pulmonary emphysema and
oedema. Lysis of RBC, anaemia and
lumbar paralysis in S&G. Hepatic derangementRx B-complex vit . Nervine tonics lipotropics &
haematinics.
Jatropha curcas ( visha haralu, adalu
haralu, kadu jadalu)
CurcinDrastic purgation,Nausea, vomition,
RxSedationSymptomatic
Lathyrus odorata sweet pea (perangi
jali)
Betaine ( β-aminopropio nitrite lathyrine)
Leg weekness leading to paralysis (Neuro-osteo-angio lathyrism)
rapid, irregular pulse resp distress
RxSymptomatic treatment, calcium supplementation
Meliotus sp. ( kadu lucerna soppu)
sweet clover
DicumarolExtensive sub-
cultaneous haemorrhages
, impaired clottingRxSymptomatic treatment, calcium
supplementation
Nicotiana tabaccum Tobacco( thambaku,
hogesoppu)
NicotineClonic-tonic convulsionsDepression, OPC poisoning like symptoms
RxOxygen therapy Caffeine Symptomatic
Nicoiiana tabaccum
Tobacco( thambaku)
Lobelia inflata (Kaduhogesoppu)
Nicotine like – lobeline
• Salivation, vom, diarrhoea, mydriais
Rx
• Atropine sulphate
• Saline laxatives
• Mineral oil
Lobelia Sp.
Lobelia inflata (Kaduhogesoppu)
Parmetia perlata. ground lichen (kallu hoovu)
Usnic acidIncordination, depression, paralysis
RxSymptomatic
Ricinus communis Castor plant (Haralu, joudla)
Ricin Latent period of 2-3 days Bloody diarrhea in cattle.Horses -tumultous heart beat
Rx Specific AS in endemic areasSedatives,Shock therapy.
Prevention Upon boiling the cake, ricin
coagulates.
Robinia pseudoacasia ( parthanga, belangi)
TanninsColic, Neurosis
RxSymptomatic
Sesbania grandiflora coffee weed( agase, parivala arisina
geenangi, kadu jogache)
SaponineSevere colicDepression, salivation
RxSymptomatic
Strychnos nuxvomica (Kasaraka)
Strychnine and brucine Spinal convulsions. Muscular spasms,opisthotonus, dilated pupil, asphyxia, paralysis of
respiratory muscles.Rx Sedatives ,hypnotics
anticonvulsants.Gastric lavage with dil. KMnO4/ Tannic acid. [KMnO4-
oxidises. Tannic acid-precipitates.]
Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander (kanigilu, kadu kasi)
Thevetin cardiac glycosidesToxic to heart Violent vomition, diarrhoea,
ruminal atony and bloat, colic, cardiac arrhythmias
convulsions. RxSymptomatic. Atropine 0.5 mg /kg. i/v. along
with propranolol 5 mg/kg. i/v.
Withania somnifera ( ashwagandha, sogade beru)
WithaferineCNS depression signs
Rxsymptomatic
Nerium oleander(Kanigile, kasturi jaji )
Oleandroside Nerioside, nerin in leaves, pods and fruitViolent vomition, diarrhoea ruminal atony and bloat, colic, cardiac arrhythmias convulsions. RxSymptomatic. Atropine 0.5 mg /kg. i/v. along with propranolol
5 mg/kg. i/v.
Nerium oleander(Kanigile, kasturi jaji )
Nerium indicum
Solanum tuberosum Potato (aalu gadde) L-chalconine, solanidine, solanicin, solanineSevere colic, salivation, depression, trembling,
paralysis, Coma
RxGastric lavage demulcents symptomatic treatment
Senecio vulgaris ( kadu gochhi gida)
Pyrrolyzidine alkaloids -senecionine, seneciphylline, retrorsine, riddelline- hepatotoxic.
Colic, diarrhoea, Ascites, straining
Rxsymptomatic
Anamirta cocculus indian berry, fish berry
( chippalka balli)
Berberine, monoterpene picrotoxin nervous signsSalivation, dyspnoea,
palpitation
RxSymptomatic
Rhododendron spp.
Grayanotoxins (glycosides) which affect the gastroenteric (stomach and intestines) and cardiovascular systems.
• Salivation, vomition, diarrhea • abdominal pain• Tremors,, abnormal heart rate and
rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. Rx • symptomatic Prevention: • Keep hungry livestock away from
areas where these plants grow. • Pets may nibble or taste the leaves
out of curiosity or boredom, • Honey made from the nectar of these
flowers is also toxic
Astragalus spp loco weed
Loconine• Severe panting• dyspnoea • excitement,• paralysis
Rx• symptomatic
Plants producing oxalate poisoning
Beta vulgaris,( beet root) Amaranthus viridis( kere soppu, daggi soppu) Chenopodium albua( bele soppu, chakravarti soppu, huli
chikka) Solanum spp., [night shade] Trianthema species Oxalis spp Calandrinia Atriplex species Vomiting, depression, ataxia,weakness, dehydration,renal failure-hematuria/anuria, ComaRx Anti emetics,anti histaminics gastric lavage with 5% soda bicarb solution, lime water, dicalcium PO4 in feed
Amaranthus viridis
( kere soppu, daggisoppu)
Chenopodium albua
( belesoppu, chakravarti soppu, huli chikka)
Trianthema species (seeme bellulli
Atriplex species
PLANTS producing PHOTOSENSITISATION
Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress gida)
Histaminergic/ allergic.Photosensitisation. rash, swelling on face, dewlap, neck and various
parts of body. Intense itching,animal rubs against hard objects
causing open wounds. RxAnti-histaminics. Removal to a safer place.Antibiotics.Corticosteroids.
Hypericum perforatum ( chinnadavare)
Hypericin photosensitisation. redness, swelling, serous fluid oozing fromskin surfaces, oedema and sloughing of skin. Intense itching causing tissue injury and secondary
bacterial infection. Eartip, nose muzzle,udder, teats Conjunctivitis , liver damageRx keep under shade, topical demulcent, antibiotics, corticosteroidsantihistamines, antibiotics, DNS, saline purgatives liver tonics
Parthenium hysterophorus(Congress gida)
Hypericum perforatum ( chinnadavare)
Fagopyrum esculentum( Kadu godhi)
Fagopyrin photosensitisation. redness, swelling, serous fluid oozing fromskin surfaces, oedema and sloughing of skin. Intense itching causing tissue injury and secondary bacterial
infection. Eartip, nose muzzle,udder, teats Conjunctivitis , liver damageRx keep under shade, topical demulcent, antibiotics, corticosteroids antihistamines, antibiotics, DNS, saline purgatives liver tonics
Fagopyrum esculentum( Kadu godhi)
Lantana camara (Madarangi gida)
Lantadene Hepatogenous photosensitisation.Nephropathy Cardiac myopathy
RxAntihistaminics Topical demulcent ointmentsLiver tonics.Keep animals in doors
Lantana camara(Madarangi gida)
Tribulus terrestris ( negilu mullu)
saponinsHepatotoxic
photosensitisation.
Medicago sativa Alfalfa, lucerne ( kudure masale)
SaponinsHepatotoxic
photosensitisation
MIMOSINE RICH PLANTS
Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)
Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.
Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and
eye lesions, scaly skin.
Rx Supplement with L-
phenylalanine and L – tyrosine. Treat leucaena meal with 0.05
N sod. acetate.
Mimosa pudica Touch me not plant ( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)
Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.
Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and eye lesions, scaly
skin. Rx symptomatic
Mimosa pudica
( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)
Mimosa pudica Touch me not plant
( Muttidare muni, nachike mullu)
Mimosine- antimitotic, goitrogen, depilatory agent.
Alopecia ,Anorexia, salivation, vomition, inco-ordination BW loss Mucosal ulceration, ear and
eye lesions, scaly skin.
Rx symptomatic
Cyanogenetic Plants
Grasses such as sudan grass, johnson grass, arrow grass ,
Plants • Acacia leucophloea (bili jali), Lotus sp.• Euphorbia species, Sugarcane leaves, tops• Saccharum officinarum sugarcane (kabbu), • Sorghum vulgare (kempu jola, sakre jola, neerjola), • Zea mays ( mekke jola, musukina jola, haladi jola • Mannihot esculenta Tapiocia ( mara genasu)• Hevea braziliensis(rubber), Prunus sp• Bambusa bambos( bidiru)• Mimosa invisa( mullu illada nachike) Clinical signs -Anxiety, panting, salivation, tremors,
lacrimination, urination, defecation, severe colic emesis, prostration, bright red mucus membranes, clonic convulsions Mydriasis.
Rx
• Inhalation of 5-8 drops of Amyl nitrate
• NaNO2 5mg/kg BW as slow IV( Excess of Sodium nitrite causes methaemoglobin that is fatal),
• Na thio SO4 600mg/kg BW as slow IV (20% solution 4-80ml),
• 4 L vinegar in 12 - 20L cold water to dilute/ cool / acidify rumen contents to inhibit microbial hydrolysis.
• Mineral oil to soothe G.I linings.
Acacia leucophloea
(bili jali)
Bambusa bambos
(bidiru)
Sorghum vulgare Sorghum ( kempu jola, sakre jola)
Lathyrogenic nitrite rich Leg weakness leading to paralysis (Neuro-
osteo, angio lathyrism)
Rxymptomatic treatment, calcium, supplementation
Sorghum vulgare
(kempu jola, sakre jola, neerjola)
Ficus tsjahela( kari, basari soppu)
Mannihot esculenta
Tapiocia ( mara genasu),
Mimosa invisa( mullu illada nachike)
Hevea braziliensis
(rubber)
Nitrate/Nitrite accumulating plants
Crop sources: a) Oats - Avena sativa( seeme oats, seeme thoke
godhi) especially if green hay or green chop and left on the wagon overnight before feeding. The forage heats up and converts nitrate to nitrite before it is eaten. Oats are no longer toxic after the grain forms.
b) wheat - Triticum aestivumc) barley - Hordeum vulgare d) Corn - Zea mays e) rye - Secale cereale f) Beta vulgaris g) rape - Brassica napush) soybeans - Glycine maxi) Flax- Linum usitatissimum j) alfalfa - Medicago sativak) Sudan grass- Sorghum vulgare.-
Acute toxicity Digestive symptoms –vomition, diarrhoea, colic and
frequent urinationRespiratory symptoms like dyspnoea, cyanosis, rapid
& weak pulse weakness, trembling, collapse, coma, terminal clonic
convulsions and death Chronic toxicityAnorexia, decreased body weight gain, reduced milk production, weakness, abortions, birth of weak & stunted calves, poor conception rate, hypovitaminosis of A, D, E thyroid dysfunction .
Treatment: Methylene blue 1% w/v solution, @ 8.8 mg/Kg body
wt. slow I/V.for cattle and sheep. In other species the dosage is 4.4 mg/Kg body wt. slow I/V. Repeat after 30 min. if symptoms persist.
Saline purgatives Broad-spectrum antibiotics in 8-19 L cold water to
inhibit microbial conversion of nitrate to nitrite. For chronic toxicity o Eliminating the source o Supplementation with vit. A D & E.o For prevention, indiscriminate use of nitrogenous
fertilisers like urea to forage crops to be avoided
Avena sativa
( seeme oats, seeme thoke godhi)
Hordeum vulgare (barley)
Brassica napus
(rape)
Linum usitatissimum
( linseed)
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