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toxidrome

Saponin toxidrome

botanicals

definition

saponin toxidrome

the following toxicity information is largely derived from poisonings, overdoses and research on isolated constituents; used with appropriate clinical judgment and cautious prescribing, herbs are safe and efficacious

plants included:

» Caulophyllum thalictroides

» Eleutherococcus senticosus

» Glycyrrhiza glabra

» Impatiens spp.: small amounts

» Lilium tigrinum

» Oplopanax horridum

» Panax spp.

• saponin toxidrome: burning and irritation of the oropharynx accompanied by nausea, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, colic and possible internal bleeding; potential for hemolysis (von Oettingen, p. 527; Altonen)

» Caulophyllum thalictroides:

• saponins are responsible for oro-mucosal and gastrointestinal irritation (AMA, p. 52)

• internally, may produce gastroenteritis with nausea and vomiting; mydriasis, thirst and headaches may follow, along with muscular weakness, incoordination, cardiovascular collapse and convulsions (Spoerke, p. 42)

Lilium tigrinum

• saponins found in the Lily family cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea following excessive systemic uptake; hemolysis may occur

footnotes

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Spoerke, DG, Jr., 1980. Herbal Medications. Santa Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Company.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

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footnotes

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Spoerke, DG, Jr., 1980. Herbal Medications. Santa Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Company.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

/I> Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.