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toxidrome
Ricin toxidrome
botanicals
definition
ricin 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:
» Ricinus communis
treatment of overdose: gastric lavage (von Oettingen, pp. 286-287)
Ricin toxidrome: gastrointestinal discomfort, cold clammy skin, with vascular collapse, oropharyngeal irritation, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, abdominal pain. Tissue and organ damage follow days later characterized by pain, hemorrhage, destruction of liver, kidney, retinae, sclera, and central nervous system. Subsequent symptoms include headache, vertigo, trembling, weakness, diaphoresis, and visual disturbances. Convulsions may follow; death may occur up to twelve days after accidental ingestion (Brinker, pp. 85-86). The oil does not contain the toxic lectin, ricin.
laboratory test results: renal tests help differentiate whether or not lectin intoxication has occurred; there will be anuria, oliguria, and/or hematuria, albuminuria, glucosuria, casts, red blood cells, white blood cells present
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.