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Description:
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Mayapple
is a perennial herb with smooth leaves and stems. The plant is 8 -
20 in tall with 1-2 shield-shaped leaves that are palmately lobed
and up to 13 in in diameter. The flowers are white, solitary, and
nodding. The fruit is a yellow to red berry. |
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Toxic
Part: |
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All
plant parts are considered toxic except for the ripe fruit. |
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Toxin: |
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Toxins
include podophyllotoxin, a peltatin, and b peltatin which are lignans.
Concentrations of podophyllotoxin are highest when plant is flowering
and decrease as fruit matures. |
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Symptoms: |
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Nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common symptoms. There
may also be altered mental status ranging from confusion to coma,
loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and a rapid, shallow respiratory
rate. |
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Treatment: |
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Supportive
treatment for vomiting and diarrhea to restore electrolyte balance
and hydration is recommended. Due to the lipid solubility of the toxins,
emetics and lavage are usually ineffective though activated charcoal
may be useful. |
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References:
7, 24, 26, 27, 120
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This
site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician.
Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND
EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control
center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison
Control Center can be found on the "References and Links"
page of this site. |
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