This is one part of a five part Suicide Methodes File (or, for short, the Suicide FAQ). The other sections are Chemical poisons, Gasses and Fumes, Physical methods, and the Resource section. (All not yet ready - it's a lot of work.) The entirety of this suicide FAQ deals with methods of killing oneself. It is provided in the firm belief that:
It is strongly advised to pursue other options first. After all, suicide is supposed to be the last recourse. There are various on-line services for those who are depressed or suicidal and want to talk. You might want to check these websites:
Please beware. There may be inaccuracies in these entries. Do not blindly trust the information contained in this file: its sources may be wrong. And even if they are not, suicide is a terribly serious matter, and you do not want to rely on just any individual source of information. Under all circumstances, check and double check if you can. Go to the public library and read up on your favourite method. In pharmaceutical repertoria and botanical encyclopaedias (available at most public and university libraries, in the reference section) you might be able to check for particulars, such as lethal dosage, or the side-effects of a failed attempt. If you find any inaccuracies in this document, do not hesitate to send an e-mail documenting them to the current FAQ maintainer and if possible, give your sources. Better yet, attach an excerpt, a url or a scan of what you have found.
Be advised that all the information contained in this five part FAQ deals with averages. The information herein assumes people of avarage health, weight and age. If you are old, young, fat, thin, if you are regularly using medication or if you are ill or addicted, you might need much less or much more of whatever is described. Also duly take note that it is badly charted how various drugs or medicines interfere with one another: in some cases, they annul one another, in others, they add up.
Further, you must understand that there are serious risks involved in attempting suicide. You may actually die. Or you may survive, but with serious and possibly permanent damage and end up being paralysed, debilitated or physically damaged. Also take into account that some countries have a habit of forcefully committing people after a botched attempt. All these risks needs to be considered carefully and thoroughly.
This file is provided for informational purposes. The actual use of any of these methods is not recommended without first considering - and seriously trying - other possibilities, such as therapy.
Giving information about ways to commit suicide is legal in the country where this FAQ is currently being maintained (the Netherlands), but in some countries it might be illegal to hand over this document to a minor or to a person who is actively suicidal. In most countries, assisting suicide - for instance, supplying a suicidal person with lethal pills - is illegal and can get you in jail for three years (NL) or fourteen years (UK).
The Suicide Methods File 2.0 is compiled from a large number of sources, the main ones being:
If you notice any inaccuracies in this document, do not hesitate to send an e-mail documenting them to the current FAQ maintainer and if possible, tell me your sources. Better yet, attach an excerpt, a url or a scan of what you found. Do NOT send further enquiries about methods; all knowledge that I have acquired is already listed here.
Feel free to host this FAQ as is and in full on your own pages. If you do, send me a mail and I'll warn you about updates. And first, do check whether it is legal in your country to have information like this on your site.
Karin Spaink <kspaink@xs4all.nl>
Amsterdam, March 2003.
This section covers algae, funghi, plants and mushrooms.
The big hassle with plants is that their toxicity depends very much on which parts of the plant you use, in what season you harvested them and how fresh the leaves, stems, flowers, berries or seeds are. Also, their lethality depends very much on your weight and condition. Another pitfall is that the toxicity of vegetation has often not been researched for humans specifically; much of the information herein is based on the evidence of lethality for livestock, while it is not at all sure whether one can simply linearly raise the dosage for humans. For instance, the lethal dose for horses is often much lower than the lethal dose for pigs, although the latter are smaller and weigh less than horses.
The one advantage about plant or mushroom poisoning is that under certain circumstances it might be slightly easier to claim that you ingested them by accident (as compared to swallowing two or tree containers of pills), but still: all hospital emergency doctors are going to raise an eyebrow if you have eaten a pound of leaves. The disadvantages of natural poisons are plenty: you can never be sure of their lethality, it's usually very painful and slow, you don't usually fall asleep but puke for hours, and a botched attempt might leave you with serious and permanent physical damage.
Derek Humphry says: "Everything I have ever read about death from plant poisoning indicates that it is risky and painful. Symptoms range from nausea and vomiting to cramping and bloody diarrhoea. [..] Altogether, I consider poisonous plants as a means of exit far too unreliable and painful. No matter how desperate you are, don't even think about it!"
Plants, mushrooms etc. are both referred to by their common name and by their scientific or botanical name. That means that there are many duplicate entries in the following shortlist. The actual entries are ordered by their scientific (botanic) name).
Abrus precatorius - Almonds - Aloe - Amanita muscaria - Amanita phalloides - Amanita verna - Amanita virosa - Amaranthus retroflexus - Angel's trumpet - Apple seeds - Apricot seeds - Arum family - Atropa belladonna - Azalea - Belladonna - Bittersweet - Black locust - Black nightshade - Blue bonnets - Calladium - Castor beans - Castor oil - Cicuta virosa - Conium maculatum - Cowbane - Crab's eye - Daphne - Datura stramonium - Death Cap - Deadly nightshade - Delphinium - Destroying Angel - Dieffenbacchia - Digitalis - Eupatorium rugosum - Euphorbia family - Fly Agaric - Foxglove - Golden rain - Grounsel - Henbane - Hemlock - Hyoscyamus niger - Hypericum - Jerusalem berry - Jequirity bean - Jimsonweed - Laburnum - Larkspur - Laurel cherry - Lupine - Nerium oleander - Nicotiana - Oleander - Ornithogalum umbellatum - Pear seeds - Philodendron - Pigweed - Poison ivy - Prunus laurocerasus - Prunus serotina - Quaker bonnets - Ragwort - Red tide - Redroot pigweed - Rhododendron - Rhus toxicodendron - Richweed - Ricinus communis - Robinia - Rosary bean - Rose family - Senecio - Shell fish - Solanum niger Spotted cowbane - Spurges - St. James wort - St. John's wort - Star of Bethlehem - Tobacco - Thevetia peruviana - Toxicodendron rydbergii - Taxus baccata - Taxus cuspidata - Water - Water hemlock - White snakeroot - White sanicle - Wild black cherry - Yew tree
Contains: abrins
Dosage: a few seeds
Time: not known, but apparently within the day
Availability: good in warm countries
Probability: high
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant53.htm
[2] http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plfaq_frame.d2w/report2?num=160
[3] http://www.shaman-australis.com/Website/subcat10.htm
Abrus precatorius is a member of Fabaceae (Pea family). It is a twisting perennial vine, which grows naturally in tropical climates. Rosary pea is established in certain areas of southern Florida. The leaves are alternate and compound, with 8 to 15 leaflets. The flowers are small, and can be any shade of white to red to purple. The seed pod is about 1 and 1/2 inches long, containing several seeds, bright red with a black spot. These seeds are highly toxic when chewed. Unchewed seeds can be swaloowed without danger.
[1] states: "The toxic signs resulting from rosary pea ingestion are very similar to those of castorbean, except rosary pea contains a more powerful toxin. It is reported that one seed if well-chewed can kill an adult human. The toxins are a protein called abrin and a glycoside called abric acid, which cause severe gastrointestinal signs: vomiting (if the species can vomit), diarrhea (which may be bloody) and abdominal pain. This progresses to weakness, shock and death within a short period of time."
[2} lists the Rosary pea together with the Castor bean as the most dangerous plant for human beings. [3] explains that the root seems to be toxic too, and iterates that the seeds are highly, if not fatally, toxic.
Contains: glycosides
Dosage: 8 gram of condensed juice
Time: not known
Availability: good;, from garden centres
Probability: unknown
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/aloes.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0120_vet.htm
Aloe contains aloine, a glycoside. [1] states: "Glycosides are toxins
in which at least one sugar molecule is linked with oxygen to another compound,
often nitrogen-based. They become harmful when the sugar molecule is stripped
off, as in the process of digestion.
For centuries, aloes have been prized as active ingredients in skin salves
and purgatives, for which they are still used. Aloe products applied externally
are harmless and beneficial in healing minor skin irritations. However, the
glycosides in the plants which contribute to these medicinal effects are also
poisonous if consumed in significant quantities."
[2] states that 8 gram of condensed Aloe juice is lethal for a human being.
Contains: amanitin
Dosage: half a cap can kill, but eat 1 or 2 just in case
Time: 3 to 7 days
Availability: have to know what it looks like; there are similar edible ones
Probability: definite without medical treatment
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/angel.htm
[2] http://members.aol.com/basidium/deathcap.html
[3] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic818.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0006_vet.htm
[5] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0013_vet.htm
Death Cap (Amanita virosa) and Destroying Angel (Amanita verna), both mushrooms, are amongst the most deadly plants known to mankind. [1] states: "As little as thirty grams, or half a mushroom cap, is fatal to a healthy, adult human. This makes the name 'Destroying Angel' just about the most powerful oxymoron in the English language... Deadly Amanitas are large, white, ironically beautiful fungi which occur singly or in groups in any sort of forest, and occasionally on lawns. They grow throughout North America."
The page mentioned under [1] describe their appearance quite extensively, and then continues to describe the typical poisoning scenario: "Since the early, button stage of both deadly Amanitas look so much like other - edible - types of fungi, this sort of poisoning usually occurs when inexperienced mushroom gatherers accidentally collect as food an Amanita along with other types. Sadly, because the effects of cyclic peptides are delayed by their chemistry, the poisoning is often discovered too late for any effective treatment to be given the victim.. Symptoms: Amanitin poisoning is not a pleasant experience. The onset of symptoms does not begin for at least ten hours; death may be delayed for as long as ten days, which complicates diagnosis. When the toxin finally affects the victim, it causes severe abdominal upset, followed by liver, kidney, and circulatory system failure. The poison is usually fatal; there is no known antidote, and the progressive effect of the toxin causes the victim terrible suffering."
[2] is a long page completely devoted to the Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides). [3] is a medical, scientific page devoted to amatoxin, i.e. amatin poisoning. [4] and [5] state that "4 to 8 grams of Amantin, in other words one mushroom, are lethal for a grown-up."
The Encyclopedia of Human Biology finally, quoted in the old Methods File, states: ":Poisoning by toxic Amanita species is characterised by a delay in onset of 4 to 12 hours. At this point, nausea vomiting, colic-like pain, and diarrhea occur. There then follows a period of respite, which can last for two to four days. This phase does NOT signify recovery: damage to the liver and kidneys continues to develop and the respite gives way to hepatic and renal failure. Death usually occurs a week or so after poisoning."
Contains: muscarine
Dosage: ten mushrooms
Time: two to four hours
Availability: very low
Probability: high
Information: [1] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0005_vet.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/magic.htm
[3] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/agaric.htm
Fly Agaric is a fungus related to 'magic mushrooms'. Fly Agaric contains an alkaloid, muscarine, together with two other, less poisonous hallucinogens, muscimol and ibotenic acid.
Accidental deaths do occur. Sometimes people mistake these fungi, especially in their early 'button' stage, for edible varieties, with disquieting results. An even greater risk is that those who seek these fungi deliberately, for the intoxicating effects, will mistake a deadly species - especially other members of the Amanita family - for a magic mushroom. The symptoms of overdose are: deep sleep twenty minutes after ingestion, during which hallucinations or feelings of euphoria are sometimes experienced. More serious symptoms include severe digestive upset, dizziness, psychological distress, and convulsions. Consumption of ten or more of these fungi is considered fatal; consumption of a single fungus may have no lasting effects whatever.
[1] states that the LD50 of Fly Agaric for mice is s 2,4 mg/kg, and the LD50 for rats is 3,5 mg/kg.
Contains: nephrotoxin, soluble oxalate Dosage: not known Time: 48 hours Availability: high Probability: low Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant33.htm
[1] states: "Pigweed contains a nephrotoxin that causes kidney failure, and also contains soluble oxalates and is capable of accumulating nitrates. Therefore, toxicity can be due to any combination of these toxicoses.
Animals need to consume pigweed in fairly significant quantities over several days before signs appear. Typically, onset of signs is 3 to 7 days from the onset of ingestion. Animals will usually avoid pigweed if there are better forages available. Common incidences of poisonings have occurred when swine have been raised in confinement and are then turned out into a pigweed-infested pasture in the late summer to early fall. Under these circumstances, the swine consume large amounts of the plant quickly, with 5-90% of the animals becoming affected, with 75% or greater mortality among the affected animals.
In affected animals, early signs include weakness, trembling and incoordination. This progresses to an inability to stand and paralysis, yet the animals may still be alert and able to eat. Near the end of the clinical course, the affected animals may go into a coma, and have edema under the skin of the abdomen and the legs, have a bloated abdomen, and die. The course of the disease is approximately 48 hours and is primarily consistent with kidney failure."
Contains: calcium oxalate
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: high, check garden centre
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/arums.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic444.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0010_vet.htm
[4] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant03.htm
All Arums typically have unique flowers, consisting of a pike of reduced male or female organs, or both, surrounded by a howy petal-like leaf, a bract, which is often colourful.
The toxic parts are the leaves. They contain calcium oxalate, a compound derived from oxalic acid, as well as enzymes which trigger the release of antibodies called histamines in the bloodstream of persons who ingest the leaves. Oxalates are needle-like crystals, which, when eaten, may pierce the mouth, throat and digestive tract as they pass through, causing, at the very least, intense discomfort.
Nonsoluble calcium oxalate crystals are found in plant stems, roots, and leaves. The stalk of the Dieffenbachia produces the most severe reactions. These needle-like crystals produce pain and edema when they contact lips, tongue, oral mucosa, conjunctiva, or skin. Oedema primarily is due to direct trauma from the needle-like crystals and, to a lesser extent, by other plant toxins (eg, bradykinins, enzymes).
Even small doses of oxalate toxin is enough to cause intense sensations of burning in the mouth and throat, swelling, and choking. In larger doses, however, Oxalate causes severe digestive upset, breathing difficulties and - if enough is consumed - convulsions, coma and death. Recovery from severe oxalate poisoning is possible, but permanent liver and kidney damage may have occurred.
Contains: atropine, hyoscyamine and hyoscine (scopolamine)
Dosage: 5 berries in young children; maybe 30 in adults?
Time: 6 to 24 hours
Availability: low
Probability: low, particularly dosage is questionable
See also: datura (jimsonweed), nightshades
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/nightsd.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic438.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0014_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_2bel.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1pot.htm
The tincture of Belladonna leaves used to be one of the most popular poisons among professionals. It was believed that the famous Roman poisoner Locusta killed the Roman emperor Claudius with her deadly weapon - a tincture of belladonna. She was imprisoned and sentenced to death in 68 AD for having committed this crime. According to some legends, Scottish warriors succeeded in defending their country from Danish conquerors leaving them a special booty: barrels of beer poisoned with sap of belladonna. Another story tells about ancient Gaelic tribes that used belladonna before a battle, as a 'herb of courage' that stimulated them to fly into a rage. A picture is available at [1].
The symptoms of Atropa Belladonna poisoning appear quickly and include dizziness, dry mouth, flush, nausea and vomiting, visual impairment, increased heart frequency, agitation and raving, followed by weakness and sleepiness, breathing compression and death. These toxic effects of belladonna are due to the high content of the alkaloids such as atropine (the most important one), scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and belladonnine in all parts of the plant. The effects of Atrope belladonna are similar to but less strong than those of Datura (Jimsonweed).
Atropa Belladonna is often confused with other Nightshade species, which aren't as poisonous. (See for instance the Black nightshade elsewehere in this FAQ).In Deadly nightshade, the berries are black, while in Woody nightshade, they are red. In addition, the flowers are larger (1.2 inches) in the true Deadly nightshade.
[2] warns that "numerous cases of anticholinergic poisoning also have resulted from belladonna alkaloid contaminants in foods, including commercially purchased Paraguay tea (an herbal tea derived from Ilex Paraguariensis)." The previous Methods File warns that atropine is also present in unripe deadly nightshade fruits, fruits of potato, and fruits of other members of this family (not tomato though!), but advises one to stick with AB. For potato: Only the fruit, blossoms, seeds, sprouts, and sun-greened tubers may be dangerous. They can bring about stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, psychic depression, breathing disruptions, irregular pulse and even coma in the case of high dose intake and lack of therapy, but rarely ever death.
Contains: cicutoxin
Dosage: "a few bites [..] can cause serious poisoning or death"
Time: a few hours or more
Availability: rare in most parts of UK, don't know about elsewhere
Probability: rather good (prvided you have the right stuff)
See also: posion hemlock
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/hemlock.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0020_vet.htm
[3] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant27.htm
[*3] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic875.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1hem.htm
Cowbane (Cicuta virosa), also known as Water hemlock, greatly ressembles wild carrot and wild parsnip, which are completely innocuous plants. There are many plants called 'hemlock', some of which aren't poisonous at all. Hemlock is a member of the parslip (Apiaceae) family. Only Cicuta virosa (also known as Water Hemlock, Cicuta maculata (Spotted water-hemlock and Spotted cowbane) and Conium maculatum (also known as Poison hemlock, described elsewhere, are poisonous, and highly at that. [1], [2] and [3] contain images.
The old Methods File stated, quoting from M.R. Cooper and A.W. Johnson's book Poisonous Plants and Fungi: an Illustrated Guide (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods): "The poison is strongest in the yellow juice of the underground parts. Symptoms after half an hour: burning of mouth, excessive saliva, flushing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dilation of pupils, and later a bluish tinge to the skin. Muscular contractions and convulsions, with difficulties in breathing are followed by unconsciousness and death, often within a few hours of eating the plant."
Water hemlock is found in moist habitats, such as drainage ditches, marshes, and near bodies of fresh water. Water hemlock has compound leaves, small white or green flowers, and tuberous, large, hollow roots. Water hemlock may reach a height of 6-8 feet. Water hemlock fatalities have occurred following a few bites of the root. Water hemlock had a 30% mortality rate in one series of 86 patients. Mortality from water hemlock is usually secondary to refractory status epilepticus.
Contains: coniin, an alkaloid
Dosage: allegedly, 0,15 gram
Time: allegedly, two hours
Availability: good; grows throughout Europe and US, except north
Probability: high
See also: cowbane (water hemlock), henbane
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant28.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic875.htm
[3] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/hemlock.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0001_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1hem.htm
There are many plants called 'hemlock', some of which aren't poisonous at all. Hemlock is a member of the parslip (Apiaceae) family. Only Cicuta virosa (also known as Water hemlock), Cicuta maculata (Spotted water-hemlock and Spotted cowbane), bothb described elsewhere, and Conium maculatum (also known as Poison hemlock, described elsewhere, are poisonous, and highly at that. [1], [3] and [4] contain images.
Although related, Poison hemlock and water hemlock toxicity have different pathophysiology and clinical presentations. In both, the root contains the greatest concentration of toxin in both species, although all plant parts are toxic. Poison hemlock causes 'crooked calf disease', a congenital abnormality, among cattle formed via fetal exposure. No antidote is available for either toxin.
Poison hemlock is an annual or biennial weed widespread in Europe and the US. It is a ubiquitous plant with fernlike properties that may reach a height of 2 meters. It has an unpleasant smell (said to be like that of mice), a hollow stem with red or purple spots and small white blossoms. All parts of the plant containing the yellow, oily sap are very poisonous, due to the alkaloid coniin. Poison hemlock grows in diverse settings, including wooded areas, ditches and waysides throughout the US, and may be mistaken for edible plants such as wild carrot; it also may be confused with water hemlock (C. Maculata).
Poison hemlock poisoning is potentially lethal with large ingestions only. While its human median lethal dose (LD50) is not known for sure, the lethal dose of poison hemlock for a human being is apparently 0,15 g. It causes a brief initial stimulation, followed by nausea and vomiting, movement- and speech retardation; the pupils dilate, which is followed by characteristic rising paralysis of the limbs and eventually paralysis of the thoracic muscles, leading to death. In other words, mortality from poison hemlock ingestion is usually secondary to respiratory paralysis. [2] is rather vivid about its symptoms.
[4] lists the lethal dose for livestock and humans. The lethal dose for a horse is 3-5 kg fresh plants; for pigs, it is 8-13 grams per kilo bodyweight; for cows, 5.3 gram of fresh plants per kilo bodyweight (i.e.16 mg coniin per kilo bodyweight); for sheep, 10 gram fresh plants per kilo bodyweight (or 240 mg coniin per kilo bodyweight); for dogs, 50 mg Coniin per kilo bodyweight.
Contains: mezerein and daphnin, both coumarin glycosides
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: high
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/daphne.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0025_vet.htm
[3] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic443.htm
All parts of Daphne contain toxins, but the greatest concentrations occur in the bark, sap and berries. According to [1], the poisons involved are "mezerein, an acrid resin producing a severe skin irritation, and daphnin, a bitter, poisonous glycoside. These are extremely active toxins. Though some researchers suggests that extracts of Daphne may have potential for treating leukaemia, the plant is also known to be cocarcinogenic in the presence of low doses of carcinogenic compounds. [..] Even a single berry chewed, but not swallowed typically causes intense burning in the throat & mouth. Consumption of a few berries can cause upset stomach, headaches, diarrhoea, delirium, and convulsions. If the victim falls into a coma, death can ensue."
[2] explains that the poisons contained in Daphne are part of the coumarin glycosides, about which more information can be found on [3]. [2] further states that 30 gfram of its bark is enough to kill a horse, and that 3 to 5 berries can kill a pig.
Contains: indole alkaloids
Dosage: a teaspoon of seeds
Time: quick: within minutes to a few hours
Availability: fairly good
Probability: high
See also: atropa( deathly nightshade)
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/jimson.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/jimsoncu.htm
[3] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant36.htm
[4] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic438.htm
[5] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0084_vet.htm
[6] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0013_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1jim.htm
Just like Nightshade, Jimsonweed belongs to the potato family. Some species are annuals, others, especially the cultivated species (such as Angel's trumpets), are deciduous shrubs. All have big, irregularly toothed leaves and funnel-shaped, purplish or white flowers which form prickly fruit. (Pictures at [1] and [2].) All species are poisonous weeds, and all are - at least in the US - subject to Department of Agriculture control.
In ancient herbal medicine, Jimsonweed was used internally to treat madness, epilepsy, and melancholy. Some scholars believe that vapours obtained by boiling this plant may have been used by the Delphic oracles to induce their legendary visions. Externally, it formed the basis of ointments for burns and rheumatism. In the Middle Ages, it was very popular among professional murderers who used to add parts of the plant with the victim's food or wine and achieved an immediate poisoning effect, followed by death. More recently, preparations from the plant have been used as ingredients in some asthma medicines. With this exception, however, plant is generally considered too toxic for medical applications nowadays.
Recently, Datura has been used as a recreational hallucinogen in the US, resulting in sporadic cases of anticholinergic poisoning and death. [2] states that "in 1968, the abuse of Jimsonweed as a hallucinogenic drug prompted the US government to ban over-the-counter sales of products prepared from it. As recently as November 9, 1995, the Arizona Republic reported the case of five young men who tried chewing the seeds. All were rushed to hospital with alarming symptoms which persisted in three of the victims for more than two days. Their intense hallucinations included the conviction that bugs were crawling on their bodies, that they were dead, and that their body parts were strewn about the intensive care unit in which they were hospitalised."
[1] warns that all parts of Jimsonweed are toxic, especially seeds, fruit and leaves. The seeds are the most toxic of all, and their toxicity will not wear off after they have dried, as [3] warns. [4] warns that "as little as one-half teaspoon of Datura seed, equivalent to 0.1 mg of atropine per seed, has caused death from cardiopulmonary arrest. The usual route of ingestion is as a tea, although ingesting seeds or other plant parts and smoking dried leaves also are common." Probably, the seeds need to be chewed, which might not be easy. [3] states: "Once the plant is consumed, signs become apparent within a few minutes up to several hours. The alkaloids in Jimsonweed act on the central nervous system as well as the autonomic nervous system that controls bodily functions. Animals may seek water to drink, have dilated pupils, become agitated, may exhibit increased heart rate, tremble, become delirious, may appear to be experiencing hallucinations, have convulsions (which may be violent), become comatose, and possibly die."
Symptoms of Nightshade poisoning are generally similar, but less extreme.
[4] states that "in 1993, 318 cases of Datura poisoning were reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers; the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 2 deaths.". [6] however claims that for cows, up to 1000 grains per day have been harmless.
Contains: alkaloids
Dosage: for cattle: 1/4 pound of larkspur per 100 pounds body weight
Time: symtoms start a few hours after ingestion
Availability: high in summer
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0027_vet.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0028_vet.htm
[3] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant20.htmm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1fox.htm
There are a number of toxic Delphinium varieties: D. consolida, D. elatum, D. staphisagria (all three described on [1] and [2]), amd D. tricorne and D. ajacis (both described on [3]).They all contain polycyclische diterpenoidalkaloids. [3] gives the full list of toxic substances: delphinin (a neurotoxin), methyllycaconitin, delphisin, delphinoidin, delcosin, delsonin, lycoctonin and elatin. Basically, they block communication between the nerves and the muscles, like curare does.
[3] explains that Delphinium poses quite a problem for cattle: " Apparently, the plant is palatable, which increases the risk of clinical toxicosis. The toxicity of larkspur varies, with the highest periods of toxicity occurring during early growth, and when the plant goes to seed. [..] Signs appear within a few hours of ingestion. Approximately 1/4 pound of larkspur per 100 pounds body weight may be lethal for cattle. A higher dose is needed before sheep and horses show clinical signs. [..] There is no antidote for larkspur poisoning."
Contains: digitoxin, a glycoside
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: high in summer
Probability: low, due to excessive vomiting
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/foxglove.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic137.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0030_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1fox.htm
All parts of Foxglove purpurea - sap, flowers, leaves - contain digitalis, used in medicine as a heart stimulant. [1] adds that tea from dried Foxglove leaves is traditionally a diuretic. The greatest concentration of the toxin occurs in the leaves, even dried ones. Although its medical properties are well-documented, the drug must be professionally prepared and administered to be safe. Otherwise, it causes nausea, stomach pain, a slow and irregular pulse and convulsions.
[2] reminds us that "The therapeutic properties of cardiac glycosides (eg, digoxin, a product of the foxglove plant) have been known since the days of the Roman Empire. The ancient Romans used red squill, a cardiac glycoside derived from the sea onion, as a diuretic and heart medicine. Cardiac glycosides are found in certain flowering plants such as oleander and lily-of-the-valley. [..] Cardiac glycoside toxicity from plants such as oleander, foxglove, and lily-of-the-valley is uncommon but potentially lethal. Case reports of toxicity from these sources implicate the preparation of extracts and teas as the usual culprit."
[2] explains that adult mortality depends on underlying comorbidity. In general, older people have a worse outcome than adults who, in turn, have a worse outcome than children.
An overdose of digoxin creates the following symptoms: agitation, delirium, and hallucinations; headache; paresthesias and neuropathic pain; seizures (extremely rare); blurred vision; photophobia; nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhoea; abdominal pain (uncommon). If one dies, it is usually from cardiac arrest.
[3] states the lethal dose for livestock: 25 gram dry or 100-200 gram fresh leaves for horses, 150-200 gram dry dry leaves for cows, and 5 grams of dry leaves for dogs.
Contains: tremetol Dosage: 1% to 10% of the body weight Time: 1 day to 3 weeks Availability: medium Probability: medium Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant22.htm
White snakeroot grows from fibrous, matted roots as a smooth, erect, perennial herb 1 to 3 feet high with opposite, oval, pointed-tipped leaves with sharply-toothed edges. white flowers in compound clusters are conspicuous in late summer. White snakeroot is found in woods, damp and shady pastures, and occasionally in thickets and clearings (especially at the edges of wooded areas). The parts of the plants that are toxic are the leaves and stems, and possibly the flowers. Roots seem to have a lower toxicity.
[1] states: "Clinical signs include: depression, stiff gait, periods of sweating, normal or subnormal body temperature, labored or shallow respiration, muscle tremors, trembling, partial throat paralysis, jaundice, passage of hard feces, prostration, death (death may be sudden with no prior signs). Onset of signs is typically 2 days to 3 weeks. Death occurs within 1 day to 3 weeks, with horses typically succumbing in 1 to 3 days. Even if the horse does not die from this toxin, it may suffer permanent heart damage and be unsuitable for work or pleasure purposes. The toxic component is tremetol, and the toxic dose of the green plant is approximately 1% to 10% of the body weight of the animal at one time or over several doses. The toxin is cumulative, so one large dose or multiple smaller doses over time can kill. The toxin is excreted in the milk, so lactating animals are slower to show signs of toxicity, but the nursing animals will then be affected by the toxin. Humans who drink raw milk from affected animals can also be poisoned, sometimes fatally (the disorder was called 'milk sickness' in colonial times)."
Contains: volatile oils, resins, alkaloids, and glycosides
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: from garden centre
Probability: very low
See also: castor beans
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/spurges.htm
[2] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant37.htm
[3] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant08.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0074_vet.htm
[5] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0031_vet.htm
The Euphorbiacea family, commonly known as Spurges, includes native weeds, garden ornamentals and house-plants, such as Sun Spurge, Snow-On-The-Mountain, Croton, Poinsettia (or Christmas Plant, see [3]) and Crown Of Thorns. All parts of the plant that contain sap are poisonous, though the sap itself is most toxic. Even dried plant materials retain their poisonous properties. All spurges have small, but often colourfully showy flowers.
[1] states that "In ancient medicine, spurges were well-known for their purgative and emetic qualities - really 'opening up the sluices at both ends', to quote Eric Idle. Indeed, the botanical family name, Euphorbiaciae, is named for the physician to King Juba II of Mauritania in 18BCE. Time was, an emetic was prescribed for nearly every ailment and condition. Unfortunately, such treatment was often worse than the disease, so these plants are rarely used, nowadays, as the basis for medicines."
All spurges cause severe vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhoea if they are eaten. If that's not enough to keep you away, consider that handling some species, such as Crown of Thorns and Poinsettia, can cause skin rashes, blistering, and eye irritation. High doses result in intense burning of the mouth, throat and stomach, uncontrollable salivation, convulsions, and - very rarely - in coma and death.
Contains: tropane, an alkaloid
Dosage: allegedly, 30 to 40 seeds
Time: not known
Availability: relatively good
Probability: low
See also: cowbane (water hemlock), hemlock
Information: [1] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic438.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0104_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1hen.htm
Henbane, related to Poison hemlock, is a poisonous plant, well known since the remote past. It was used in ancient Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. Henbane is a widely distributed weed in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. It is a biennial grayish-green sticky plant with an unpleasant smell. It is amazing that henbane produces a huge amount of seeds - from 10,000 to half a million per plant - and as few as 10-20 are enough to poison a child. All parts of henbane are poisonous. They contain the same alkaloids as Belladonna, namely: hyoscine, hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine. In fact, henbane is less toxic than belladonna because the amount of its alkaloids is ten times as little.
The poisoning effect of the plant rarely leads to death. In most cases, it causes a clinical condition, characterised by insanity, violence, seizures, trembling limbs and other symptoms similar to those caused by belladonna.
Contains: hypericin
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: good
Probability: very low (not lethal)
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/stjohn.htm
[2] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant38.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0050_vet.htm
[4] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic446.htm
[1] states that under the leaves of St. John's wort you can see "little dots, which contain a reddish, fluorescent substance which, when activated by ultraviolet sunlight, causes dermatitis (rashes, spots and other irritations) in animals feeding on the plant or people using herbal medicines prepared from it.". These little dots contain phototoxin.
[2] and [3] warn that after ingestion of a sufficient dose of St. Johns wort, livestock can get edema, may lose their appetite and get convulsions. Parts of the skin will look burnt and may peel off. The plant can also cause liver damage.
Contains: alkaloids
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: high, in summer
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/lupines.htm
[2] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant06.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0045_vet.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0034_vet.htm
[5] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic433.htm
Lupinus is a member of the Bean family, or Fabaceae. Lupinus have escaped cultivation to become common in the wild, along roadways and open spaces. Its relatives, Scotch Broom, Robinia or Locust Tree, and Laburnum are also poisonous. Seeds, pods and young leaves of all the above plants, though toxicity varies amongst species, from part to part in each plant, and with the seasons. According ro [2], L. leucophyllus (velvet or wooly-leafed lupine) is the most toxic, and in general, especially pods with seeds are poisonous. Laburnum, also known as Golden rain, is closely related to Lupinus.
According to [3], Lupinus contains a number of quinoline alkaloides: Lupanin, Spartein, Anagyrin, Augustifolin, Lupinin, Albin and Multiflorin, plus Mykotoxine. Laburnum contains Cytisin, Laburnin, Laburnamin and N-Methylcytisin, and is highly toxic even when dried.
[2] states that "The signs of lupine poisoning can develop within an hour or may take as long as a day. The signs are related to the nervous system and resemble the signs seen with excessive consumption of nicotine (tobacco): twitching, nervousness, depression, difficulty in moving and breathing, and loss of muscular control. If large quantities were consumed, convulsions, coma, and death by respiratory paralysis may occur. [..] There is no antidote."
[1] vehemently warns that "though Lupine poisoning is rarely fatal, as few as 20 Laburnum beans can kill a child. [..] Laburnum poisoning is marked by burning sensations in the mouth and abdomen, nausea, drowsiness, headache and fever. In severe cases, the victim may experience hallucinations and convulsions, before slipping into a fatal coma.".
Contains: oleandrin and nerioside, which are cardenolide glycosides
Dosage: not known, but allegedly fairly small amounts
Time: not known
Availability: high; from garden centers
Probability: medium
See also: digitalis
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant52.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic439.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0035_vet.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1ole.htm
Oleander is an ancient treatment for skin ailments and heart medicine. The leaves and stems of the oleander contain a milky, sticky sap that, according to the International Oleander Society, has a bitter, rotten-lemon flavour. The toxic sap, containing a mixture of cardenolide glycosides, causes symptoms similar to that of digitalis poisoning. It's possible to get oleander poisoning by using its branches as hot dog skewers.
Deaths have been caused by using wood from this plant in fires, and making tea from the leaves. In a few hours there is abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, rapid pulse, and visual effects. Later, a slow, weak, irregular pulse and fall in blood pressure, followed by failure of heart. However, people have become ill, but recovered completely after eating a handful of leaves. Nor is it true that death is 'instant' or 'painless'.
[1] states, regarding animals, that "Clinical signs may develop rapidly, and the animal may be found dead with no prior warning. In other cases, depression coupled with gastrointestinal distress is evident: vomiting (in those species that can vomit), diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. Irregularities in the heart rate and rhythm will occur: the heart may speed up or slow down, and beat erratically. As the toxicosis progresses, the extremities may become cold and the mucous membranes pale. Trembling and collapse can occur, followed by coma and death within a few hours."
[2] states: "Sri Lanka has reported a recent outbreak of yellow oleander poisonings. Seeds of yellow oleander (Thevetia Peruviana), known as 'lucky nuts', are a popular suicidal ingestion in Sri Lanka, with thousands of cases reported each year. [..] In 1998, the AAPCC reported 1 death and 2,553 exposures to cardiac glycoside-containing plants. Death occurred after an intentional parenteral injection of oleander extract. During the same period, 23 fatalities were reported from 2,972 exposures to pharmaceutical cardiac glycosides.
[3] lists the lethal dosis for several animals, and says that there have been reports that as little as one leaf has on occasion caused death in humans.
Contains: nicotine, an alkaloid
Dosage: mg pure nicotine
Time: several hours, coma may set in much earlier
Availability: easily available
Probability: fairly certain, given a large enough dose
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant17.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1tob.htm
In 1828, the French pharmacists Pierre-Joseph Pelletier and Joseph-Bienaim Caventou extracted the poison, the alkaloid nicotine, which was a colourless oily liquid with a sharp hot taste. About 50 mg of it would be sufficient to kill a non-smoker.
The leaves are the toxic part. The toxin in tobacco is nicotine, an alkaloid with an irritating effect on the stomach and intestines and also the nervous system. It is related to the toxins in poison hemlock and lupine. Symptoms include, accoding to [1], "Gastrointestinal irritation, trembling, staggering, weakness, breathing problems, heart problems, collapse, birth defects, death." [2] further states that 60 mg taken in one dose can kill a human being, while reminding us that a cigarette contains 20 and 30 mg, and a cigar a cigar.
Mike wrote in the Methods File 1.0): "Soak 100 grams of tobacco for a few days. You get a brown mess. Strain off the tobacco, then simmer slowly until most of the liquid has gone, leaving about 2 teaspoons of brown treacle-like stuff. Add it to your night-time drink, and never wake up. Someone said the other day that 150mg of pure nicotine would be fatal in seconds." To which Calle added, in the Methods File 1.1: "It is correct, as far as I have found out. It can be added that the effects include violent convulsions and that the direct cause of death is respiratory failure. Smokers should use larger doses than non-smokers. Forget the nicotine patches. They are time released and won't do you much good to 'overdose'."
Various people on alt.suicide.methods have tried the method and found the distilled nicotine impossible to drink.
Contains: cardiac glycosides
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: good
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant39.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic439.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0083_vet.htm
Star of Bethlehem is a member of the lily family. [1] has a picture. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, but especially the bulbs. (For more information on cardiac glycosides, please refer to [2].) The toxin remains after the plant has dried.
[1] states: "The toxic component (and therefore the toxic signs) are very similar to foxglove (Digitalis). The first signs are stomach and intestinal irritation, which is followed by abnormalities in the heart's rate and rhythm, and this can progress to fatal cardiac arrythmias.
Contains: glycoside
Dosage: 5 mg per kilo bodyweight
Time: a few minutes to a few hours
Availability: good
Probability: low
See also: rose family
Information: [1] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0060_vet.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/roses.htm
[3] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant46.htm
Prunus laurocerasus (Laurel cherry, described under [1]) and Prunus serotina (Wild black cherry, described under [2]) are both members of the Rose family. Both avriety of prunus are 2 to 3 meter high trees or shrubs. Their seeds and fresh leaves contain prunasin, a cyanogenic glycosid, which in turn is a cyanide precussor which in itself is non-toxic. [1] states that "When the leaves are damaged, the prunasin molecule is split and free cyanide (also called prussic acid or hydrocyanic acid) is liberated."
[1] continues: "Most animals can consume small amounts of healthy leaves, bark and fruit safely; however when hungry animals consume large amounts of fresh leaves or small amounts of damaged leaves (as little as 2 ounces), clinical cases of poisoning will occur, and many animals may die. [..] After consumption, signs will manifest within a few minutes, but sometimes up to an hour may pass. The animals will try to breath more rapidly and deeply, and then become anxious and stressed. Later, trembling, incoordination, attempts to urinate and defecate and collapse is noted, which can proceed to a violent death from respiratory and/or cardiac arrest within a few minutes to an hour. If an affected animal is still alive 2 or 3 hours after consumption, chances are good that it will live."
[2] states that wild cherry bark has been reportedly used to brew a stimulating tea, but the potential for cyanide poisoning makes it a risky beverage.
[3] states the following lethal doses for livestock: if a lot is eaten at once and is well chewed, the lethal dose for animals is 1 to 4 mg per kilo bodywight. If small doses are taken over the course of a day, up to 15 mg per kilo bodyweight will still not lead to death.
Contains: domoic acid
Dosage: not known; usually, consumed via shellfish
Time: not known
Availability: occasionally in lakes, in spring and summer
Probability: fairly high
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/redtide.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic528.htm
Algae are single-celled plants that thrive and multiply principally during the spring and summer, in response to increased light intensity and favourable levels of salinity and nutrients in ocean water. During the growth period, or bloom, each single algae cell may replicate itself one million times in two to three weeks. During the reproductive riot of the bloom, warm, shallow seawater tends to become discoloured by the sheer concentration of algae seeking the sunlight. This discoloration is a result of the various pigments the plants use to trap sunlight; depending on the species of algae present, the water may reflect pink, violet, orange, yellow, blue, green, brown, or red. Since red is the most common pigment, the phenomenon has come to be called Red Tide.
Some of the toxins these species produce are seriously toxic. Often, the algae themselves are unaffected, as are the filter feeders, especially shellfish, for whom micro-algae are the principal diet. However, to carnivores further up the food chain, including humans, these toxins are potentially fatal.
[1] states that the poison is accumulated and stored in "the guts and
intestinal tract of shellfish and fish which have consumed toxic algae [..]
As a result, fish, provided they are gutted in the usual manner, are not a
threat; nor, ironically, are scallops, a shellfish whose 'meats' (the muscles
that open and close its shell) are the only parts harvested for food. All other
infected shellfish, however - especially mussels, oysters and clams - may cause
ASP, PSP, or DSP because they are eaten whole.
Shellfish poisoning, of whatever sort, is unpleasant and often lethal. The onset
of symptoms occurs as soon as the victim's digestive system starts to work on
the infected shellfish. In the case of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), the
toxin attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis. There is no antidote;
death occurs from asphyxiation or respiratory paralysis.
Diarretic Shellfish Poisoning [DSP], as the name suggests, causes extreme
gastrointestinal upset; DSP is less dangerous than PSP, but failure to treat the
diarrhoea may lead to death from dehydration or other complications.
Domoic acid, which causes Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning [ASP], binds to chemical
receptors in brain cells and causes their dysfunction. The poisoning begins
with stomach upset, rapidly followed by dizziness, disorientation, and memory
loss-symptoms which often persist indefinitely. During a 1987 outbreak on PEI,
1% of the reported poisonings resulted in death from brain damage."
Contains: andromedotoxi
Dosage: possibly 0,2 pct of your weight in leaves
Time: not known
Availability: good;, from garden centres
Probability: rather low
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant10.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/rhododen.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0076_vet.htm
Discussing livestok and the Rhododendron family (rhododendron, azalea) [1] states: "In order for toxic signs to manifest, 0.2% by weight of green leaves needs to be ingested. Gastroenteric signs develop first, generally within 6 hours of ingestion, including salivating, vomiting (in capable species), diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tremors. Disturbances in cardiac rate and rhythm may then be noted. If sufficient quantites were consumed, convulsions may occur, followed by coma and death. Not all affected animals will die, and livestock may recover without treatment, depending upon amount ingested.
According to [2], the poisonous parts are the leaves and the flowers. They contain "some glycosides, but particularly Andromedotoxin, a volatile resin chemically related to turpentine. Luckily, like turpentine, Andromedotoxin burns the mouth, which frequently discourages potential victims from consuming dangerous quantities of the leaves." As for the symptoms, [2[ states: "In small doses, the human digestive tract is capable of breaking down Andromedotoxins into harmless compounds, so human fatalities from eating Rhododendrons or Azaleas are rare. However, victims who consume a lot suffer first from nausea, vomiting, abdonimal upset and low blood pressure. People who regularly eat affected honey can suffer chronic symptoms of this sort, as well."
Contains: ricin
Dosage: death has occurred from eating 1 bean, but take more than 10
Time: within 3 to 5 days
Availability: medium
Probability: depends on ricin content of the beans; pure ricin is deadly
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/castor.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/castor1.htm
[3] http://www.totse.com/en/bad_ideas/guns_and_weapons/ricin.html
[4] http://groups.google.com/groups?as_umsgid=T_m88.6289%24Zu6.19852%40news-server.bigpond.net.au
[5} http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant11.htm
[6] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0105_vet.htm
[7] http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/plfaq_frame.d2w/report2?num=160
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_3cas.htm
The Castor bean plant is cultivated in many countries as an ornamental annual plant; it can grow to be 1-2 m high. The plant is native to tropical Africa, but it is grown commercially in California and has become naturalized throughout the southern United States. In the US, it also grows in waste areas and roadsides.
[1] states: "The Castor bean plant is a shrub-like herb with large,
long-stemmed leaves that are lobed like fingers. Its spiny, clustered seed
pods contain white, bean-like seeds (botanically speaking, it isn't a true
bean, but a spurge), which typically bear attractive markings in various
colours. Seeds, bark and leaves are all somewhat toxic, but the greatest
concentration of the toxin occurs in the seeds and their pods. Seeds, bark
& leaves are all somewhat toxic, but the greatest concentration of the
toxin occurs in the seeds & their pods. [..]
The toxin involved is ricin, a poisonous protein, one of a group known as
plant lectins. In the right amount and concentration, ricin is said to be one
of the most toxic natural poisons. What is more, it has the ability to
accumulate in the organism until the lethal dose is reached. It works by
inhibiting the synthesis of more complex proteins in the intestinal wall,
which in turn causes digestive distress. Castor beans are traditionally
cultivated as a basis of laxatives such as castor oil, which is also used as
an ingredient of industrial lubricants, soaps and varnishes. Apart from eating
the bans, another possible cause of poisoning is an overdose of castor-oil
based laxative."
A picture of the seeds can be found at [2]. The seed needs to be chewed or otherwise broken or crushed for it to work: swallowing whole seeds is futile, as [5] points out. [3] elaborately describes a method for distilling ricin out of castor beans. However, [4] criticises that method and, amongst others, warns against heating the concoction. In passing, both [4] and [5] mentions that castor oil is not lethal.
The old Methods File, quoting from Poisonous Plants and Fungi: an Illustrated Guide (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods) M R Cooper, A W Johnson, stated: "Symptoms begin within a few hours with abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea for several days. Decreased production of urine and a fall in blood pressure. Note that people have survived eating more than 10 beans, with treatment. Presumably the fatal dose without medical intervention is less. Surviving more than 3 to 5 days usually means recovery. Ricin is described as 'one of the most potent toxins known'. In 1978 a Bulgarian journalist, Georgi Markov, was assassinated in London by being prodded with an umbrella. The umbrella had a tiny ball coated with ricin on its tip, which lodged into the dissident. He died a few days later in hospital."
[6] lists how many grams of seeds per kilo bodyweight are needed for cows, sheep, horses and pigs for castor beans to become lethal. There is quite a variance. For horses, 0.1 gram seed per kilo bodyweight seems sufficient; for pigs, only 5 gram of seeds per kilo bodyweight are lethal.
[7] lists the Castor bean together with the Rosary pea as the most dangerous plant for human beings.
Contains: robitin, a glycoside
Dosage: not known
Time: a few days
Availability: moderate
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant48.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0041_vet.htm
[1] states which parts of thew Black locust are poisonous: the leaves (especially wilted leaves) young shoots, pods seeds, and the inner bark. Of livestock, horses are particularly at risk. [..] There are several toxic components in black locust including the toxic protein robin, the glycoside robitin, and the alkaloid robinine. The toxins affect the gastrointestinal tract as well as the nervous system. Clinical signs can manifest as soon as one hour after consumption and can include depression, poor appetite, generalized weakness to paralysis, abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and abnormalities in the heart rate and/or rhythm. With sufficient amounts ingested, death may occur within a few days, although black locust is not always lethal. Some animals recover despite showing clinical signs, an indication of the dose-dependent nature of the toxin."
[2] states that as little as 150 gram of the bark may be lethal for horses, who seem particularly vulnerable.
Contains: amygdalin
Dosage: 85 gram of dry seeds
Time: not known
Availability: good, but hard to harvest
Probability: low
See also: prunus, cyanide
Information: [1] http://www.gov.sg/moh/mohiss/poison/pgamygdl.html
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/roses.htm
[3] http://groups.google.com/groups?as_umsgid=3B2888BA%40MailAndNews.com
[4] http://groups.google.com/groups?as_umsgid=f7aac403.0110101859.37c59bf0@posting.google.com
[1] states that amygladin "commonly occurs in the kernels of almonds, apricots, cherries, peaches, apples, as well as the stems, leaves and roots of many rose (Rosaceae) family species. [Amygladin is a] cyanogenic glycoside compound. It is known that the hydrolysis of amygdalin can give rise to hydrogen cyanide."
[1] continues: "Normally, the presence of amygdalin alone in these kernels is not dangerous. It is only in the crushed, moistened seed which releases an enzyme can the hydrolysis of amygdalin be effected. Acute intoxication and death had been reported in children following ingestion of apricot seeds which are capable of releasing 217mg of cyanide per 100 g of moist seeds."
[2] states: "Many people do not realize that almonds, as well as common fruits such as cherries, plums, apples, pears, peaches, and apricots, are related to roses [and] all are gifts to agriculture from the Rose Family. Fewer people still realize that all the seeds of these plants & their wild relations are poisonous, though children are traditionally warned to avoid eating apple seeds- with good reason."
[2] continues: "POISON LOCATION: Seeds, bark & leaves of all the above fruits; the pulp of the fruits themselves is safe. Greatest concentration of the toxin occurs in vigorous growth shoots, seeds & wilted leaves. POISON TYPE: Glycoside, producing cyanide. The seeds bark & leaves contain a cyanide-producing compound called amygdalin. In addition, wild cherries (chokecherries) produce prunasin, a similar compound. Cyanide is associated with the smell of bitter almonds, but commercial almond oil is always treated to remove the cyanide."
[2] further describes the typical poisoning scenario. "Consumption of young shoots, leaves, and/or quantities of seeds by livestock or children. Wild cherries, the berries of the closely related Mountain Ash, & rose hips are more likely causes than domestic fruits, as the seeds, pits & stones of the latter are too large & unpalatable to swallow. Wild cherry bark has been reportedly used to brew a stimulating tea, but the potential for cyanide poisoning makes it a risky beverage."
The symptoms of rose poisoning are states as "In very small doses, the human digestive tract is capable of breaking down plant cyanides into harmless compounds. Accidental ingestion of a single apple seed or cherry pit, therefore, though NOT recommended, is unlikely to cause any serious trouble. However, larger doses cause anxiety, confusion, dizziness, headaches & vomiting. In severe poisoning, breathing difficulty; increased blood pressure and heart rate; and kidney failure are follwed by coma & convulsions. Death may then occur rapidly from respiratory arrest."
In [3], Geo Stone states: "There are around 150 plants known to contain
cyanide (vegetarians note!). Many of them have it in higher concentration than
do apple seeds. For example, bitter almond seeds average around 3 mg/grams
(range 0.9 to 4.9), or five times the apple seed concentration. Cassava root
is also quite poisonous unless processed to remove its cyanide.
However: Plants are variable; eat enough - at least three times the minimum
dose. Cyanide is not a drug on which to skimp, since it can cause brain damage
in sub lethal doses.
Geo Stone continues: "Apple seeds average around 0.6 mg hydrogen
cyanide (HCN) per gram of dry seed. Since the lethal dose of HCN is estimated
to be about 50 mg, you need around 85 grams (3 ounces) of dry seeds. This is
around half a cup, which requires a lot of apples. [..]
]The HCN must be liberated from the sugar it's chemically attached to. This
occurs when the moistened seed is crushed, releasing an enzyme, emulsion,
which does the job. Apparently this also occurs in the stomach, due to the
hydrochloric acid there. In any case, you need to crush and eat these seeds
fairly quickly, both to avoid evaporation of cyanide from the crushed seeds,
and so as not to lose consciousness before ingesting a lethal dose. A blender
or coffee grinder would be a good way to break up the seeds."
Contains: pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Dosage: 50 to 150 pounds for a horse
Time: months
Availability: good
Probability: medium
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant24.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0038_vet.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0146_vet.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0155_vet.htm
Senecio comes in many varieties, amongst them Senecio jacobaea (Ragwort or St. James Wort, described at [2]), Senecio alpinus and Senecio cordatus {described at [3]) and Senecio paludosus (described at [4]). Most ragworts grow along roadsides, in pastures, and in wet or waste areas. Senecio aureus (Golden ragwort) blooms in early spring in woodlands or meadows statewide.
According to [2], the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are processed in the liver and irreverisibly change the DNA and other macro molecules. It has a cumulative and apparently irreversible damaging effect on the liver cells.
[1] states: "Poisoning from ragwort may be chronic or acute, with the chronic form more commonly encountered. The disease is also called 'seneciosis' or 'pictou' disease. The toxic principle is a mixture of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which adversely affect the liver. The plant grows in late winter through the spring and tends to be incorporated in first cutting hays. Animals may not show signs until the fall or winter after eating this hay for some time. In horses especially, the clinical signs may develop months after ragwort hay is no longer being fed, making an accurate diagnosis difficult."
[1] continues: "In the rare acute toxic case (20 or more pounds consumed in a short period of time for a horse), the animals may become very excited and violent, with gastrointestinal signs (colic, diarrhea), dilated pupils and increased heart rate, and sudden death. Chronic toxicity is far more likely to be encountered. The animals must consume the plants fresh or in hay for weeks to months before clinical signs appear. The toxin is cumulative, and continues to damage the liver until enough of the liver is affected to cause clinical signs. Approximately 50 to 150 pounds of ragwort needs to be consumed by a horse before signs appear. Cattle are more resistant to the toxic effects than horses and reports have indicated that cattle may be fed small amounts of ragwort hay without ill effects. There are reports that sheep are relatively resistant to this toxin."
Contains: alkaloids
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: high
Probability: low
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant42.htm
[2] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0103_vet.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0042_vet.htm
[4] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0115_vet.htm
[5] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant42.htm
The Solanum family is posionous in general. Solanum niger (Black nightshade, described at [1]), Solanum dulcamara (Woody nightshade or Bittersweet, described at [2]), and Solanum tuberosum (potato, described at [3]) are more toxic than Solanum pseudocapsicum (Jerusalem berry, described at [4]). Although all parts of the plant are potentially toxic, the berries are often higher in toxicity; yet, tehy are also rather unpalatable, which prevents livestock from eating them.
Solanum contains solanine, an alkaloid, and damages the kidneys. [4] states that when taken intravenously, solanin causes cardiac depression, convulsions and cramps, and respiratory problems. [5] states: " The nightshade plants cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract and can also affect the central nervous system. Signs can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, weakness, depression, apparent hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death. [..] In one report, one to ten pounds of plant material was potentially lethal for a horse. A chronic toxicity has also been reported, where the animal eats small amounts of the plants each day. These animals tend to present with general unthriftiness, depression, and diarrhea or constipation."
Contains: alkaloids
Dosage: 0.1 to 0.5% of the fresh plant per body weight
Time: can be very rapid (minutes), occasionally 3 or 4 days.
Availability: grows wild in the UK, don't know about elsewhere.
Probability: relatively high
Information: [1] http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant49.htm
[2] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/yew.htm
[3] http://www.vetpharm.unizh.ch/giftdb/pflanzen/0039_vet.htm
Several species of yew are planted as ornamental shrubs or hedges. Taxus baccata is English Yew, Taxus cuspidata is Japanese Yew. They are woody perennials with flat 1/2-1 inch long evergreen leaves lighter green on the underside and broader than pine needles. Yew can be distinguished by short needles which appear to be lateral, though this is an illusion created by the pattern of the twigs. In fact, yew needles are arranged spirally. The berry (technically called an aril) is grape-sized, juicy, and bright scarlet, with a hole in the end which makes it look cup-like. Pictures are at both [1] and [2].
The poison - taxine, a mixture of alkaloids that slows down cardiac conduction, is located in the seeds and leaves of yew shrubs. The pulp of the scarlet, berry-like fruit is harmless, but the seeds inside can be fatal. [2] claims that "as little as 0.1 to 0.5% of the fresh plant per body weight is lethal," and that "the plant is exceptionally toxic, with one mouthful able to kill a horse or cow within 5 minutes. Toxicity is compounded by the apparent palatability of yew. Many animals are poisoned accidently when yew trimmings are thrown into the pasture or when yew is planted as an ornamental within browsing reach. Infrequent reports of dogs chewing the leaves resulted in gastroenteritis, seizures, and aggressive behavior."
The old Methods File expains: "Ingestion of enough seeds can cause trembling and breathing difficulty, nausea, abdominal pain as well as suppressed heart action. The mode of death is a heart attack which occurs rapidly after eating sufficient. If no heart attack occurs, you'll probably survive. Sometimes the sudden collapse leading to death is preceded by lethargy, trembling, staggering, coldness, dilation of the pupils, rapid pulse that becomes weak, and convulsions." The poison is highly toxic; in some cases, death occurs suddenly without any prior symptoms at all.
[3] contains a list of lethal doses for various livestock. For both dogs and chicken, 30 grams of needles seem to suffice, while horses and sheep need 200 grams.
Contains: phenol (urushiol)
Dosage: not known
Time: not known
Availability: noderate
Probability: absent (not lethal)
Information: [1] http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/ivy.htm
[2] http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic452.htm
[site down] http://library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_3poi.htm
This lemma has mainly been entered for debunking purposes: despite what its name suggests, Poison ivy is simply not a lethal plant. It creates severe and very painful skin rashes, and possibly fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
[1] states that "Poison ivy has droopy, three-parted leaves. Its sap badly damages skin after a short-lived itching. In a few hours, a rash appears as well as reddening and swelling of parts of the body that have been in contact with the plant. After that, itching returns accompanied by a local sharp stinging pain. The severity of symptoms is greatest in cool, dry weather; heat & humidity render the toxin inert."
Dosage: 14 litres mentioned Time: 12 hours or so? Availability: high Probability: unknown
This method works by washing out the salts in your body, until the cells fail (the osmotic balance gets fucked up). You need to keep drinking continually until you collapse. It's a rather unusual method. Someone suggested it would also cause cramps.
The following is something that Calle, the previous FAQ maintainer, once found in a newspaper. It describes a death in Växjö, Sweden: "About a year ago a local newspaper carried a story about a woman who had drunk herself to death. Apparently she had ingested something mildly poisonous, and when she called her doctor asking him what to do, he told her to drink lots of water and see him in the morning. She got to it and managed to drink no less than 14 litres of water before the osmotic balance in her body was so upset it could no longer function and she died (don't know how quickly)." He added: "Recently, I was told about a similar case in San Antonio. It supposedly happened a couple of years ago and was reported in the local San Antonio Express/News."