Learning Objectives List different plant and animal poisons and their properties. List various causes of food poisoning. In biology, poisons are substances that cause death, injury or harm to organs, usually by chemical reactions or other activity on the molecular scales, when an organism absorbs a sufficient quantity. The fields of medicine (particularly veterinary) and zoology often distinguish a poison from a toxin, and from a venom. Toxins are poisons produced by organisms in nature, and venoms are toxins injected by a bite or sting (this is exclusive to animals). The difference between venom and other poisons is the delivery method. The history of poison stretches from before 4500 BCE to the present day. Poisons have been used for many purposes across the span of human existence, most commonly as weapons, anti-venoms, and medicines. Poison has allowed much progress in branches, toxicology, and technology, among other sciences. Over the centuries, the variety of harmful uses of poisons continued to increase. The means for curing these poisons also advanced in parallel. In the modern world, intentional poisoning is less common than the Middle Ages. Rather, the more common concern is the risk of accidental poisoning from everyday substances and products. Constructive uses for poisons have increased considerably in the modern world. Poisons are now used as pesticides, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and preservatives. Nonetheless, poison continues to be used as a hunting tool in remote parts of developing countries, including Africa, South America, and Asia. Poisonous Plants Poisonous plants are plants that produce toxins that deter herbivores from consuming them. Plants cannot move to escape their predators, so they must have other means of protecting themselves from herbivorous animals. Some plants have physical defenses such as thorns, spines and prickles, but by far the most common type of protection is chemical. Over millennia, through the process of natural selection, plants have evolved the means to produce a vast and complicated array of chemical compounds in order to deter herbivores. Tannin, for example, is a defensive compound that emerged relatively early in the evolutionary history of plants, while more complex molecules such as polyacetylenes are found in younger groups of plants such as the Asterales. Many of the known plant defense compounds primarily defend against consumption by insects, though other animals, including humans, that consume such plants may also experience negative effects, ranging from mild discomfort to death. Several poisonous plants, the specific toxins and the poisonous effects are listed below. Poison ivy (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)) - The poison Urushiol is an oily mixture of organic compounds with allergic properties. Symptoms of a reaction include itching, redness, swelling, and blisters. It is important to note that the blisters are not contagious. Western water hemlock ( Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)) - The toxin, cicutoxin and oenanthotoxin, are conjugated polyacetylenes. These unsaturated alcohols have a strong carrot-like odor and are noncompetitive antagonists for the gamma-aminocutyric acid (GABA) neural transmitter in the central nervous system. GABA role is to inhibit neuron excitability; essentially it has a relaxing function. Blocking this results in convulsing and grand mal seizures and eventually death can occur. Autumn skullcap - The toxin amatoxin in the form of γ-amanitin, β-amanitin, and α-amanitin causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may last for six-nine hours. The toxins affect the liver, results in gastrointestinal bleeding, coma, kidney failure, or even death, within seven days of consumption Henbane - The toxins in this plant are atropine and scopolamine, found in leaves. Apoatropine and cuscohygrine are the main alkaloids of the root. The main alkaloid in seeds is hyoscyamine, little hyoscine and little atropine. the plant is toxic to cattle, wild animals, fish, and birds. Pigs are immune. In humans, it could cause hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, fast heart, seizure, vomiting, high blood pressure, and ataxia. Initial effects last for 3-4 hours, after effects last up to three days. Oak - Tannic acid, binds and precipitates proteins. Cattle, sheep, horses and goats are most affected while pigs are immune. In humans, Tannic acid poisoning could cause anorexia, depression, constipation, diarrhea, blood in urine. Signs typically occur around 3-7 days after consumption, with The links below are an extensive, if incomplete, list of plants containing one or more poisonous parts that pose a serious risk of illness, injury, or death to humans or domestic animals. There is significant overlap between plants considered poisonous and those with psychotropic properties, some of which are toxic enough to present serious health risks at recreational doses. There is a distinction between plants that are poisonous because they naturally produce dangerous phytochemicals, and those that may become dangerous for other reasons, including but not limited to infection by bacterial, viral, or fungal parasites; the uptake of toxic compounds through contaminated soil or groundwater; and/or the ordinary processes of decay after the plant has died; this list deals exclusively with plants that produce phytochemicals. Many plants, such as peanuts, produce compounds that are only dangerous to people who have developed an allergic reaction to them, and with a few exceptions, those plants are not included here (see list of allergens instead). Despite the wide variety of plants considered poisonous, human fatalities caused by poisonous plants – especially resulting from accidental ingestion – are rare in the developed world. WEB LINK A more extensive list of poisonous plants can be found on the link below. https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...isonous_plants Poisonous Animals Several deadly poisons are from snakes and spiders. Several poisonous animals, the specific toxins and the poisonous effects are listed below. Timber rattlesnake - There are 4 types of toxin. Type A : A neurotoxin known as canebrake. Type B : A hemorrhagic and proteolytic toxin. Type A + B: Intergrade between snakes with Type A and Type B. Type C : relatively weak. The toxins could cause myokymia, defibrination syndrome, numbness, lightheadedness, weakness, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, salivating. It can be treated with CroFab Antivenom. Eastern coral snake (Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\)).- Phospholipase A2 and three-finger toxins (abbreviated as 3FTx). 3FTx proteins are neurotoxins, attacking nerve tissue. Phospholipase A2 can cause inflammation and pain at the site of the bite, though this is uncommon. The toxins could also cause slurred speech, double vision, muscle paralysis, and can lead to cardiac arrest if left untreated. Cotton mouth snake - Cotton mouth toxins mainly consist of three protein families: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), metalloproteases (SVMP), and serine proteases (SVSP). PLA2s are responsible for inflammation and pain, while SVMPs are responsible for hemorrhage and SVSPs affect the coagulation of blood. The poison could lead to low blood pressure, weakness, change in skin color at site of bite, trouble breathing, nausea, increase in heart rate. Black widow spider (Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)) - Latrotoxins are the main component of the venom, but other compounds such as polypeptides, adenosine, and guanosine are active as well. Only the bite of the female is dangerous to humans, as their venom glands are very large. The toxin can cause pain and sweating at the site of the bite, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness. Typically only localized pain is felt, but in some cases the pain can spread. Symptoms typically last from 3-7 days after the bite takes place. Brown recluse spider - Brown recluse venom possesses potentially deadly hemotoxins and cytotoxins that affect the red blood cells and their ability to clot. It is a mixture of enzymes such as collagenase, protease, and phospholipase. Symptoms include redness, fever, weakness, pain and nausea. In around 10% of victims necrosis can occur at the site of the bite, and in even fewer cases hemolysis (bursting of red blood cells) can occur. Other Poisonous Animals The list below is a partial list of animals that are poisonous to humans (and other animals), or put another way, their flesh is toxic if consumed, or in some cases touched: Birds: Pitohui, Blue-capped ifrit, Little shrikethrush, Spur-winged goose [1] (diet-dependent), and Common quail (diet-dependent) Snakes: Rhabdophis keelback snakes and Garter snake (diet-dependent, when feeding on Pacific newts) [2] Frogs and toads : American toad, Asiatic toad, Cane toad, Colorado River toad, Common toad, Corroboree frog, European green toad, Fowler's toad, Mantella, and poison dart frog (Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\) ). Salamanders: Pacific newts Fish: Tetraodontidae (Blowfish, Pufferfish), Greenland shark, and Barracuda (age and diet dependent) Cephalophods: Blue-ringed octopus and Pfeffer's flamboyant cuttlefish Insects: Blister beetle, Birdwings, Milkweed butterfly, Battus (butterfly), Diamphidia, and Monarch (butterfly) Food Poisoning Foodborne illness (also foodborne disease and colloquially referred to as food poisoning ) [1] is any illness resulting from the spoilage of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, [2] as well as toxins such as poisonous mushrooms and various species of beans that have not been boiled for at least 10 minutes. Many different disease-causing germs (Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\) below) can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections. The US CDC estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Researchers have identified more than 250 foodborne diseases. Most of them are infections, caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Harmful toxins and chemicals also can contaminate foods and cause foodborne illness. Although anyone can get a foodborne illness, some people are more likely to develop one. Those groups include Pregnant women, Young children, Older adults, People with immune systems weakened from medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS, or from receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Most people with a foodborne illness get better without medical treatment, but people with severe symptoms should see their doctor. Food Poisoning Symptoms Common symptoms of foodborne diseases are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. However, symptoms may differ among the different types of foodborne diseases. Symptoms can sometimes be severe and some foodborne illnesses can even be life-threatening. Most people have only mild illnesses, lasting a few hours to several days. However, some people need to be hospitalized, and some illnesses result in long-term health problems or even death. Infections transmitted by food can result in chronic arthritis, brain and nerve damage, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which causes kidney failure. Food poisoning symptoms may range from mild to severe and may differ depending on the germ you swallowed (see Table \(\PageIndex{1}\) below). After you consume a contaminated food or drink, it may take hours or days before you develop symptoms. See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including: High fever (temperature over 101.5°F, measured orally) Blood in stools Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration) Signs of dehydration, including a marked decrease in urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up. Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days The top five germs that cause illnesses from food eaten in the United States are Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). Some other germs don’t cause as many illnesses, but when they do, the illnesses are more likely to lead to hospitalizatio n. Those germs include Clostridium botulinum (botulism), Listeria, Escherichia coli ( E. coli), and Vibrio. Germ and Typical Time for Symptoms to Appear Typical Signs and Symptoms Common Food Sources Campylobacter 2 – 5 days Diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps/pain, fever Raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk, and contaminated water Clostridium botulinum 18 – 36 hours Double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech. Difficulty swallowing, breathing and dry mouth. Muscle weakness and paralysis. Symptoms start in the head and move down as severity increases Improperly canned or fermented foods, usually homemade. Prison-made illicit alcohol. Clostridium perfringens 6 – 24 hours Diarrhea, stomach cramps. Vomiting and fever are uncommon. Usually begins suddenly and lasts for less than 24 hours Beef or poultry, especially large roasts; gravies; dried or precooked foods Cyclospora 1 week Watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Raw fruits or vegetables, and herbs Escherichia coli 3 – 4 days Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Around 5-10% of people diagnosed with this infection develop a life-threatening complication. Raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables (such as lettuce), and raw sprouts, contaminated water Listeria 1 – 4 weeks Pregnant women typically experience fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. Infections during pregnancy can lead to serious illness or even death in newborns. Other people (most often older adults): headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches. Raw (unpasteurized) milk, soft cheeses made with raw milk, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, lunch meats, and cold cuts, smoked seafood Norovirus 12 – 48 hours Diarrhea, nausea/stomach pain, vomiting Infected person, contaminated food like leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as oysters), or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces Salmonella 12 – 72 hours Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting Eggs, raw or undercooked poultry or meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, raw fruits and vegetables Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) 30 minutes – 6 hours Diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting Foods that are handled by people and not cooked (sliced meat, puddings, pastries, and sandwiches). Raw (unpasteurized) milk and cheese made from it. Vibrio 1 – 4 days Watery diarrhea, nausea. stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills Raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters The Top 5 Strangest Posions That Can Kill You Video \(\PageIndex{1}\) Strange poisons. Summary Various plants produce toxins that could be lethal or cause allergic reactions in herbivores. A few examples of poisonous plants include poison ivy, western water hemlock, autumn skullcap, henbane, oak, etc. Several deadly poisons come from snakes and spiders. Various birds, fishes, frogs, insects, etc. are deadly when consumed or touched due to their toxic flesh. The top five germs that cause illnesses from food eaten in the United States are Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). Contributors Wikipedia Scioly.org USDA Agricultural Service US Center for Disease Control Libretexts: Nutrition (Coppola) Marisa Alviar-Agnew ( Sacramento City College )