Andromedotoxin , or Acetylandromedol , or Rodotoxin , is an organic compound , a phytotoxin , a glycoside , present in the vegetative and generative parts of many plants of the Heather family ( Ericaceae ). Chemical formula : C 22 H 36 O 7 .
Andromedotoxin is a polyhydroxylated cyclic diterpene . Refers to neurotoxins . Its toxicity is due to the fact that it disrupts the work of cellular receptors. The effect of this glycoside is biphasic: first, it excites the central nervous system , and then inhibits it, which can be fatal [1] .
Content
Title
The name " Andromedotoxin " is derived from the scientific (Latin) name of the genus Andromeda ( Podbel ); now it is a monotypic genus , but previously it included a lot of species, according to modern concepts, attributable to other genera of the heather family - many of them contain this glycoside.
In English and many other languages, the toxin is called grayanotoxin - in honor of the famous American botanist Asa Gray (1810-1888).
Cases of poisoning
The most frequent cases of poisoning are observed in animals ( goats , sheep , cattle ), which are eaten during grazing by plants containing this toxin: ordinary snail ( Andromeda polifolia ), hamedafne ordinary ( Chamaedaphne calyculata ), various types of rhododendron ( Rhododendron ), pieris ( Pieris ) et al. Since some of these plants are used as ornamental, animal poisoning may occur not only during grazing. It should also be borne in mind that poisoning can occur when eating the dried parts of these plants [1] .
Since andromedotoxin can be present in the nectar secreted by the flowers of plants, honey can also contain andromedotoxin, which sometimes leads to poisoning of people.
Symptoms and treatment
The period of time from the moment when this toxin entered the body of a person or an animal, until the onset of symptoms of poisoning is from several minutes to three hours.
The initial symptoms of andromedotoxin poisoning in people are increased salivation , sweating , vomiting , dizziness , weakness , cramps in the extremities and around the mouth, low blood pressure , sinus bradradradia . In severe poisoning, loss of coordination occurs, muscular weakness increases, and bradycardia is accompanied by ventricular tachycardia , as well as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome .
In case of poisoning, the animals gnash their teeth and beat their stomachs with their hind legs; later the animals become very weak, the head is thrown back. For treatment, adsorbing and laxatives are used, later - mucous and enveloping [1] .
Since the amount of toxin that can get into the human body through honey is significantly lower than the amount of toxin that can get into the body of an animal from the eaten leaves and twigs, poisoning of people is rarely fatal; usually all symptoms disappear within 24 hours. Special medical intervention is usually not required. Sometimes atropine , and other remedies are used to alleviate the symptoms.
Historical Information
Pliny the Elder and later Strabo in their historical writings tell about the use of honey, containing significant doses of andromedotoxin, against enemy armies by the inhabitants of the Black Sea : Xenophon’s army in 401 BC. er and the army of Pompey in 69 BC. er In the Black Sea region grow two honey plants, from which you can get this honey: Yellow Rhododendron ( Rhododendron luteum ) and Pontic Rhododendron ( Rhododendron ponticum ).
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 Rhododendron ( Rhododendron L.) in the electronic guide "Toxicology of poisonous plants" , created on the basis of the book: Gusynin I. A. Toxicology of poisonous plants. - M .: Publishing house of agricultural literature, magazines and posters, 1962. (Tested November 30, 2009)
Links
- Poisonous higher plants on the site Online encyclopedia of poisonous animals and plants (Verified November 30, 2009)