Jerusalem cherry poisoning - Overview

Alternative Names

Christmas cherry poisoning; Winter cherry poisoning; Ground cherry poisoning

Definition of Jerusalem cherry poisoning:

The Jerusalem cherry is a plant that belongs to the same family as the deadly nightshade. It has small, round, red and orange fruit. Jerusalem cherry poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of this plant.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Solanocapsine

Where Found:

The poison is found throughout the Jerusalem cherry plant, but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.

Reviewed last on: 11/5/2009
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Graeme K. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 58.

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