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Pokeweed poisoning - Overview

Alternative Names

American nightshade poisoning; Inkberry poisoning; Pigeon Berry poisoning; Pokeberry poisoning; Scoke poisoning; Virginia poke poisoning; Poke salad poisoning

Definition of Pokeweed poisoning:

Pokeweed is a flowering plant. Pokeweed poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of this plant.

Poisonous Ingredient:

  • Phytolaccatoxin
  • Phytolaccigenin

Where Found:

The highest amounts of poison are found in the roots, leaves, and stems. Small amounts are in the fruit.

Cooked berries and leaves (cooked twice in separate water) can be eaten (although there is no guarantee that they are safe). The roots should never be eaten.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/27/2008
  • Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hostetler M, Schneider S. Poisonous Plants. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 205.