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Blue nightshade poisoning - Overview

Alternative Names

Bittersweet poisoning; Bitter nightshade poisoning; Scarlet berry poisoning; Weedy nightshade poisoning

Definition of Blue nightshade poisoning:

Blue nightshade poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of the blue nightshade 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:

Atropine
Solanine (which is very poisonous even in small amounts)

Where Found:

The poison is found in the blue nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plant, especially in the fruit and leaves.

Reviewed last on: 2/17/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/27/2008).

References

Palmer M, Betz J. Plants. In: Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 78.

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