Knowledge of plant toxicity has always been important, but the information has not always been reliable. Now, increasing international trade is drawing attention to the inadequacy of regional information and highlighting the geographical fragmentation and notorious discrepancies of thinly documented information. The international community of safet

The botanical history of Britain and North West Europe has a dark and a light side. Plants have been used as weapons to harm people, taken deliberately as addictive drugs and also employed as tools in witchcraft and used as magical amulets. Yet many of these same plants have been medicinally vital to numerous European communities; as the author notes, frequently the only difference between a benevolent medicine and a poison is dosage. In this book, which is richly illustrated with modern colour photographs and illustrations from herbals, Robert Bevan-Jones brings together a wealth of documentary and archaeo-botanical sources to discuss the cultural, social (and anti-social) role of the fifty most significant species of poisonous plants and fungi found in Britain, either as natives or as introductions. An introductory essay puts into context the development of British society's knowledge of toxic plants: the 'cultural botany' applied in Britain today has evolved over thousands of years, absorbing information from European texts and importing useful plants from Europe, such as the mandrake. The book's central A to Z section - from aconite to yew - then informs the reader about the history and uses of 43 species of poisonous plants, especially those that have a documented history of medicinal usage. Four important fungi species - death cap, liberty cap, fly agaric and ergot - also have separate essays. As well as the plants' histories and appearance, their chemical constituents receive coverage; these give them powerful and diverse properties, which demand our admiration and respect. The book aims to add to the knowledge offered by field identification guides, and help reduce the risk associated with accidental ingestion. Case histories are given in as much detail as possible and the information will hopefully help the reader understand the properties of plants they may encounter, either in an archaeological, botanical or horticultural context. Most of these plants can yet be found growing in woodlands, parks, botanical gardens, roadsides, waterways, churchyards and abbey sites. This is an essential book not only for botanists and historical ecologists, but also for anyone interested in the toxic plant traditions of Britain and Europe.

Poisonous plants are used in traditional medicine systems in various healing therapies. They are a rich resource of ingredients used in herbal drug formulations that are also used in the development of synthetic drugs. They are recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic activities and for many other health benefits. Exploring Poisonous Plants: Medicinal Values, Toxicity Responses, and Therapeutic Uses provides an analysis of the most important poisonous herbs, shrubs, and trees, detailing poisonous plants while demonstrating endorsements for their potential therapeutic values. Features: Presents therapeutic potentials on various poisonous herbs, shrubs, and trees. Provides descriptions of notable toxic compounds and discusses their adverse effects when consumed by animals or people. Gives practical guidance for botanical description, distribution, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological studies, and traditional and other potential uses of selected poisonous plants. This volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series is appropriate for scientists, researchers, and students working with poisonous plants, as well as in areas of economic botany, plant biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemistry, and nanomedicine.

Effects of Poisonous Plants on Livestock documents the proceedings of a U.S.-Australian symposium on the effects of poisonous plants on domestic livestock. The symposium was held at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, on 19-24 June 1977. The volume is organized into eight parts. Part I discusses poisonous plant problems in the United States and Australia. Part II contains papers on general topics such as inorganic toxicants and poisonous plants; the hazard of plant toxicities to the human population; and selenium in plants as a cause of livestock poisoning. Part III examines the effects of simple phytotoxins such as selenium and oxalate on livestock. Part IV focuses on the effects of plant hepatotoxins, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Artemisia nova, and Tetradymia spp. Part V deals with plant cardio/pulmonary toxins such as Myoporum spp. and Pimelea spp. Part VI tales up plant neurotoxins while Part VII discusses plant teratogens and toxins affecting reproduction. Part VII presents studies on other toxic substances. It includes studies on oak poisoning and pine needle abortion in cattle.

First published in 1988. Livestock poisoning by plants has been a problem to the livestock producers of the United States since our pioneer forefathers first grazed their herds of cattle and sheep on the vast rangelands and pastures of this country. It has long been recognized that poisonous plants are not only disruptive to the harvesting of the

Focusing on phytochemicals and their potential for drug discovery, this book offers a comprehensive resource on poisonous plants and their applications in chemistry and in pharmacology. Provides a comprehensive resource on phytotoxins, covering historical perspectives, modern applications, and their potential in drug discovery - Covers the mechanisms, benefits, risks and management protocols of phytotoxins in a scientific laboratory and the usefulness in drug discovery - Written and edited by leading researchers in phytochemistry, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, toxicology, and more - Presents chapters in a carefully designed, clear order, making it an ideal resource for the academic researcher or the industry professional at any stage in their career Provides a comprehensive resource on phytotoxins, covering historical perspectives, modern applications, and their potential in drug discovery Covers the mechanisms, benefits, risks and management protocols of phytotoxins in a scientific laboratory and the usefulness in drug discovery Presents chapters in a carefully designed, clear order, making it an ideal resource for the academic researcher or the industry professional at any stage in their career

Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of India Abrus Precatorius L. Abrus Precatorius L. (Black seed variety) Abrus Precatorius L. (Red seed variety) Abrus Precatorius L. (White seed variety) Abrus Precatorius L. (Yellow seed variety) Alangium Salvifolium (L.f.) Wangerin. Annona Squamosa L. Argemone Mexicana L. Calotropis Gigentia (L.) R.Br. Calotropis Procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton Cannabis Sativa L. Carica Papaya L. Cascabela Thevetia (L.) Lippold Cassia Occidentalis L. Catharanthus Roseus (L.) Don Cleistanthus Collinus (Roxb.) Benth. ex Hook. f Cryptostegia Grandiflora R.Br. Cuscuta Reflexa (Roxb.) Datura Metel L. Datura Stramonium L. Dioscorea Bulbifera L. Euphorbia Antiquorum L. Euphorbia Cyathophora L. Euphorbia Hirta L. Euphorbia Milii L. Euphorbia Neriifolia L. Euphorbia Nivulia Buch-Ham. Euphorbia Pulcherrima Willd. Euphorbia Tirucalli L. Excoecarica Agallocha L. Gloriosa Superba L. Jatropha Curcas L. Jatropha Gossypifolia L. Lantana Camara L. Melia Azedarach L. Momordica Charantia L. Moringa Oleifera Lam. Mucuna Pruriens (L) DC Nerium Oleander L. Nicotiana Tabacum L. Oxalis Corniculata L. Parthenium Hysterophors L. Pedilanthus Tithymaloides (L.) Poit Plumbago Zeylanica L. Plumeria Rubra L. Punica Granatum L. Rauvolfia Serpentina (L.) Benth. ex. Kurz. Ricinus Communis L. Solanum Nigrum L. Solanum Virginianum L. Strychnos Nux-vomica L. Urginea Indica (Roxb.) Kunth