Organic Irritant Poisons

Fatal Period of Ricin Poisoning

Two to five days after exposure

Croton tiglium

Plant with toxic seeds containing crotin, causing pain, vomiting, and skin irritation

Abrus precatorius

Plant with poisonous seeds containing abrin, similar to viperine snake venom, causing severe symptoms and delayed effects

Petechial Haemorrhages

Tiny areas of bleeding under the skin, pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum.

Ergot

Dried sclerotinum of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, containing ergotoxine and ergotamine.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors stimulated by ergot alkaloids, exerting effects peripherally and centrally.

Ergotism

Chronic poisoning by ergot causing vasomotor disturbances and dry gangrene.

Capsicum Annum

Red pepper used as a condiment, containing capsaicin and capsicin.

Ricinus communis

Castor plant with poisonous seeds containing ricin, causing severe symptoms like diarrhoea and protein synthesis inhibition

Ricin

Toxalbumen in castor plant seeds, 6000 times more potent than cyanide, blocking protein synthesis

Ricin Poisoning Symptoms

Include eye irritation, gastrointestinal issues, burning sensation, abdominal pain, convulsions, and potential death

Fatal Dose of Ricin

5 to 10 seeds ingestion or 50 to 100 micrograms

Abrin

Toxalbumen in Abrus precatorius seeds, inhibiting protein synthesis and causing cell death

Abrin Poisoning Symptoms

Include upper gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal pain, weakness, CNS effects, and necrosis

Fatal Dose of Abrin

90 to 120 milligrams by injection, equivalent to 1 to 2 seeds

Fatal Period of Abrin Poisoning

Three to five days after exposure

Semecarpus Anacardium

Marking nuts causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues.

Calotropis

Plant with purple or white flowers causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Plumbago Rosea

Plant with poisonous roots containing plumbagin, causing irritation and blisters.

Ergotamine

One of the important alkaloids found in ergot, exerting effects on adrenergic receptors.

Dry Gangrene

Tissue death due to lack of blood supply, caused by vasomotor disturbances from ergotism.

Capsaicin

Active alkaloid in Capsicum Annum, causing irritation and inflammation when ingested.

Bhilawa

Marking nuts causing skin irritation and blistering when applied externally.

Uscharin

Active principle in Calotropis causing redness and vesication when applied to the skin.

Plumbagin

Crystalline glycoside in Plumbago Rosea roots, leading to irritation and blisters.

Oedema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation, seen at the site of injection.

Ergotoxine

Important alkaloid in ergot, stimulating adrenergic receptors and muscle fibers.

Vasomotor Disturbances

Changes in blood vessel tone and diameter, leading to dry gangrene in ergotism.

Calotoxin

Active principle in Calotropis causing burning pain in the throat and stomach when ingested.

Plumbago Zeylanica

Plant with poisonous roots containing plumbagin, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Ergometrine

Ecbolic alkaloid in ergot, exerting effects by stimulating adrenergic receptors.

Ergot Alkaloids

Compounds in ergot like ergotoxine and ergotamine, stimulating adrenergic receptors.

Calactin

Active principle in Calotropis causing salivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea when ingested.

Plumbago

Plant with poisonous roots causing burning pain, vomiting, and collapse when ingested.