Intoxication with Foothill Camas (Zigadenus paniculatus)

Abstract

Eight adults ingested foothill camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) bulbs in Juab County, Utah, believing them to be nontoxic wild bulbs. All who ingested the bulbs became ill, and three of them required admission for supportive care. All patients had nausea; other findings included vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, near syncope, hypotension, and bradycardia. No specific antidote is available for intoxication with Zigadenus species. Supportive care is indicated and atropine may benefit those with sympytomatic bradycardia and hypotension.