Poisonous Plants Research Articles

Genetic and biochemical determinants in potentially toxic metals resistance and plant growth promotion in Rhizobium sp LBMP-C04.

The association of bacteria resistant to potentially toxic metals (PTMs) with plants to remove, transfer, or stabilize these elements from the soil is an appropriate tool for phytoremediation processes in metal-contaminated environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential ofRhizobiumsp. LBMP-C04 forphytoremediation processes and plant growth promotion in metal-contaminated soils. Functional annotation allowed us to predict a variety of genes related to PTMs resistance and plant growth promotion in the bacterial genome. Resistance genes are mainly associated with DNA repair, and the import or export of metals in bacterial cells to maintain cell homeostasis. Genes that promote plant growth are related to mechanisms of osmotic stress tolerance, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen metabolism, biological nitrogen fixation, biofilm formation, heat shock responses, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis, tryptophan, and organic acids metabolism. Biochemical tests indicated thatRhizobiumsp. LBMP-C04 can solubilize calcium phosphate and produce siderophores and IAAin vitroin the presence of the PTMs Cd2+,Cu2+,Cr3+,Cr6+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. Results indicate the possibility of usingRhizobiumsp. LBMP-C04 as a potentially efficient bacterium in phytoremediation processesin environments contaminated by PTMs and simultaneously promote plant growth.

Brefeldin A—A Major Pathogenic Factor of Peanut Pod Rot from Fusarium neocosmosporiellum

Fusarium neocosmosporiellum is the main pathogen of peanut pod rot in China. To investigate the type of F. neocosmosporiellum toxin and its pathogenic mechanism, a macrolide, brefeldin A, was isolated. The structure of the compound was identified by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). At the same time, the content of the compound in healthy and diseased peanut capsules was detected, and its plant toxicity to radish, mung bean, rice, and peanut seed radicle elongation and pathogenicity to peanut pod rot were evaluated. The results showed that brefeldin A at 50 μg/mL could significantly inhibit the radicle elongation of rice seeds. Brefeldin A was detected only in pods with peanut rot. Injecting 2 mg/mL brefeldin A solution into peanut pods caused the severe decay of peanut pods at the R3R4 stage, which is consistent with the symptoms of peanut rot.

In Vitro Bioassay and In silico Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Xanthium strumarium Plant Extract as Possible Acaricidal Agent.

Effective management strategies against tick infestations are necessary because tickborne diseases represent serious hazards to the health of humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the larvicidal and ovicidal properties of Xanthium strumarium extract against a notorious tick species, Rhipicephalus microplus. The maceration method was used to prepare the ethanolic extract of X. strumarium. The extract was then used in an adult immersion test (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT) to asses the plant's toxicity. To elucidate the mode of action, molecular modeling and docking studies were conducted. ADMET analysis was then carried out to find out the drug-likeness profiles of the plant phytochemicals. Significant death rates and egg inhibition were found at different extract doses using the larval packet test (LPT) and adult immersion test (AIT). A concentration-dependent impact was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL, which resulted in the maximum larval mortality (92 ± 2.646) and egg inhibition (77.057 ± 2.186). Additionally, the potency of the extract against R. microplus was determined by calculating its fatal concentrations (LC50, LC90, and LC99). A three-dimensional model of the R. microplus octopamine receptor was created, and docking studies showed that the receptor and possible ligands, most notably Xanthatin and Xanthosin, interacted well. The potential of compounds as tick control agents was highlighted by their pharmacokinetic characteristics and toxicity profiles, as revealed by drug-likeness and ADMET studies. Molecular dynamic simulations further demonstrated the stability of the protein-ligand complex, indicating the consistent association between the ligand and the target protein. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential use of X. strumarium extract and its compounds as larvicidal and ovicidal agents against R. microplus, paving the way for further research on tick control strategies.

The potential of glycine betaine application to combat Cd and As toxicity in wheat plants by altering photosynthetic, physiological, and antioxidant enzyme indices

The potential of glycine betaine application to combat Cd and As toxicity in wheat plants by altering photosynthetic, physiological, and antioxidant enzyme indices

The actions of varenicline on alkaloids from Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), Lupinus sulphureus (sulphur lupine) and Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco).

Evidence-based therapies to manage the clinical signs of intoxication caused by toxic plants in livestock are lacking. For that reason, the aim of this work was to develop a drug-based intervention for the management of clinical signs of piperidine alkaloid intoxication in livestock. The actions of anabasine, coniine, γ-coniceine, and two total alkaloid extracts from Lupinus sulphureus were compared in the presence and absence of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline in RD cells, mice and goats. Pretreatment of RD cells with 10.0μM varenicline significantly shifted the anabasine fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) value to a greater concentration and blocked the response of the cells to coniine. γ-coniceine did not have any effect on RD cells as measured by membrane potential sensing dye. Swiss Webster mice median lethal dose (LD50) values for anabasine, coniine, γ-coniceine were 1.5, 5.5, and 3.7mg/kg respectively, and pretreatment with 10.0mg/kg i. p. dosed varenicline shifted the LD50 values to 4.2, 9.1, and 4.3mg/kg respectively. The rodent LD50 value of the Pendelton, WA L. sulphureus quinolizidine alkaloid extract was shifted to a lesser concentration by varenicline while the Ritzville, WA L. sulphureus piperidine alkaloid extract was shifted to a greater concentration by varenicline. The clinical signs of intoxication in goats orally dosed with Conium maculatum were exacerbated by 0.5, 1.0 and 10.0mg/kg i. v. dosed varenicline. These results suggest that varenicline was effective at shifting piperidine alkaloid EC50 values in RD cells and increasing piperidine but not quinolizidine alkaloid LD50 values in mice and was not useful at managing the clinical signs of poison hemlock intoxication in goats.

Nephroprotective and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze leaf extract; acute and sub-acute toxicity assessment.

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze of the family Amaranthaceae has been extensively used in traditional medicinal practices in Brazil and India for its reputed efficacy in promoting diuresis, as well as treating wounds, inflammation, postnatal symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. Its selection for this study was driven not only by its ethnomedicinal significance but also by its rich phytochemical composition, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which are known to exhibit nephroprotective and diuretic effects. Additionally, while many species from the Amaranthaceae family have demonstrated similar therapeutic properties, A. brasiliana remains underexplored in this context. Therefore, this research aimed to scientifically evaluate its potential nephroprotective and diuretic activities, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional uses. This experiment was designed to determine nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced kidney injury and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) in rats. This study also aimed to evaluate the toxicity of plant's extract by performing acute and sub-acute toxicity trials. In current study, the nephroprotective effect of aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana was evaluated after induction of kidney injury with cisplatin. Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A diuretic activity was also performed by comparing results with control and standard (furosemide). Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A 14 day trial for acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg, whereas a 28 day trial for sub-acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. The biological active ingredients were identified and determined using HPLC technique. The aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana (ABAE) safeguarded the rats from toxic effects of cisplatin. This extract also enhanced urine output. The protective effect of ABAE increased with increasing dose and produced maximum nephroprotective effect and diuresis at a dose 300 mg/kg. The outcomes from acute toxicity trials suggested that LD50 lied beyond 3000 mg/kg, and no antagonizing effects occurred in sub-acute toxicity trials at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. ABAE posed no toxicities on kidney, liver, and heart tissues as evident from histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical analysis. HPLC-DAD analysis of ABAE indicated the presence of betanin, kaempherol, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and oxalic acid. These results demonstrate an abundant supply of bioactive chemicals found in A. brasiliana (L.) extracts, which should be taken into account to improve renal functions with fewer negative effects.

An assessment of awareness of medical waste management amongst primary health care workers in Kano State

The outcome of healthcare services is aimed at preventing potential human health risks and environmental hazards as well as improving wellbeing. In the process, however, wastes that are potentially harmful are generated and poor management of these primary healthcare wastes (HCW) exposes the health workers, patients, patient’s visitors, waste handlers and the general public to health risks. The objective of this study is to assess the waste management practices of health workers in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano state. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from four selected healthcare facilities. A total of 303 health workers randomly selected served as respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to health workers to determine their knowledge and practice on healthcare waste management. Whereas non-participatory observation checklist was used to collect data on their current practices as regards to healthcare waste management. Data were analyzed, and presented as descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and hypothesis was tested using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. In conclusion, management of healthcare wastes (HCW) has become one of the critical concerns in developing countries especially Nigeria. Healthcare waste is dangerous, if handled, treated or disposed of incorrectly can spread diseases, and poison people, livestock, wild animals, plants and ecosystems. Healthcare institutions must utilize the most practical options to achieve acceptable standards and practices for healthcare waste management using available technologies. Measures to improve the Primary Healthcare waste management practices in healthcare facilities in Kano Municipal Local Government and the country at large is to enhance training of all health workers on healthcare waste management. It is recommended that colour coded bag be made available for segregation of clinical waste in all primary healthcare facilities.

New weapons explosive exhibits persistent toxicity in plants.

Explosives are widespread, toxic and persistent environmental pollutants. 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is being phased in to replace 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in munitions. Here we demonstrate that only low levels of DNAN are detoxified in Arabidopsis, leaving it to remain as a substrate for monodehydroascorbate reductase 6 mediated chronic phytotoxicity. Enhancing the potential for environmental toxicity, DNAN is readily transported to the aerial tissues exposing this toxin to herbivores and the wider food chain.

Deciphering physical and functional properties of chitosan-based particles for agriculture applications

Traditional methods for controlling plant pathogens rely on toxic chemicals, posing environmental and health risks. Developing sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives is crucial. Chitosan (CS)-based materials offer promising solutions for sustainable agriculture. We aimed to synthesize and characterize CS-based microparticles with varying properties and assess their antimicrobial performance to establish correlations between variations in physicochemical characteristics and their impact on performance within biological systems. We adjusted the synthesis parameters, producing particles labeled P1, P2, and P3, which have sizes of 0.19 ± 0.07 μm, 0.45 ± 0.32 μm, and 1.22 ± 0.32 μm, and zeta potentials of +7.6 ± 4.25 mV, +22 ± 3.51 mV, and + 12.9 ± 4.54 mV, respectively. Extensive toxicological screenings showed that these CS-based microparticles were non-toxic across cell cultures, mouse red blood cells, soil microbiota, nitrogen-cycling bacteria, and plant toxicity assays. Encouraged by these results, we evaluated their antimicrobial potential against economically important crop pathogens. The CS-based microparticles exhibited antimicrobial effects against the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and the fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii. Higher zeta potentials correlated with greater antimicrobial efficacy, evidenced by lower IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. These findings indicate that all three microparticles analyzed displayed antimicrobial activity against two economically significant crop pathogens, with P2 showing solid performance attributed to its physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, CS-based microparticles represent a promising, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly alternative for modern agriculture, with their biological activities potentially predictable through careful selection of physicochemical properties before the synthesis process.

Toxic Effects of Ethnobotanically Used Plants in Muğla

Poisonous Effects of Plants with Ethnobotanical Use in Muğla Abstract: According to various ethnobotanical studies, the local people in Muğla use 315 plant species for medicinal, food and other purposes. At the same time, it has been seen in different phytochemical studies that these same species recorded in ethnobotanical studies also contain compounds that have a poisonous and harmful effects on humans. Under certain conditions as considering the one’s age, weight, gender, allergies and various diseases, addictions and pregnancy status, these plant species may have toxic effects. The purpose of this review is to underline that, as a result of evaluating both of these researched information together, plants that are used quite commonly and unconsciously can have sudden poisoning effects or long-term harmful impacts on people. Key Words: Ethnobotany, Poisonous Plants, Traditional medicine, Muğla

Impact of Pristine and Aged Tire Wear Particles on Ipomoea aquatica and Rhizospheric Microbial Communities: Insights from a Long-Term Exposure Study.

Tire wear particles (TWPs), generated from tire abrasion, contribute significantly to environmental contamination. The toxicity of TWPs to organisms has raised significant concerns, yet their effects on terrestrial plants remain unclear. Here, we investigated the long-term impact of pristine and naturally aged TWPs on water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and its rhizospheric soil. The results indicated that natural aging reduced the toxicity of TWPs, as evidenced by decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and TWPs themselves. Consequently, aged TWPs were found to enhance the plant growth and chlorophyll content, whereas pristine TWPs increased the plant stress. Furthermore, aged TWPs improved soil organic matter (SOM) and total organic carbon (TOC), thereby boosting the microbial enzymes involved in nitrogen cycling. Metabolomic analysis revealed that aged TWPs upregulated key pathways related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, enhancing plant growth and stress responses. Additionally, rhizosphere bacterial diversity was higher under aged TWPs, favoring nutrient-cycling taxa such as Acidobacteriota and Nitrospirota. Pristine TWPs may lead to overproliferation of certain dominant species, thereby reducing microbial diversity in soil, which could ultimately compromise the soil health. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying TWP toxicity in plants and highlight the necessity for further research on the impact of aged TWPs across various plant species over different exposure durations for comprehensive risk assessment.

Comparative Study of Different Medicinal Plants Extracts as Repellency and Toxicity against Tribolium castaneum Herbst

Many plant species possess significant potential for use as medicinal agents, offering not only therapeutic benefits for humans and animals but also acting as natural insect repellents for the protection of stored grains. This study explores the repellency and toxicity of specific medicinal plants, particularly those that exhibit resistance to insect infestation. The investigation focused on the efficacy of the leaves of several selected plants against Tribolium castaneum, a common pest affecting stored grain products. The toxicity was evaluated by recording insect mortality at different intervals (12, 24, 48, and 72 hours) after exposure to plant extracts. Results showed that plant materials had varying effects depending on the species used, the type of insect, and the duration of exposure. Additionally, the repellent properties of the plant extracts were assessed, with the test leaves demonstrating repellency rates of 76% to 78% against Tribolium castaneum, significantly higher compared to the control group, which lacked any plant material. This study highlights the potential application of medicinal plants in pest management as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for grain protection.

Mantegazza pop. Dall'Heracleum Mantegazzianum di Sommier & Levier a The return of the Giant Hogweed dei Genesis e oltre

Tuscan botanists and explorers Stéphen Sommier and Emile Levier during their trip to the Caucasus (1890) discovered a new plant species. In 1895 they named the species Heracleum mantegazzianum in dedication to their friend and anthropologist Paolo Mantegazza. This botanical species is a large, highly invasive, and poisonous herbaceous plant. The seeds brought by the naturalists quickly spread throughout Europe. It became common in Great Britain as an ornament of communal and botanical gardens. Thedense free trade between enthusiasts and sale in horticultural catalogs, all helped it spread throughout the natural environment of Europe. Due to its strong vitality it became an invasive species. Even the English musical group The Genesis dedicated in 1971 a songto the plant, The return of the Giant Hogweed, using the vulgar name and quoting Mantegazza. The study presented here delves into the sources of inspiration of Genesis, which are broad and linked to both the popular and scientific spheres. We then consider the references to the economic, social, and cultural aspects that an invasive and toxic species entails, considering the eradication programs developed in most of the world’s countries. Finally even a political reading is provided in light of the «myths» that remains under the name of Mantegazza.

Menadiol diacetate mediated subcellular Cd accumulation and nutrients uptake alleviates Cd toxicity and increases growth and yield of summer squash

Cadmium (Cd) has shown toxicity to reduce growth and productivity in different plants. The Present study investigated the efficacy of menadiol diacetate (MD) to reduce Cd stress on growth and yield of summer squash plants. The experiment was performed under saturated Hoagland’s nutrient solution (control) while the other group was supplemented with 0.1 mM CdCl2 (Cd stress). Surface sterilized seeds of summer squash were primed in different concentrations (10, 20 µM) of MD as well as in distilled water for 24 h and sown in the pots. Different morphological and physio-biochemical attributes were determined after 35 d of growth whereas the data for yield attributes was collected after 70 d. Cd concentration was determined in various subcellular compartments i.e., cell walls and cell wall debris, chloroplast, cell membrane and other organelles including vacuoles. The Cd stress decreased photosynthetic pigments, osmoprotectants and ultimately caused reduction in the yield attributes. Further, it increased the secondary metabolites and oxidants (MDA and H2O2) in the summer squash tissues. Cd exposure also altered ions accumulation in the summer squash tissues by increasing the root and shoot Ca2+ (24–93%) and Fe (4–18%) ions while decreasing the Mg2+ (31–39%) ions. The MD-priming, particularly at 10 µM concentration mediated increase in the total phenolics, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanins concentration, and thus enhanced growth and yield attributes of summer squash exposed to Cd toxicity. Further, 10 µM MD-priming facilitated Cd compartmentalization in the subcellular compartments mainly in the cell wall (58%) rather than in the chloroplast (18%), cell membrane (7%) and soluble fractions (18%). In this context, cell wall and vacuole were the key compartments for Cd sequestration. This study highlights MD-priming as a potential strategy to counter Cd toxicity in summer squash plants.

Acute poisoning with Jatropha curcas in North Eastern Himalayan region – A case series and review of literature

Plant poisoning is one of the common accidental sources of poisoning amongst the villagers and the troops going on long-range patrolling. Seeds of Jatropha curcas a/k/a biodiesel pant mimicking nuts are an uncommon source of poisoning, manifesting as mainly gastrointestinal symptoms and less frequently the other systemic manifestations. Here, we report a case series of two cases of serving soldiers who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms after consumption of seeds of unknown plants mimicking nuts, which was later identified as J. curcas. Both patients had favorable outcomes with syndromic management of the unknown poisoning.

Investigation and Analysis of Poisonous Plants in Landscape Plants of a Residential Area in Hefei

This paper lists the common poisonous flowers and poisonous plants in landscaping, and explains the matters needing attention in landscape design, which should consider their toxicity and functionality in landscape design, and use the design to play the aesthetic feeling of plants in landscape design. In this paper, the methods of field investigation and consulting data were used to investigate the poisonous plants in a residential area of Hefei.The family name, species name, poisonous parts and toxicity of these poisonous plants were listed, and the problems existing in the application of landscape plants in a residential area of Hefei City were discussed and the solutions were put forward.

Cu Concentration in Vegetable-Cultivated Soil: Comparison Between Open Fields and Protected Environments in Brazil

High copper (Cu) concentration in soils used for vegetable production is an agricultural, social and environmental issue. The excess of Cu in soil can cause toxicity in plants, reducing growth and yields. Moreover, Cu can also be absorbed and accumulated in edible organs, increasing risks for human health. This study aimed to compare Cu fractions in soils: (1) non-cultivated, natural soil (NC), (2) soils cultivated with open field crops (FCs) and (3) soils cultivated in controlled environments (CEs). The survey was carried out on 25 sites in Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), with each site containing the three types of soils described above. From these sites, the four with the highest soil Cu concentrations were selected to compare soluble (Cu-CaCl2), available (Cu-EDTA) and total (Cu-EPA) Cu. Both total and available soil Cu concentration in soil solution, in CE and FC areas were higher than in NC. At sites 23R1 (Oxisol) and 11R1 (Molisol) the soluble and available Cu content was higher in the FC environment than in CEs, and the same was observed for the total Cu content at sites 23R1 (Oxisol) and 9R1 (Molisol). Some FC soils showed total Cu concentrations higher than the limits established by Brazilian environmental legislation, being, as a consequence, potentially contaminated. Soil monitoring and cropping practices must be adopted to reduce the Cu content in soils of vegetable crops in this region.

Supporting the Digital Autonomy of Elders Through LLM Assistance

The internet offers tremendous access to services, social connections, and needed products. However, to those without sufficient experience, engaging with businesses and friends across the internet can be daunting due to the ever present danger of scammers and thieves, to say nothing of the myriad of potential computer viruses. Like a forest rich with both edible and poisonous plants, those familiar with the norms inhabit it safely with ease while newcomers need a guide. However, reliance on a human digital guide can be taxing and often impractical. We propose and pilot a simple but unexplored idea: could an LLM provide the necessary support to help the elderly who are separated by the digital divide safely achieve digital autonomy?

Rice cultivation and safety concerns from irrigation with ZnO nanoparticle-contaminated treated municipal wastewater

ABSTRACT The proliferation of metal-based nanoparticles in treated municipal wastewater (TWW) has raised environmental and health concerns. This study examined the health risks and effects of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in TWW on rice growth, yield, and nutrition. Continuous fertigation was used to irrigate rice plants with TWW containing 0, 2, and 5 mg L−1 of either ZnO NPs or ZnSO4. Results indicated that TWW with higher ZnO NP concentrations significantly reduced plant height and root mass but increased shoot biomass and rice yield. ZnO NPs or ZnSO4 exposure increased Zn accumulation in rice roots, shoots, and grains while reducing Cd levels by 30%. However, elevated Zn levels also increased toxic metal accumulation, such as As and Mo. The estimated daily intake values for As, Zn, and Mo increased by over 100, 29–47, and 14–18%, respectively, raising cumulative health risks from trace element exposure, with hazard index (HI) values exceeding the safe threshold (HI > 1). Despite no acute toxicity in rice plants, the continuous use of ZnO NP-contaminated TWW presents significant long-term environmental and health risks. This highlights the urgent need for stringent monitoring and management of TWW quality to safeguard the sustainability of agricultural wastewater reuse.

Investigating the synergistic effects of nano-zinc and biochar in mitigating aluminum toxicity in soybeans

Aluminum (Al) toxicity limited root growth by reducing nutrient translocation and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, particularly in soybean. The endophyte of root could be modified by plant metabolites, which could potentially alter the tolerance to environmental toxicity of plants in acidic-Al soils. To explore how they help soybean mitigate Al toxicity by altering root endophytes, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) at doses of 0, 30, 60, 90 mg/kg and 2% biochar (BC) were selected as bio modifiers, and Al2(SO4)3 at 19 mg/kg was used to simulate Al toxicity. We analyzed root endophytes and metabolites by high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that ZnO NPs with BC could bolster soybean resilience against Al toxicity by enriching soil nutrients, activating enzymes, and bolstering antioxidant mechanisms. We also observed that it enriched root endophytic microbial diversity, notably increasing populations of Nakamurella, Aureimonas, Luteimonas, and Sphingomonas. These changes in the endophytes contributed to the improved adaptability of plants to adversity under Al toxicity. This study highlighted the potential of using ZnO NPs and BC as a sustainable approach to combat Al toxicity, emphasizing the intricate interplay between plant physiology and rhizosphere microbial dynamics in mitigating the effects of environmental toxicity.