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Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain. Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa. The neuroprotective compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties, making them promising candidates for combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving brain function. Polyphenolic compounds, triterpenic acids, and specific phytocompounds like the ones from EGb 761 extract have shown interactions with key enzymes and receptors in the brain, leading to neuroprotective outcomes. However, this review also acknowledges the neurotoxic potential of certain plants, such as the Veratrum species, which contains steroidal alkaloids that can cause DNA damage and disrupt neurological function, or Atropa belladonna, which interfere with the normal functioning of the cholinergic system in the body, leading to a range of symptoms associated with anticholinergic toxicity. Conslusions: This review also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of plant-derived compounds, as well as to identify novel phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential. Understanding the complex relationship between plants and the human brain is crucial for harnessing the benefits of neuroprotective compounds while mitigating the risks associated with neurotoxic substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the neurological properties of plants and highlights the importance of continued research in this field for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain health and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1749, Linnaeus published Pan Svecicus, a thesis that was defended by his student Nils Hesselgren. The thesis describes food preference trials in cows, goats, sheep, horses, and pigs, and includes 2325 tests with 643 plant species. The data had surprisingly little bearing on the text in the thesis, and even though the experiments quickly became internationally known, the data were merely repeated, rather than discussed. We have digitized the data and linked the species names to modern nomenclature and present the first analysis and discussion of the results. Pigs were most selective (eating 32% of the 204 plant species that were tested on all animals), followed by horses (59%), cows (66%), sheep (82%), and goats (85%). The ruminants (especially goats and sheep) had high overlap in food choice, and the pigs deviated most (despite the fact that pigs are more closely related to the ruminants than are horses). Among plant orders, Fabales and Poales were generally preferred, while Lamiales and Ranunculales were avoided, especially by cows and horses. Cows and horses were also more keen to avoid toxic plant species. All animals showed a preference for species that are today considered nutritious. We now make the data available, for further analyses in ecology, history of science, and other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Düzce University Journal of Forestry / Düzce Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Ormancılık Dergisi is the property of Duzce University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nerium oleander, also known as "espirradeira" in Brazil, is a shrub or small tree widely used as an ornamental plant in temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Ingestion of N. oleander can cause intoxication due to the presence of cardioactive glycosides, in both humans and animals. This study aims to report the epidemiological, clinical, postmortem, and immunohistochemical features of an outbreak of natural intoxication by N. oleander in cattle and the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for troponin C, for the first time, in this intoxication in the species. Twenty-eight cattle had access to pruned branches of N. oleander and 20 animals started presenting clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, ataxia, tachypnea, tremors, and recumbency ten hours after the consumption. Eight cattle progressed to death 48 hours after the clinical progression and one was submitted for necropsy. Macroscopic findings included petechiae and ecchymosis on the epicardium and endocardium. Histologically, there were multifocal areas of necrosis of individual or multiple cardiomyocytes, mainly in the left ventricular papillary muscle. Immunohistochemistry for troponin C revealed decrease or absence of cytoplasmic immunolabeling in necrotic cardiomyocytes. Although intoxication by N. oleander is uncommon in cattle, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for other conditions that cause sudden or acute death in livestock and IHC for troponin C is an auxiliary tool in the identification of peracute and acute cardiac lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study identified the most common poisonous and allergenic plants occurring in Sicilian gardens and parks. Based on a survey conducted at 100 sites, a list was drawn up that reports the main biological and toxicological characteristics and ornamental uses of these plants. A total of 137 taxa were recorded, of which 108 were poisonous and 32 were allergenic. The most represented families were the Solanaceae, Moraceae, Apocynaceae and Fabaceae. The most represented geographical contingents were the European and the Mediterranean. A large number of toxic and allergenic plants recorded in Sicilian parks and gardens cause gastrointestinal disorders, 21 of which are deadly poisonous. Based on the results, actions for the management of existing gardens and the construction of new ones are discussed. The importance of environmental education for the population starting from school age is stressed. These recommendations aim to preserve cultivated biodiversity and, at the same time, protect human and pet health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flock of 48 sheep in Argentina grazing on a pasture of hybrid Urochloa (formerly Brachiaria) Mulato II (Urochloa ruziziensis × Urochloa decumbens × Urochloa brizantha) developed facial dermatitis, severe jaundice, and weakness after brief physical activity. Blood biochemistry of 3 animals revealed azotemia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity, and increased direct, indirect, and total bilirubin concentrations. The urine was markedly turbid and contained large concentrations of bile pigments and protein. At autopsy of 2 animals, there was severe jaundice and subcutaneous submandibular edema. The livers were enlarged, intensely yellow, and had a marked acinar pattern. Gallbladders were distended, and the kidneys were diffusely dark in one animal and yellow-green in the other. Microscopically, there was lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic cholangiohepatitis with abundant crystals in the lumen of bile ducts and in the cytoplasm of macrophages. The proximal and distal convoluted renal tubules had protein casts in their lumens, and crystals were observed in the lumen and epithelial cells. Lectin histochemistry showed strong affinity for Arachis hypogaea agglutinin in hepatic macrophages. In the one sheep that was tested for heavy metals, copper concentrations in the liver and kidney were within the RIs. Despite the immediate change of pasture, morbidity and mortality were 100% within 3 mo. The association between the consumption of this pasture, and the clinical, biochemical, pathology, and lectin histochemistry findings confirmed intoxication with Urochloa hybrid Mulato II. To our knowledge, intoxication by this hybrid of Urochloa has not been reported previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native to Europe, Western Asia, and the Caucasus, Aethusa cynapium L. is an invasive plant that has been introduced in many parts of the world, including North America, North Africa, the Russian Far East, and Japan. As for the Republic of Korea, the species is currently found in the Yangjaecheon Stream in Gaepo-dong, Gangnamgu, in Seoul. Morphologically, it is similar to Cicuta virosa and Conium maculatum but can be distinguished from them by its striated stems, triangular or ovate leaflets, 6-25.3 mm unequal rays, three linear-lanceolate involucels, and filiform ribs on fruits. Considering that its seeds can remain viable in the soil for 10-20 years, local and regulatory authorities should pay close attention to this potentially dangerous species. Our study provides photographs, morphological description, and a geographical distribution map of A. cynapium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Palicourea marcgravii is a lethal toxic plant widely distributed in Brazil. Ingestion of this plant causes cardiotoxic effects in animals, leading to acute heart failure without evident macroscopic changes in the heart due to the rapid progression of the disease. Currently, the diagnosis is confirmed based on microscopic identification of characteristic renal lesions. Although troponin is used as a biomarker for myocardial lesions in human and veterinary medicine, its serum levels in sheep poisoned with P. marcgravii remain unknown. The objective of this study was to determine serum levels of troponin I and evaluate its expression in incipient heart lesions in sheep. Eight male sheep were experimentally intoxicated with 1g kg-1 of fresh P. marcgravii plants. The animals were physically examined every two hours, and blood samples were collected before the administration of the plant material and during the agonizing period immediately before death. Additionally, necropsy and immunohistochemistry were performed on cardiac tissue samples. All animals presented minimal serum levels of troponin I before plant administration, with a significant increase in these levels immediately before death, indicating leakage due to the cardiac injury. These results confirm the hypothesis that troponin is released into the bloodstream before morphological changes in the myocardium can be observed through conventional microscopy and immunohistochemical testing. These findings contribute to understanding the pathological mechanisms of this toxicity and may assist in the early diagnosis and treatment of affected animals.

Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the landscape plants used in the design of hospital gardens in terms of toxicity. Background: Although plants have positive effects on humans, some plants can be toxic due to the compounds found in their bodies. The toxicity of plants is an issue that needs to be addressed in design, and it is important to investigate the toxic properties of plants in designs to be made in hospital gardens, which have a large user population and especially where people come to heal. Methods: Observation technique and document analysis were used in the study. Species were identified by taking samples from landscape plants in the gardens of state hospitals in Bursa. The distribution of the identified plant taxa according to toxic groups and their relations with each other were analyzed. Results: Taxa used in hospital gardens were mostly nontoxic (54.43%). It has been determined that there is a linear relationship between the number of taxa and toxic groups, and the increase in the number of taxa also increases the number of toxic taxa. Conclusion: It is seen that toxic plants are used in the design of hospital gardens, but they are included in toxic taxa. It will be an important approach to raise awareness by placing labels showing the toxicity status of taxa together with the collection of toxic taxa at points far from users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vacha holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine, addressing memory issues and acting as an anthelminthic. A. calamus rhizomes are known to be toxic due to presence of β-asarone and are used in Ayurvedic medicines only after elaborate processing known as Sodhana (detoxification or purification). As mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Rasatrangini and Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Sodhana entails the transformation of potentially poisonous plants/substances into non-toxic forms. This study aims to uncover the chemical basis of this ancient detoxification process. Study design: The plant material was detoxified following the methods mentioned in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The plant material was boiled in gomutra (cow urine) and decanted. Subsequently, it was boiled with Spaeranthus indicus (Alambusa kwath) and then with Panchpallav kwath (a decoction of leaves from five different plants). The plant material so obtained was dried and subjected to swedana (steam distillation), dried again and extracted to obtain processed (detoxified) extract. Both the unprocessed and processed extracts were analyzed for secondary metabolites using HPLC, LCMS, and 1H NMR. Results: This study demonstrated that detoxification process resulted in morphological changes in rhizome, almost ten-fold reduction in extractive yield, reduced amount of major toxic component β-asarone and other toxic metabolites like asaronaldehyde, acorone, calamusin, acoraminol, acoramone, 1,2-dihydroxyasarone, asarotonide, propioveratrone, azulene and calamol in the extract, and isomerisation of β-asarone to α-asarone. Further the toxic metabolites were screened for genotoxicity by molecular docking. Conclusion: Our findings have identified the chemical basis of Ayurvedic detoxification process.

ABSTRACT: An outbreak of photosensitization in Holstein and Jersey cattle occurred after the passage of an extratropical cyclone in Southern Brazil. On that occasion, several trees fell, including some of the species Myrocarpus frondosus (Fabaceae family) popularly known as “gabreúva”, “cabriúna” or “gabriúna”. Five heifers consumed the leaves of this plant, and all of them became ill. The main clinical signs were decreased appetite, permanence in the water, decreased ruminal movements, dry stools, congested and icteric sclera and conjunctivae, dark urine and restlessness when exposed to the sun. One heifer showed circling, incoordination, restlessness and death six days after the onset of clinical signs. From the seventh day, three heifers showed improvement; one remained apathetic, with jaundiced mucous membranes, ulceration, and scaling on the tongue, increased respiratory rate, and fever, and died 18 days after ingestion of the plant. At necropsy, photosensitivity lesions were observed on the depigmented skin, snout, teats, and ear tip, characterized by discontinuity of the skin with the formation of crusts, inflammatory exudate associated with redness of the skin, in addition to ulceration in the mouth, snout and ventral portion of the tongue and jaundice and edema in the submandibular region. The liver was enlarged, with an orange color, full gallbladder, and wall edema. Through microscopy, liver lesions were characterized by moderate and diffuse necrosis of hepatocytes, vacuolar and centrilobular degeneration, bilirubin retention and proliferation of biliary epithelium. The literature shows no reports of M. frondosus toxicity in cattle. Experiments were carried out in cattle to clarify the possible clinical-pathological picture produced by this plant. A survey of the epidemiological data of the diagnosed spontaneous outbreak was carried out, and subsequently, three cattle received the plant’s green leaves, and a fourth received the dried leaves. After administering the plant, blood samples were collected daily for blood count, measurement of liver enzymes (gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase), bilirubin, measurement of vital parameters and liver biopsy from the onset of signs. In case of death, a necropsy was performed with collection of viscera samples for macro and microscopic evaluation. The experimental part was developed at the Laboratory of Animal Pathology, CAV-UDESC. The single dose of 33g/kg of green leaves caused severe clinical signs, while the administration of 22g/kg and 11g/kg caused mild to moderate signs of the disease. The supply of desiccated leaves in a single dose did not cause clinical manifestations. M. frondosus can be blamed as a cause of spontaneous hepatogenous photosensitization in cattle. Experimentally, the ingestion of green leaves of this plant, in doses greater than 11g/kg can lead to clinical changes, with subsequent recovery, or progress to death with severe liver damage.

• Toxicity evaluations of Southern African plants used to treat pain and inflammation are reviewed. • Only 117 of the >500 plants traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation have been screened for toxicity. • Cell-based and brine shrimp lethality assays were identified as the most frequently used assay models. • Few species have been tested using more than one assay and substantially more study is required. • Of the plants that have been screened for toxicity, >80% were reported to be nontoxic. The harmful side effects associated with conventional anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals has focussed attention on medicinal plants as alternative therapeutics. However, the use of medicinal plants is predominantly based on ethnobotanical knowledge and often lacks toxicity data and safety validation. A comprehensive review of the toxicity and phytochemical properties of southern African medicinal plants used for inflammation and pain-related ailments was undertaken. Various ethnobotanical books and search engines including Science direct, Sci-Finder, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to determine which medicinal plants have been screened for toxicity. A total of 117 medicinal plants have previously been evaluated by toxicity screening. The predominant toxicity test used was the MTT reduction assay (109 species), followed by the brine shrimp lethality assay (57 species), and the XTT assay (24 species). The Ames test, which was used to screen 20 species, was the most frequently used assay to determine mutagenic properties of the plant extracts. The top five most commonly screened cell lines were Vero monkey kidney cells (46 plant extracts), RAW 264.7 macrophages (23 extracts), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, 12) (21 extracts), mouse fibroblast (3T3) (18 extracts) and Graham cells (HEK-293) (17 extracts). Over 80% of the tested medicinal plant extracts were found to be non-toxic. Although many species have been evaluated for their toxicity properties, plant extracts are often tested using one or two assays and also lack diversity in terms of choice of cell lines used for screening. Phytochemical studies remain scarce and substantial further work is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionPlant identification applications for use on smartphones have been increasing in availability, accuracy, and utilization. We aimed to perform an introductory study to determine if a plant identification application (ID app) used on a smartphone could identify toxic plants, and to compare apps to determine which is most reliable.MethodsWe compared three popular iPhone plant ID apps, PictureThis (PT), PlantSnap (PS), and Pl@ntNet (PN), used to identify 17 commonly encountered toxic plants. Apps were used to photograph the entire plant, leaves, and flowers of ≥ 10 different plants for each species. Two toxicologists performed plant identification with confirmation of identification performed by a botanist, and inter-researcher agreement was confirmed. For each plant species, scores for accuracy of app identification of leaves, flowers, and whole plant were combined to create an overall composite score used to compare accuracy of each app (95% C.I.).ResultsPictureThis had the best performance with 10/17 (59% [36 to 78]) plant species identified 100% correctly, as opposed to 8/17 (47% [26 to 69]) for Pl@ntNet and 1/17 for PlantSnap (5.8% [1.1 to 27]).ConclusionA plant identification app may be a useful tool to assist healthcare providers and the public in identifying toxic plants.

ABSTRACT: Nerium oleander, also known as “espirradeira” in Brazil, is a shrub or small tree widely used as an ornamental plant in temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Ingestion of N. oleander can cause intoxication due to the presence of cardioactive glycosides, in both humans and animals. This study aims to report the epidemiological, clinical, postmortem, and immunohistochemical features of an outbreak of natural intoxication by N. oleander in cattle and the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for troponin C, for the first time, in this intoxication in the species. Twenty-eight cattle had access to pruned branches of N. oleander and 20 animals started presenting clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, ataxia, tachypnea, tremors, and recumbency ten hours after the consumption. Eight cattle progressed to death 48 hours after the clinical progression and one was submitted for necropsy. Macroscopic findings included petechiae and ecchymosis on the epicardium and endocardium. Histologically, there were multifocal areas of necrosis of individual or multiple cardiomyocytes, mainly in the left ventricular papillary muscle. Immunohistochemistry for troponin C revealed decrease or absence of cytoplasmic immunolabeling in necrotic cardiomyocytes. Although intoxication by N. oleander is uncommon in cattle, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for other conditions that cause sudden or acute death in livestock and IHC for troponin C is an auxiliary tool in the identification of peracute and acute cardiac lesions.

The leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens stands out as a pest of several crops of economic importance. The main control method for this species is the application of ant baits. However, one of the most used active ingredients in the ant baits, sulfluramid, was classified as an organic pollutant, highlighting the urgent need to seek new active ingredients with greater ecological and environmental safety. The present goal is to evaluate the bioactivity of botanical extracts in workers of the leaf-cutting ant A. sexdens by ingestion, aiming to select extracts with essential characteristics for use in toxic baits for the subsequent isolation of substances and prospection of insecticides. Insect survival in the first evaluation (24 h) was high in all treatments with extracts. Survival time varied between treatments, with mortality reaching maximum values between 10 and 20 days for most of the treatments. At 21 days, live ants were observed only in treatments T3 (M. maracasana-stem) and T4 (C. mastigophorus-bark), with survival of 10% and 3.3%, respectively, not significantly differing between them. The extracts of Metrodorea maracasana, Conchocarpus mastigophorus, Erythoxylum macrocalyx, and Erythoxylum plowmanii showed insecticidal activity against A. sexdens workers. The insecticidal activity of the species Erythoxylum macrocalyx, E. plowmanii, Metrodorea maracasana, and Conchocarpus mastigophorus against A. sexdens workers is shown for the first time. The studied extracts have potential for the fractionation and selection of substances responsible for insecticidal activity, allowing for the prospection of toxic baits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to potentially toxic plants is a global problem, resulting in thousands of calls to poison centers and emergency department visits annually and occasional deaths. Persons with limited botanical knowledge may be tempted to rely on smartphone applications to determine if plants are safe to forage. This study evaluated the reliability of several popular smartphone applications to identify foraged foods and distinguish them from potentially toxic plants in the Midwestern United States. Sixteen plant species were selected based on local availability, attractiveness as foraged food, and potential for misidentification. Of the 16 species, five are edible, three are potentially toxic if improperly harvested or prepared, and eight are considered to be toxic. Plant specimens were identified by graduate-level botanists and photographed during multiple stages of their growth cycles. LeafSnap, PictureThis, Pl@ntNet and PlantSnap were used to identify the plants. Overall accuracy of the applications in identifying plant genus was 76% (95% confidence interval: 73–79, range 96% for PictureThis to 53% for PlantSnap). Accuracy for identification of plant species was 58% (95% confidence interval 55–62%, range 94% for PictureThis to 34% for PlantSnap). Five of eleven potentially toxic species were identified as an edible species by at least one application. Accuracy of the smartphone applications varies, with PictureThis outperforming other apps. At this time, apps cannot be used to safely identify edible plants. Foragers must have adequate botanical knowledge to ensure safe harvesting of wild plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress and fatigue caused by urban life on people can be partially reduced with recreational areas created in the city. It is necessary to pay attention to the aesthetic, ecological and functional effects of the plants to be used in these areas and the toxic substances they have. These substances can be found in different organs of plants or all of them. Consuming these substances can cause serious health problems. This study was carried out to reveal the use of the toxic plant species in open green areas in Kütahya, Simav district center between June and July 2021. Plant species, toxic plant species and plant groups in 10 randomly selected areas were examined on-site. As a result of the analysis; 65 plant species in 30 families were determined in the study area. The rate of the toxic plant species was 44.61%, 21.54% of the toxic plant species were found as trees, 10.77% in bush, 7.69% in small tree and 1.54% in climbing forms. Toxic substances in these plants were in organs such as flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, stems and barks. The highest number of the plant species in the area was 53, and the rate of the toxic plant species was 50%. Information signs and frontier were not determined in the area related to toxic plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Ingestion of S. planicaulis (Sin. S. carpinifolia) causes lysosomal storage disease in sheep. The main toxic compound of this plant, swainsonine, inhibits the enzymatic activity of α-mannosidase I and II, resulting in lysosomal storage of glycoproteins. We describe a case of spontaneous poisoning by S. planucaulis in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Physical examination of affected animals revealed proprioceptive deficit, motor incoordination, staggering movement, and head tremors. Histopathological evaluation showed severe swelling/cytoplasmic vacuolization in Purkinje neurons, with a foamy appearance and occasional karyolysis or karyopyknosis, and intense vacuolization of acinar cells of the pancreas and, less markedly, thyroid follicular cells. The positive lectin-histochemistry labeling for Con A, WGA and sWGA lectins characterized the disease as a glycoproteinosis. The ultrastructural evaluation revealed numerous vacuoles up to 2.5μm in diameter bounded by membranes up to 20nm thick in pancreatic acinar cells. The diagnosis of S. planicaulis toxicity was established based on epidemiological data, clinicopathological, lectino-histochemical, and ultrastructural findings. This is the second report of spontaneous poisoning of sheep by S. planicaulis in Brazil, but the first in the Southeastern Brazil.

In Morocco, traditional medicine utilizes many toxic plants for cancer treatment, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Further research may be able to explore and discover the potential therapeutic effects of these plants' bioactive molecules with antioxidant and anticancer properties. Based on our review, we have determined that the 13 plants under examination possess various pharmacological and biological activities due to their diverse phytochemical composition. Despite their toxicity, these plants have a history of traditional use in Morocco for treating multiple diseases. Further research, including preclinical and clinical trials, should be conducted to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of these plants. Moroccan cuisine commonly incorporates gruels, herbal drinks, and spicy beverages, which possess significant health benefits, including chemo-preventive properties and natural inhibitors against certain infections. These properties may aid in reducing the incidence of cancer and potentially have therapeutic effects in various human pathologies when consumed in appropriate amounts and in combination with a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Senecio jacobaea contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can induce severe hepatic intoxication in horses, either acute when ingested in high amounts or chronic when consumed over a long period. The aim of this study was to determine horses’ rejection behaviour towards the presence of Senecio jacobaea in hay when fed ad libitum. We hypothesized that adult horses can sort Senecio jacobaea out of the contaminated hay when hay is fed ad libitum. Six warmblood geldings with a mean (±SD) age of 15 ± 2 years were included. In a randomized study, Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay (5% or 10% contamination level) was provided at several timepoints over the day for 1 hour to six. Hay was provided ad libitum for the rest of the day. The horses’ rejection behaviour towards Senecio jacobaea was observed. If a horse ingested two Senecio jacobaea plants twice at different timepoints, then the horse was excluded from the experiment. Results Two out of six horses had to be excluded from the study after three out of 12 observation periods due to repeated Senecio jacobaea intake. Two other horses had to be excluded after nine and 11 out of 12 observation periods. Only two horses were able to sort out the various amounts (5 and 10% contamination level) of Senecio jacobaea during the whole experiment. Conclusions Horses’ intake of Senecio jacobaea cannot be avoided despite being fed with hay ad libitum. Due to the risk of chronic intoxication by pyrrolizidine alkaloids intake, feeding Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay must be avoided, and pastures with Senecio jacobaea growth are considered inappropriate for feed production.

This publication is intended to provide horse owners with critical information about common toxic plants encountered in Florida. Written by Alyssa Schortinghouse and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Veterinary Medicine—Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, January 2023.

Simple Summary: Photosensitization is a cutaneous disorder caused by a substance that makes the skin sensitive to solar radiation. When this substance is endogenous (phylloethrin) as a result of chlorophyll not being metabolized in the liver, by hepatic failure, photosensitization is called secondary. When the substance is of exogenous origin, photosensitization is primary. Outbreaks of photosensitization caused by the ingestion of Chamaecrista serpens have been described in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle, sheep and horses. However, there are still doubts regarding the type of photosensitization. The objective of this study was to determine if the photosensitization caused by C. serpens is primary or secondary. The disease was reproduced in three groups of two sheep each ingesting C. serpens as the only food or at daily doses of 10 and 20 g per kg bodyweight. The six sheep showed lesions of photosensitization. Two control sheep were not affected. No alterations were observed in the serum activities of aspartate-amino transferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), suggesting that liver function was adequate. No histologic lesions were found in the livers of the sheep with photosensitization, demonstrating that the disease is a primary photosensitization caused by the consumption of C. serpens. This study aimed to clarify the type of photosensitization induced by C. serpens and to verify if the plant remains toxic after being collected and stored. Eight crossbred sheep, aged between 6 and 36 months, were divided into three groups (G1 to G3). Over 30 days, daily, G1 received an exclusive diet of C. serpens, and G2 and G3 received 10 g/kg/BW and 20 g/kg/BW, respectively. Two other sheep were used as controls (CG). Before administration, the plant had been harvested every 15 days. Liver biopsies and blood samples were taken from all sheep on day zero and weekly. All sheep that received the plant developed clinical signs of photosensitization, and no changes were observed in the serum activities of AST and GGT. On day 30, all sheep except Ov1 from G1 and Ov7 were euthanized and necropsied. All sheep that received the plant developed clinical signs. Macroscopic or histologic lesions were not observed in the liver. Ov 1 recovered 13 days after the end of ingestion. These results demonstrated that C. serpens causes primary photosensitization. It is advisable to avoid grazing on pastures invaded by the plant or to remove them from the pastures immediately after observing the first signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The misidentification between edible and poisonous plants is an increasing problem because of the new trend to collect wild plants, especially by amateur collectors who do not have the botanical skills to distinguish between edible and toxic species. Moreover, morphologically similar species are sometimes responsible for accidental contamination or used in the intentional adulteration of products for human and animal consumption. Laurus nobilis L. (laurel) and Prunus laurocerasus L. (cherry laurel) are typical ornamental shrubs of the Mediterranean region. Laurel is considered a non-toxic plant, widely used as flavorings. Conversely, cherry laurel leaves, morphologically similar to those of laurel, contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Considering this, the aim of this study was to carry out an in-depth evaluation of laurel and cherry laurel leaves by using light and scanning electron microscopy coupled with three step phytochemical analyses (qualitative and quantitative colorimetric assays and liquid chromatography). This allowed to highlight the distinguishing features of plant species investigated features such as the venation pattern, presence/absence of nectaries, calcium oxalate crystals, secretory idioblasts, and cyanogenic glycosides. Concluding, this multidisciplinary approach can be useful for the identification of plants but also fragments or pruning residues containing cyanogenic glycosides, in quality control tests, intoxications, and criminal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cestrum axillare poisoning causes significant economic losses in farms of ruminant production due to a fatal acute hepatic disease. The consumption of C. axillare occurs on farms or pastures with a scarcity of feed or with dry forage. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data of poisoning outbreaks by C. axillare from 1953 to 2021 in grazing ruminants in southeastern Brazil are reported. A total of 68 bovines, two buffaloes, and two goats exhibited clinical signs and resulted in death due to C. axillare consumption, with 79% of the cases occurring during the dry period. Clinical signs were apathy, anorexia, ruminal arrest, arched back, and constipation with hard stools, sometimes with blood or mucus. Cases with neurological signs due to hepatic encephalopathy showed excitement, aggressiveness, drooling, staggering, and muscle tremors. The pathological findings included hepatocellular necrosis in the liver and microcavitations in the brain's white matter (status spongiosus). The hepatotoxins, carboxyparquin and parquin, were detected in C. axillare leaf samples collected from paddocks grazed by cattle in three southeastern Brazilian municipalities where outbreaks of C. axillare poisoning occurred. This is the first report of parquin and carboxyparquin in C. axillare. [Display omitted] • Cestrum axillare is a cause of centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis in ruminants. • This is the first report of the hepatotoxins, carboxyparquin and parquin, in Cestrum axillare. • Spontaneous poisoning occurred in cattle, buffalo and goats, mainly in the Southeast region of Brazil. • 79% of the poisoning outbreaks occurred during the dry season, during which C. axillare supports green leaves. • To prevent severe losses, it is essential to plan for supplemental herd nutrition in ruminants during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a poisonous plant distributed throughout the Americas. The E. cyclocarpum fruits have high toxic potential for cattle in Colombia and the clinical signs and pathological lesions are ill-defined. To begin address this issue, twelve Brahman heifers were administered E. cyclocarpum fruits and the evolution of clinical signs were recorded. Blood was collected to establish biochemical and hematological parameters. Animals were euthanized between 4 and 15 days after the initial dose was given, and tissue samples were routinely processed and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin. The severity of clinical signs and tissue lesions were correlated with the dose of E. cyclocarpum fruits. Clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, sialorrhea, jaundice, tympanism, and diarrhea. Skin lesions were consistent with photosensitization. Hematological and biochemical tests showed increased hematocrit, neutropenia, increased serum fibrinogen, elevated hepatic enzymes and azotemia. Histology revealed panlobular cytoplasmic vacuolization and extensive foci of necrosis in the liver. The skin, fore-stomach, abomasum and intestine revealed microcirculatory, inflammatory and ulcerative changes. Protein casts and tubular epithelium vacuolization were found in kidney. Depending on the toxicosis intensity, it is concluded that E. cyclocarpum fruits may cause two clinical and pathological forms of poisoning in Brahman heifers. First, a severe intoxication at repeated exposition with high (20 g/kg/d) or low (10 g/kg/d) dose that affected the digestive and tegumentary systems and the kidney. Second, a mild to moderate form with a single low dose (10 g/kg/d) that affected in lower grades the same systems/organs. [Display omitted] • On cattle Enterolobium cyclocarpum alters digestive system, skin and kidney. • A single low dose of E. cyclocarpum fruit results in transient signs. • Repeated dose of E. cyclocarpum results in severe signs that warrant euthanasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Datura spp. is a potentially poisonous plant that is widely spread and is simply accessible, which can yield poisoning with a central and peripheral anticholinergic effect. We reported cases of family poisoning caused by the herbal tea with refreshing effects that were identified as Datura spp. Datura spp. and many other complementary medicine products are potentially poisonous or could cause adverse effects or interact with prescribed medications. The herbal medicine business is not well regulated and has the potential to cause significant harm. Physicians must routinely gain a history of the use of herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Datura spp. is a potentially poisonous plant that is widely spread and is simply accessible, which can yield poisoning with a central and peripheral anticholinergic effect. We reported cases of family poisoning caused by the herbal tea with refreshing effects that were identified as Datura spp.

ABSTRACT: Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Tephrosia cinerea in the northeastern semiarid region of Brazil has only been described in sheep. Pathologically, such poisoning leads to ascites and centrilobular liver fibrosis. However, these effects require an experimental study in goats. This study aimed to determine the goats’ susceptibility to the ingestion of T. cinerea and the minimum toxic dose, describing the main clinical and anatomopathological findings. Poisoning was reproduced experimentally in one sheep that received 10g/kg of the ground plant and in two goats, the first receiving a dose of 5g/kg and the second receiving 10g/kg of the ground plant. The sheep presented abdominal distension 34 days after beginning the ingestion of the plant, developing sternal decubitus, breathing difficulty, opisthotonos, mandibular trismus, salivation, dysphagia, vocalization, and pedaling movements on the 50th day of the experiment. Fluid accumulation was observed in the abdominal cavity and liver via necropsy, with an irregular, slightly whitish capsular surface. Histologically, the main lesions observed in the liver were moderate fibrosis, marked sinusoidal distension, accompanied by marked hemorrhage, sometimes forming bridges between the centrilobular regions, associated with a dissociation of hepatocyte cords. There were discrete Alzheimer’s type II astrocytes in the gray matter in the region of the occipital cortex in the nervous system. Goat 2 showed apathy, drowsiness, and weight loss; on the 62th day, lateral decubitus evolved to sternal decubitus, with a rotation of the neck towards the flank. At necropsy, marked edema was observed on the face and dewlap, and a slight accumulation of liquid; slightly yellowish material was observed in the abdominal cavity. There were discrete blackened areas on the capsular surface in the liver. Histologically, the liver showed mild centrilobular fibrosis associated with mild dissociation of hepatocyte cords and mild vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Goat 1 showed no clinical signs; at necropsy, discrete multifocal areas were observed in the liver on the capsular surface. Histologically, diffuse intracytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes was detected. The clinical picture and anatomopathological findings differ between the species, proving the lower susceptibility of goats to Tephrosia cinerea ingestion (compared to sheep), with differences in the pathogenesis and epidemiological aspects of poisoning.

Interspecific interactions are central to ecological research. Plants produce toxic plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) as a defense mechanism against herbivore overgrazing, prompting their gradual adaptation to toxic substances for tolerance or detoxification. P450 enzymes in herbivore livers bind to PSMs, whereas UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and glutathione S-transferase increase the hydrophobicity of the bound PSMs for detoxification. Intestinal microorganisms such as Bacteroidetes metabolize cellulase and other macromolecules to break down toxic components. However, detoxification is an overall response of the animal body, necessitating coordination among various organs to detoxify ingested PSMs. PSMs undergo detoxification metabolism through the liver and gut microbiota, evidenced by increased signaling processes of bile acids, inflammatory signaling molecules, and aromatic hydrocarbon receptors. In this context, we offer a succinct overview of how metabolites from the liver and gut microbiota of herbivores contribute to enhancing metabolic PSMs. We focused mainly on elucidating the molecular communication between the liver and gut microbiota involving endocrine, immune, and metabolic processes in detoxification. We have also discussed the potential for future alterations in the gut of herbivores to enhance the metabolic effects of the liver and boost the detoxification and metabolic abilities of PSMs. [Display omitted] • Liver detoxifies toxic components through P450 binding and UGT protein transport. • Gut Bacteroides help detoxify toxic components by secreting enzymes and bile acids. • Crucial for detoxification metabolism of toxic plants is the bile acid transport between liver and gut. • Future research should explore synergistic gut-liver pathways for detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum glaucophyllum is a toxic plant with calcinogenic effect that causes enzootic calcinosis (EC) characterized by soft tissue metastatic mineralization mainly in cattle and rarely sheep, buffaloes, pigs, horses, and goats. We describe an outbreak of EC in a herd of 64 goats due to S. glaucophyllum consumption. Thirty-four goats were affected exhibiting hirsutism, stiffening, kyphosis and emaciation. Twelve goats died. Grossly, tissue mineralization was observed in the aorta and carotid arteries, lungs, and heart. Lesions were characterized by multiple rough white plaques, and hardened tissues with loss of elasticity. Microscopically, multisystemic mineralization was observed in aorta and carotid arteries, heart, lung, abomasum, intestine, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, spleen, and meninges, characterized by extensive granular basophilic deposits of tunica media and/or intima of blood vessels; confirmed as calcium salt deposits with Von Kossa stain. We conclude that ingestion of S. glaucophyllum can cause EC in goats. Though EC is rare in goats under some conditions such as heavy drought and abundant S. glaucophyllum exposure disease can develop. [Display omitted] • Solanum glaucophyllum consumption is responsible of enzootic calcinosis in production animals mainly cattle. • S, glaucophyllum is to our knowledge first reported, herein, affecting goats. • Many enzootic calcinosis outbreaks in grazing animals including goats still remain with calcinogenic plant unidentified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 32-year-old Italian man admitted to our emergency room for visual disturbances with blurred vision, anisocoria and temporal headache suddenly occurred in absence of other neurological symptoms. A diagnosis of Datura stramoniuminduced anticholinergic toxicity was done. With our work, we want to highlight the importance of a meticulous clinical examination, including papillary diameter and reflexes, combined with a detailed history of the patient in the emergency room. Anticholinergic toxicity is a medical emergency. The diagnosis is always clinical, and it can represent a challenge for the emergency clinicians because it can mimic several neurological diseases, including acute stroke and seizures, but early diagnosis is crucial to avoid severe complications and management errors.

Background: Senecio jacobaea contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can induce severe hepatic intoxication in horses, either acute when ingested in high amounts or chronic when consumed over a long period. The aim of this study was to determine horses' rejection behaviour towards the presence of Senecio jacobaea in hay when fed ad libitum. We hypothesized that adult horses can sort Senecio jacobaea out of the contaminated hay when hay is fed ad libitum. Six warmblood geldings with a mean (±SD) age of 15 ± 2 years were included. In a randomized study, Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay (5% or 10% contamination level) was provided at several timepoints over the day for 1 hour to six. Hay was provided ad libitum for the rest of the day. The horses' rejection behaviour towards Senecio jacobaea was observed. If a horse ingested two Senecio jacobaea plants twice at different timepoints, then the horse was excluded from the experiment. Results: Two out of six horses had to be excluded from the study after three out of 12 observation periods due to repeated Senecio jacobaea intake. Two other horses had to be excluded after nine and 11 out of 12 observation periods. Only two horses were able to sort out the various amounts (5 and 10% contamination level) of Senecio jacobaea during the whole experiment. Conclusions: Horses' intake of Senecio jacobaea cannot be avoided despite being fed with hay ad libitum. Due to the risk of chronic intoxication by pyrrolizidine alkaloids intake, feeding Senecio jacobaea contaminated hay must be avoided, and pastures with Senecio jacobaea growth are considered inappropriate for feed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawaiian Islands have long been seen as relatively devoid of native toxic plant species, a result of the paucity of herbivorous predators in this biogeographically isolated archipelago. This assertion has been subjective, without quantitative comparison to floras that evolved in the presence of such predators. We test this assertion by comparing the richness of toxic species in the native flora of the main Hawaiian Islands to that in the naturalized flora of these islands. That test shows the assertion to be correct: the relative abundance of toxic plant species in the naturalized Hawaiian flora is nearly ten times greater than the relative abundance of those species in the Hawaiian native flora. Of the approximately 150 toxic plant species now found in these islands, 92% are naturalized. The species richness of both native and naturalized Hawaiian plant species correlates positively with island size, as does the richness of toxic native and toxic naturalized plant species. These results, and the lack of significant residuals in species–area relationships across the main Hawaiian Islands, suggest that the relative youth of Hawai'i Island is not needed to account for native plant species richness on this island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital malformations are anomalies, structural or functional, that occur during the embryonic or fetal phase. There are several causes, one of which is the ingestion of toxic plants. Considering the importance of native toxic plants in the Central Backlands of Ceará state - Brazil, this paper reports cases of congenital malformations in sheep due to ingestion of Mimosa tenuiflora. Cases: Cases of abortion and malformations in sheep, were monitored in a rural property in the municipality of Piquet Carneiro with 20 ruminants (15 sheep and 5 cows) raised on a semi-intensive regime. The animals grazed during the day and were supplemented with corn, having unrestricted access to dam water. On its margins, there was a large amount of jurema preta (Mimosa tenuiflora), which the owner reported that the sheep consumed daily. The owner was unaware of the toxicity of M. tenuiflora but reported that cases of malformations had already occurred on his property some time ago. In an interval of approximately 12 days, 3 sheep miscarriage fetuses with multiple malformations. Malformed fetuses were referred for anatomopathological examination at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campus Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. The fetuses were necropsied and tissue samples of the nervous system and organs from the thoracic and abdominal cavities were collected, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, routinely processed for histopathology, included in paraffin, cut into 3 µm sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). At necropsies were observed permanent contracture of the thoracic limb joints (arthrogryposis), particularly at the radio-carpal joints; incomplete medial fusion of the palatal bone, with communication between the oral and nasal cavities (palatoschisis); hypoplasia of the mandibular bone (micrognathia); unilateral hypoplasia of the incisive bone with discontinuity of the upper lip (cheiloschisis); unilateral hypoplasia of the eyeball (microphthalmia); lateral curvature of the cervical spine (scoliosis); and chest deformity characterized by ventral protrusion of the sternum and ribs (Pectus carinatum). At the histopathological evaluation of the tissues, no alterations were observed. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on the epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological findings. The semi-intensive management system applied on the property predisposed the sheep to ingestion of M. tenuiflora, which grows abundantly on the property and throughout the Central Backlands of Ceará, Brazil, with a high rate of geographical coverage. Despite that, most rural producers, especially subsistence farmers, are unaware of the toxic and teratogenic properties of the plant. In the northeastern, where there are long periods of drought coupled with forage shortages, poisoning by M. tenuiflora is a common cause of malformation and mortality in lambs. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt preventive measures in herds, such as raising awareness among producers about the toxic potential of some native plants and the practice of producing and supplying silage to animals, so that native toxic plants are not the only food source during the scarcity period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning caused by Froelichia humboldtiana in cattle in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil and reproduce experimentally this poisoning in cattle. Spontaneous poisonings of primary photosensitization occurred in two farms at the municipalities of Cachoeirinha and São Caetano and affected twenty-two adult bovines and two suckling calves after the rainy season. All bovines have recovered 21 days after they were removed from the pasture. To reproduce experimental poisoning, three cows and a calf were maintained in a pasture with 1ha composed by F. humboldtiana during 14 days. Clinical signs and skin lesions were similar in both spontaneous and experimental poisoning and consisted of cutaneous itching and hyperemia of non-pigmented areas of skin that evolved into edema, exudative dermatitis and extensive areas of skin necrosis. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total, direct and indirect bilirubin were normal in all cattle examined. Histologically, lesions consisted of epidermal necrosis, hyperkeratosis with large amounts of degenerate neutrophils and acanthosis. In the dermis, edema and inflammatory infiltrate composed of eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells mainly around the blood vessels were observed. In the experimental group, clinical signs of photosensitization were observed after the third day of F. humboldtiana consumption. The suckling calf displayed mild clinical signs of photodermatitis on the 8th day of the experiment. It was estimated that the average consumption of F. humboldtiana necessary to initiate clinical signs in each adult bovine was 78kg.

ABSTRACT: The study evaluate the frequency of poisoning by Brachiaria spp. at the rearing, growth and termination stages in various lamb breeds at increasing supplementation levels. Forty-five lambs were used in the growth phase in pastures of Brachiaria spp. with a history of having induced poisoning. The lambs were distributed in nutritional treatments: lambs receiving mineral supplementation (MS), energy/protein supplementation (EPS) at 0.8% of body weight (bw), EPS at 1.6% bw and EPS at 2.4% bw. The lambs were allotted two flocks (F1 and F2) of 21 and 24 lambs each. Clinical signs of poisoning were observed in all treatments. All MS lambs died. The frequency of poisoning were highest in the 0.8% EPS and 1.6% EPS treatments. All lambs in the 2.4% EPS treatment recovered. F1 lambs had a higher frequency of poisoning than F2 lambs regardless of nutritional treatment. Morbidity rates for the F1 and F2 lambs were 52.3 and 16.7%, respectively. Supplementation was not sufficient to decrease the frequency of poisoning in lambs at the termination stage, which was dependent on the genetic origin of the lambs. EPS of 2.4% bw treatment, was an efficient nutritional strategy to minimize the effects of poisoning in lambs fed on Brachiaria spp.

ABSTRACT: Baccharis vulneraria Backer is a sub-shrub frequently found in southern Brazil, which leads to gastrointestinal tract intoxication. The objective of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of two cases of B. vulneraria poisoning in cattle. Two bovines from two different municipalities in the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil were necropsied and performed the histopathological evaluation and botanical classification of the plant found in the pasture. Bovine 1 had dehydration, ruminal atony, diarrhea, congested mucous membranes and hypothermia for 20 hours, and died during clinical care. At necropsy, there was moderate multifocal detachment and reddening of the forestomachs mucosa. Bovine 2 presented anorexia, dry feces, ruminal atony, vocalization and muscle tremors for ten days, unresponsive to treatments, evolving to death. At necropsy were seen loosening of the mucosa with marked diffuse reddening and transmural edema. The microscopic exam revealed degeneration, necrosis, vesiculation, and detachment of the forestomachs’ mucosa, associated with moderate multifocal neutrophilic infiltrate (Bovine 1); marked diffuse transmural necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and marked fibrinous exudation (Bovine 2). A large amount of B. vulneraria was found in the pastures, with signs of consumption. In this report, a case of subacute evolution of B. vulneraria poisoning was observed, since the poisoning by this plant is usually acute. More knowledge about poisoning by this plant is necessary for the prevention and control, avoiding new mortality cases.

ABSTRACT: Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium capable of using toxic compounds as a source of carbon. Bacteria with this capacity can be used to make animals resistant to plant poisoning containing monofluoroacetate (MFA), such as Amorimia septentrionalis. The aim of this study was to evaluate if H. seropedicae is efficient in the degradation of MFA present in A. septentrionalis and if the inoculation of this bacterium in goats confers protection to A. septentrionalis intoxication. Two experiments were performed: in the first experiment 12 goats were divided into 2 groups. Goats in Group 1 were orally administered a solution containing the H. seropedicae bacterium for 10 days. From day 10 onwards, they received a daily dose of 5g/kg of A. septentrionalis with the bacteriauntil clinical signs of intoxication were observed. Group 2 goats received only the plant at the same dose, also until the observation of clinical signs of intoxication. The amount of MFA found in A. septentrionalis used in the experiment with goats was 1.6±0.058μg/mg. The total plant dose ingested by all goats in Group 1 was 80.83±12.81g/kg (129.33±20.50mg/kg MFA), which were significantly greater (p

ABSTRACT: Monofluoroacetate (MFA)-containing plants cause sudden death associated with exercise in ruminants, and are responsible for significant losses in Brazilian livestock, estimated at 500,000 bovine deaths annually. Most of the times, the control and treatment of this type of poisoning are not efficient, because disease evolution is superacute, usually causing the death of the animal. Due to the difficulty in controlling this intoxication, several studies have suggested alternatives to prevent it, mainly by making animals resistant to the MFA present in these plants or by avoiding their consumption. This literature review addresses the techniques used experimentally to control the poisoning of ruminants by plants containing MFA. The first studies carried out in Brazil demonstrated that goats and sheep that continuously receive non-toxic doses of plant containing MFA show greater resistance to poisoning than untreated animals, and that this resistance can be transmitted by ruminal fluid transfaunation, suggesting that poisoning occurs due to the presence of bacteria that hydrolyze MFA in the rumen. Based on this hypothesis, several MFA-hydrolyzing bacteria were isolated (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Burkholderia sp., Cupriavidus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Ancylobacter sp., Ralstonia sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Pigmentiphaga kullae, and Ancylobacter dichloromethanicus). When some of these bacteria were administered intraruminally, they provided the animal with a different level of protection against poisoning. However, it was observed that protection is gradually lost when the bacterium administration is interrupted. Consequently, to obtain more efficient protection, these bacteria should be administered continuously, probably in the form of probiotics. In another assay, MFA was administered to sheep at non-toxic doses to test the hypothesis that this substance could induce the multiplication of bacteria that hydrolyze it in the rumen. There was no increase in resistance to poisoning after administration of MFA; however, no signs of poisoning were observed when animals received trifluoroacetate and no clinical signs were verified when they were challenged with toxic doses of MFA; in contrast, all control animals presented clinical signs. These results suggest that trifluoroacetate induces the proliferation of MFA-degrading bacteria, and can be used in intoxication prophylaxis. The conditioned food aversion technique, using lithium chloride, has been successfully used experimentally to prevent ruminants from ingesting plants that contain MFA. Another alternative tested was the spraying of Amorimia septentrionalis with the endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae, which degrades MFA, resulting in decreased concentration of this compound in the plants. In conclusion, several experimental techniques have been proved efficient in the control and prophylaxis of MFA-containing plant poisoning; however, none of these techniques are available commercially. Further experiments, mainly in the field, should be carried out to adapt some of these techniques to the conditions of extensive breeding in the numerous areas where MFA-containing plants occur.

ABSTRACT: Crotalaria lanceolata E. Mey. and Crotalaria pallida Aiton. are leguminous plants of family Fabaceae found in most of the Brazilian territory. They were initially used as green manure and due their easy spread they are currently considered weeds in crops. Soybean and corn contamination can occur through the mechanical harvesting of these grains along with seeds of the Crotalaria species, which end up in the formulation of feed for production animals. Crotalaria spp. genus has toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). Most plant species belonging to this genus can cause acute or chronic liver injury. In a first stage, one-day old broilers were divided into three groups: Group A (C. pallida seeds), Group B (C. lanceolata seeds), and Group C (Control). Groups A and B were divided into five subgroups, each with eight broilers, which received the following doses of the respective seeds in feed as of the 7th day of age: daily doses of 0.4%, 0.8% and 2.5%, and single doses of 15% and 25%. Four broilers in each study group were euthanized at 28 days of age - completing 21 days of seed consumption, and the four remaining broilers were euthanized at 42 days of age - completing 35 days of seed consumption. In a second stage, experiments were conducted using seeds of both the aforementioned plants with 28-day old broilers. These were divided into three groups of four animals each: Group D (C. pallida seeds) and Group E (C. lanceolata seeds), which received the respective seeds at daily doses of 1% and 2% in feed for 20 days, and Group F (Control). These broilers were euthanized when they were 80 days old. C. lanceolata seeds showed higher toxicity to broilers than C. pallida seeds, both supplied as of the 7th day of life. Clinical signs included inappetence, ruffled feathers, and brown diarrhea. The following gross lesions were observed: subcutaneous edema, ascites, hydropericardium, yellowish liver with hypertrophy or atrophy and enhanced lobular pattern, and distended gallbladder. Histologic lesions present in all birds in varying degrees were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. The following clinical conditions and gross lesions were observed in the broilers: hepatocyte megalocytosis and karyomegaly, slight biliary epithelial hyperplasia, eosinophilic spheroids, and nuclear invagination with loss of hepatocyte cord architecture.

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In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic. • Xanthium strumarium , which contains carboxyatractyloside, is a cause of hepatic liver necrosis in ruminants and horses. • The poisoning has been reported sporadically in temperate areas due to the ingestion of the seedling or the burs of the plant. • The poisoning became very important after the introduction of the plant where hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding. • The seedlings sprout after flooding, during the dry period, when the water returns to its normal level. • To prevent severe losses, it is important to reduce the infestation of X. strumarium in such areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]