Dangerous Plants: A List of 7 Flora to Steer Clear Of
In Russia's vast landscapes, a handful of plants pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. Known for their toxic properties, these plants require careful handling and caution to avoid potential harm.
The most dangerous among them is the Sosnovsky hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi), a highly toxic plant that thrives under strong UV radiation. Contact with the plant's sap can lead to severe skin burns, and in extreme cases, even cause loss of vision. Its invasive nature also suppresses native plant biodiversity[1][2].
Another lethal plant is poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which resembles edible plants like wild carrot, posing a risk of accidental poisoning. This plant contains toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested, causing muscle paralysis leading to respiratory failure[2][4].
Henbane and deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) are also causes for concern. Both contain tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, which disrupt the nervous system and can cause hallucinations, seizures, and death at high doses[2][3].
Monkshood (Aconitum spp.) is another poisonous plant, containing aconitine, a potent neurotoxin that can cause cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory paralysis, potentially leading to death on exposure or ingestion[2][3].
Buttercup, known as "chicken blindness," is a common weed that is poisonous to both humans and animals. The sap and pollen cause skin and mucous membrane irritation[5].
Belladonna (deadly nightshade) is increasingly found in cities, and its berries contain atropine, causing severe nervous excitement, delirium, and psychoses[6]. In the past, women used Belladonna's juice to dilate pupils, unaware of the harm to their vision.
Aconitum is dangerous not only to humans but also to bees that collect nectar from its flowers, making honey poisonous for humans[7]. Dock, on the other hand, is beneficial in other ways. Dock soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, and dock extract is used in pharmaceuticals to improve blood clotting and aid wound healing[8].
However, it's important to note that self-treatment with stinging nettle can cause organ failure and even death[9]. The sticky, orange sap of stinging nettle should be handled with gloves[10].
The danger from giant hogweed persists at night but weakens[11]. In the Moscow region, ignoring measures to eliminate giant hogweed can result in fines for individuals, officials, and legal entities[12]. Fighting giant hogweed is difficult due to its high fertility and resilience[13].
Lily of the Valley is especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Even minor skin damage from contact with lily of the valley can cause intoxication[14]. The plant contains convallatoxin, which negatively affects heart activity[15].
Before using any plant for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a phytotherapist[16]. With these poisonous plants lurking in Russia's wilderness, it's crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice when dealing with unfamiliar flora.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6511172/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2875497/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2875496/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2875494/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2915172/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3675046/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/ [16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456990/
- In addition to its potential environmental harm, the Sosnovsky hogweed poses a risk to human eye-health as contact with its sap can cause loss of vision.
- Workplace-wellness programs should educate employees about the dangers of poison hemlock, a plant that resembles edible wild carrot and contains toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested.
- Those with medical-conditions, particularly respiratory conditions, should be cautious around henbane and deadly nightshade as their neurotoxins can cause paralysis leading to respiratory failure.
- To maintain good eye-health, it's advisable to avoid handling the sap of the buttercup plant, a common weed that causes severe skin and mucous membrane irritation.
- Therapies and treatments for neurological disorders must be developed with caution regarding the use of plants like belladonna, which contain atropine and cause severe nervous excitement, delirium, and psychoses when ingested.
- In the pursuit of health-and-wellness, it's essential to prioritize skin-care and exercise proper handling techniques when dealing with plants like stinging nettle, which can cause organ failure if mishandled.
