cleistanthin and Plant-Poisoning

Cleistanthus collinus is an extremely toxic plant poison. Cleistanthin A and B, the toxins of Cleistanthus collinus, are diphyllin glycosides which produce cardiac arrhythmias, urinary potassium wasting, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis and hypotension. We report ARDS, distal renal tubular acidosis and distributive shock secondary to inappropriate vasodilatation in a case following ingestion of its leaves.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Acidosis, Renal Tubular; Adult; Glycosides; Humans; Hypokalemia; Lignans; Male; Plant Leaves; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Shock; Toxins, Biological; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilation

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is reported for the estimation of cleistanthin A, a major constituent of the toxic plant Cleistanthus collinus. Rabbit antibodies were obtained by immunisation with cleistanthin A hemisuccinate-BSA conjugate and the ELISA developed thereupon could detect cleistanthin A at as low a concentration as 3 ng/ml. Cross-reactivity studies with structural analogs as well as with other phytotoxins and drugs of common occurrence established the suitability of the ELISA to specifically monitor the C. collinus marker molecules in emergency clinical and forensic cases. The simplicity and specificity make the ELISA superior to the other available techniques.

Topics: Cross Reactions; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Glycosides; Humans; Lignans; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Toxins, Biological