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Jerusalem cherry

Definition:
Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the Jerusalem cherry.

Alternative Names:
Christmas cherry; Ornamental pepper; Tom thumb; Winter cherry

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • solanocapsine


Where Found:
  • Jerusalem cherry
  • The toxin is found throughout the plant but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:
  • body as a whole
    • headache
    • drowsiness
  • respiratory
  • eyes, ears, nose, and throat
    • dilated pupils
  • heart and blood vessels
  • gastrointestinal
    • abdominal pain
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
  • nervous system
    • psychosis


Home Treatment:
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the plant and parts eaten
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed


Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
  • Induce vomiting.
  • Use gastric lavage.
  • Activated charcoal.
  • Treat the symptoms.


Expectations (prognosis):
Death has been reported but is rare.



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