Cestrurn spp.

Common name(S) Day-blooming jessamine (jasmine), night-blooming jessamine (jasmine), Chinese inkberry.

Toxin(s) Solanine (a cholinesterase-inhibiting compound) predominates in unripe berries, whereas tropane alkaloids (which are like atropine) are prevalent in the ripe berry. Saponins, alkaloids, and traces of nicotine are also found in plants. Cestrum diurnum contains 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D glucoside.

Toxic part(S) Fruit, leaves, and sap are poisonous.

Signs Both solanine and tropane may mimic atropine poisoning (mydriasis, tachycardia, xerostorma, dyspnea, ileus, urinary retention, CNS stimulation followed by depression, paralysis, seizures). If solanine predominates, mild to severe gastrointestinal signs may predominate. Normal to increased borborygmi may indicate predominance of solanine, whereas lack of bowel sounds may hint at an atropine-like toxin.

Treatment Rarely, fluid therapy to replace losses. In cases where atropine-like signs are life threatening, physostigmine may be carefully administered (CAUTION: physostigmine may cause asystole). Begin with 0.02 mg/kg administered TV over 5 minutes. If delerium or coma is abolished, use repeated dosesas needed. If no effect is noted or gastrointestinal signs predominate, consider cautious administration of atropine and observe for signs of improvement. Tachydysrhythmias that do not respond to physostigmine may respond to administration of propranolol. if Cestrum diurnum is the plant involved, monitor for evidence of hypercalcemia and treat accordingly.