What type poison is in the plant called Oleander, is it hazardous to humans?

Our town is using it to decorate some roadways.

What type poison is in the plant called Oleander, is it hazardous to humans?
Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which can be deadly to people, especially young children. The toxicity of Oleander is considered extremely high and it has been reported that in some cases only a small amount had lethal or near lethal effects (Goetz 1998). The most significant of these toxins are oleandrin and neriine, which are cardiac glycosides (Goetz 1998). "Cardiac glycocides are naturally occurring" plant or animal compounds "whose actions include both beneficial and toxic effects on the heart" (Desai 2000). They are present in all parts of the plant, but are most concentrated in the sap. It is thought that Oleander may contain many other unknown or un-researched compounds that may have dangerous effects (Inchem 2005). Oleander bark contains rosagenin which is known for its strychnine-like effects. The entire plant including the milky white sap is toxic and any part can cause an adverse reaction. Oleander is also known to hold its toxicity even after drying and poisonings have been reported from the smoke of burning Oleander or use of the branches as skewers for food. It is thought that a handful or 10-20 leaves consumed by an adult can cause an adverse reaction, and a single leaf could be lethal to an infant or child. According to the TESS or (Toxic Exposure Surveillance System) in 2002 there were 847 known human poisonings in the United States related to Oleander (Watson 2003). In animals, around 0.5 mg per kilogramme of body weight is lethal to many animals, and various other doses will affect other animals (Inchem 2005). Beware; all animals can suffer a reaction or death from this plant.





Oleandrin, one of the toxins present in OleanderReactions to this plant are as follows. Ingestion can cause both gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. The gastrointestinal effects can consist of nausea and vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea that may or may not contain blood, and especially in horses, colic (Inchem 2005). Cardiac reactions consist of irregular heart rate, sometimes characterized by a racing heart at first that then slows to below normal further along in the reaction. The heart may also beat erratically with no sign of a specific rhythm. Extremities may become pale and cold due to poor or irregular circulation (Goetz 1998). Reactions to poisonings form this plant can also affect the Central nervous system. These symptoms can include drowsiness, tremors or shaking of the muscles, seizures, collapse, and even coma that can lead to death (Goetz 1998). Oleander sap can cause skin irritations, severe eye inflammation and irritation, and allergy reactions characterized by Dermatitis (Goetz 1998). Poisoning and reactions to Oleander plants are evident quickly requiring immediate medical care in suspected or known poisonings of both humans and animals (Goetz 1998). Induced vomiting and Gastric lavage are protective measures to reduce absorption of the toxic compounds. Charcoal may also be administered to help absorb any remaining toxins (Inchem 2005). Further medical attention may be required and will depend on the severity of the poisoning and symptoms.





Drying of plant materials does not eliminate the toxins. It is also hazardous for and animals such as sheep, horses, cattle, and other grazing animals, with as little as 100 g being enough to kill an adult horse (Knight 1999). Plant clippings are especially dangerous to horses, as they are sweet. Symptoms of a poisoned horse include severe diarrhoea and abnormal heartbeat. There are a wide range of toxins and secondary compounds within Oleander, and care should be taken around this plant due to its toxic nature. These different names are used around the world in different locations so when encountering a plant by any of these names care and caution should be used. Many of Oleander's relatives have similar leaves and also contain toxic compounds.
Reply:it is only in the flowers and it will make you sick if you eat a lot of flowers, on the other hand it is deer proof and they wont eat them and they eat everything
Reply:The oleander contains the toxic glycoside oleandrin.





The characteristic poisoning symptoms are as follows: nausea, vomiting, accelerated or retarded heartbeat, and cardiac arrest.
Reply:Oleander contains the toxins oleandrin and nerioside, which very similar to the toxins in foxglove (Digitalis). This is a tropical plant, but is grown as an ornamental and as a houseplant in Indiana. Apparently the plant is not palatable, but will be eaten by hungry animals. It is reported that dried or wilted leaves may be slightly more palatable than fresh leaves, and the leaves are still toxic when wilted or dried. In one report with horses, it was indicated that approximately 1/4 pound of leaves (about 30 or 40 leaves) could deliver a lethal dose to an adult horse.
Reply:Ingesting Oleander CAN be fatal to humans. It is also fatal in animals without warning if they eat any part of the plant.