POISONOUS PARTS
Whole plant.3,4
TOXICITY
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Toxic Constituents
Rotenone.3–6
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Toxic Dose
20 mg/kg rotenone can be toxic.7,8
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Mechanism
Rotenone inhibits complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, leading to lactic acidosis and energy failure of cells. In addition, prolonged use of rotenone-containing pesticide has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinsonism.7,9,10
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Poisoning Features
Vomiting, abdominal pain, tongue numbness, muscle twitching, paralysis and convulsion. Respiratory paralysis and death in severe cases.7,11
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Poisoning Events
Fatal cases of rotenone poisoning by deliberate ingestion of the plant have been reported in Papua New Guinea. However, rotenone poisoning is more commonly encountered in accidental or intentional ingestion of rotenone-containing pesticides; most of the patients recovered uneventfully but fatal cases have also been reported.3,7,8,12
CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Supportive treatment. Activated charcoal therapy has been used for gastrointestinal decontamination in rotenone poisoning. N-acetylcysteine has been used as an antidote for rotenone poisoning.7,11
IDENTIFICATION FEATURES
Climbing shrubs. Leaves odd-pinnate, 7–15 cm long; leaflets 2 pairs, sometimes 1 or 3 pairs, 5–10 × 2–4 cm. Racemes axillary, 5–10 cm long. Calyx 2 mm long, campanulate, teeth very short. Corolla white or pink, about 1 cm long, vexillum subrounded, wings and keel narrowly oblong. Pods 2.5–4 × 2–3 cm, ventral suture narrowly winged, 1–2-seeded.13
MEDICINAL USES
Roots, or branches and leaves used in TCM: dissipate stasis and relieve pain, remove toxin and kill parasites, relieve itching. For external use only.2,14
LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Rotenone can be detected by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS.15,16
