POISONOUS PARTS
Latex.3
TOXICITY
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Toxic Constituents
Latex.3,4
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Mechanism
Latex is an irritant to skin.3,4
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Poisoning Features
Skin contact: irritant contact dermatitis. Ingestion: nausea, vomiting.3–5
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Poisoning Events
Poinsettia was previously believed to be extremely toxic based on an unconfirmed fatal case reported in 1919, in which the child ingested a portion of the plant. However, a review of more than 20,000 cases of Poinsettia exposure published in 1996 suggested otherwise. The cases involved mainly accidental ingestion of the flowers and leaves by children. No toxicity was observed in most of the patients, with only mild gastrointestinal symptoms in a minority of the cases.5,6
CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Supportive treatment. For skin and ocular exposure, affected area could be irrigated with water.
IDENTIFICATION FEATURES
Shrubs, 1–3 m tall. Leaves alternate; petioles 2–8 cm long, reddish; leaf blades 6–25 × 4–10 cm, entire, sinuate-toothed or lobed, pubescent abaxially; bracteal leaves 5–7, 3–7 × 1–2 cm, vermilion-red. Cyathia in terminal cymes. Involucres greenish, 6-8 mm in diameter, bearing a large yellow gland on one side. Capsules 1.5–2 × 1.5 cm, triangular-globose.7
MEDICINAL USES
Whole plant used in TCM: regulate menstruation and stanch bleeding, activate blood and relieve pain. Recommended dose: 3–9 g.2
