Leucaena leucocephala 銀合歡

POISONOUS PARTS

Whole plant.⁴

TOXICITY

• Toxic Constituents

  Mimosine.^4–6

• Mechanism

  Mimosine inhibits the initiation of DNA replication. Rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles are particularly affected, leading to hair loss.^4–7

• Poisoning Features

  Poisoning is not well documented in humans. Hair loss, cataract and delayed growth in animals grazing L. leucocephala.^4–6

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Supportive treatment.

IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

Small evergreen trees, 4–8 m tall. Pinnae 4–8 pairs, 5–9(–16) cm long; leaflets 0.7–1.3 × 0.15–0.3 cm, two sides with unequal width. With a gland at the opposition of the terminal pinnae and the opposition of the basal pinnae. Heads axillary, 2–3 cm in diameter; peduncles 2–4 cm long; flowers white. Pods 10–18 × 1.4–2 cm, brown. Seeds about 7.5 mm long, flat, brown, glossy.⁸

MEDICINAL USES

Root bark used in TCM: relieve depression and calm the heart, remove toxin and disperse swelling. Recommended dose: 4.5–9 g.²

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Mimosine can be detected by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.^9,10