POISONOUS PARTS
Whole plant, especially the tubers.3
TOXICITY
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Toxic Constituents
Calcium oxalate raphides (TRL unpublished data) and other unidentified toxins.
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Toxic Dose
Small amount of sap can cause local symptoms.
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Mechanism
The toxic mechanism of the poisonous plants in the Araceae family is not fully understood. Calcium oxalate raphides stored in specialized cells known as idioblasts are released when subjected to mechanical pressure such as ingestion and contact, causing tissue irritation and inflammation. Other toxic ingredients that are commonly found in the family, such as sapotoxins and cyanogenic glycosides, may also play a role.3,4
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Poisoning Features
Tongue numbness, burning sensation of throat, dizziness and vomiting.2,4,5
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Poisoning Events
Believing by the lay public that this plant has anti-cancer activity, related poisoning cases had occurred in Taiwan. In 1 case, a patient with carcinoma of the lung took this plant and developed oral ulcers and severe diarrhoea. He recovered after treatment.6
CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Supportive treatment. Maintenance of airway by intubation or tracheostomy may be required for severe cases with airway compromise.4,7
IDENTIFICATION FEATURES
Perennial herbs; tubers 1–2 cm in diameter. Leaves 4–8; leaf blades 5–10 × 3–9 cm, the 2 basal lobes divaricate. Spathes tubular, green at the base for 1.4–2 cm long; upper part expanded into a deep purple limb, about 5 cm broad, and tapering into a long and slender apex. Spadix subequaling spathe, deep purple, appendage 10–13 cm long. Berries obovoid.8
MEDICINAL USES
Tubers and whole plant used in TCM: remove toxin and disperse swelling, dissipate binds and stanch bleeding. For external use only.2,9,10
LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Calcium oxalate raphides can be detected by polarizing microscopy.11
