Saponin irritation
The triterpene and steroidal saponins of cowslip root, herb Paris, eryngo, sarsaparilla, Solomon’s seal berries, soapwort, horse chestnut, and ivy.
Saponin irritation: how soon does it show?
Half an hour to a few hours.
How does it run?
Burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea by irritation of the mucous membranes, which is the same action that, at a smaller dose, thins the phlegm by reflex and made them expectorants; absorbed through a damaged gut or injected, saponins dissolve red cells. Fatal poisoning is rare in people and common in fish, which is why the plants were fish poisons.
What is done for it?
Demulcents; fluids; self-limiting.
Historical and descriptive, not medical advice. In a poisoning, call a poison centre or emergency services.
Which substances in the database cause it?
PlantCowslipKey of heaven, fairy cups, key flower, herb Peter, paigle; Herba paralysis
Primula veris. An early-spring meadow flower related to the primrose, its yellow blooms nodding in a one-sided cluster.
PlantEryngoSea holly; Eryngium
Eryngium maritimum, a spiny blue-grey thistle-like plant of sand dunes, with long sweet roots.
PlantSarsaparillaZarzaparrilla, “little bramble vine”
The roots of Smilax species, thorny climbers of Central and South America.
PlantSolomon’s seal
Polygonatum multiflorum and its relatives. A shade-loving woodland perennial with arching stems of paired leaves and small white bell flowers.
Sources
- Frohne, D., and Pfänder, H. J. (2005). Poisonous Plants, 2nd ed., “Saponins.” Book, not indexed
- Bruneton, J. (1999). Pharmacognosy, 2nd ed., “Saponins.” Book, not indexed