Jerusalem cherry poisoning

Definition

This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of the Jerusalem cherry plant.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Solanocapsine

Where Found

The poison is found throughout the Jerusalem cherry plant, but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Slowed breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Slow pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hallucinations
• Delirium
• Coma

Home Care

Call the Poison Control center for guidance. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Death has been reported but is rare.