Webster's Online Dictionary
with Multilingual Thesaurus Translation

 
Earth's largest dictionary with more than 1226 modern languages and Eve!

Definition: Cicuta

Part of Speech Definition
Noun 1. Small genus of perennial herbs having deadly poisonous tuberous roots: water hemlock.[Wordnet]
2. A genus of poisonous umbelliferous plants, of which the water hemlock or cowbane is best known.[Websters].

Sources: WordNet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

 Top

Date "Cicuta" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1572. (references)

Etymology:Cicuta \Ci*cu"ta\, noun. [Latin expression, the poison hemlock.]. (references)

Specialty Definition: Cicuta

Domain Definition
Literature 1: "Quae poterunt unquam satis expurgare cicutae." Horace: 2 Epist. ii. 53.
2: Cicuta In Latin cicuta means the length of a reed up to the knot, such as the internodes made into a Pan-pipe. Hence Virgil (Ecl. ii. 36) describes a Pan-pipe as "septem compacta cicutis fistula." It is called Cow-bane, because cows not unfrequently eat it, but are killed by it. It is one of the most poisonous of plants, and some think it made the fatal draught given to Socratês.
3: "Sicut cicuta homini venenum est, sic cicutae vinum."- Pliny, xiv. 7. Source: Brewer's Dictionary.
Wikipedic Cicuta (Water Hemlock or Cowbane) is a small genus of four species of highly poisonous flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly North America. They are perennial herbaceous plants which grow up to 1-2 m tall. The species grow in wet meadows, along streambanks and other wet and marshy areas. (references)

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Top

Common Expressions: Cicuta

Expressions Definition
Cicuta verosa Tall erect highly poisonous Eurasiatic perennial herb locally abundant in marshy areas. Source: Wordnet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
Cicuta virosa Cicuta virosa (Cowbane or Northern Water Hemlock) is a species of Cicuta, native to northern and central Europe, northern Asia and northwestern North America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant which grows up to 1-2 m tall. The stems are smooth, branching, swollen at the base, purple-striped, and hollow except for partitions at the junction of the leaves and stem. The leaves are alternate, tripinnate, only coarsely toothed, unlike the ferny, lacy leaves found in many other members of the family Apiaceae. The flowers are small, white and clustered in the umbrella shape so familiar to this family. An oily, yellow liquid oozes from cuts to the stems and roots. This liquid has a rank smell resembling that of parsnips, carrots or mice. The plant may be mistaken for parsnip due to its clusters of white tuberous roots. (references)
Genus Cicuta Small genus of perennial herbs having deadly poisonous tuberous roots: water hemlock. Source: Wordnet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Top

Specialty Expressions: Cicuta

Expressions Domain Definition
Cicuta douglasii Aerospace Western water-hemlock is a native perennial plant found in wet soils in British Columbia. This plant is poisonous to all types of livestock and to humans. Many cases of poisoning have occurred in cattle, sheep, and horses. Pigs seem more resistant to the toxins, but they have still been poisoned. Humans have also been poisoned by this plant. Children are especially susceptible because ingestion of only one bite of the rootstock is sufficient to cause death. The onset of symptoms is so rapid that treatment may not be successful (Starrveld and Hope 1975, James and Ralphs 1986). See additional information in the general notes under Cicuta maculata. The toxins are concentrated in the chambered rootstock but also occur in the leaves and stems as well (James and Ralphs 1986). Cicutoxin is a highly unsaturated alcohol that is very toxic. Pigs appear to be more resistant to poisoning than other livestock. Adult humans can be poisoned and can die with only two or three bites of the rootstock (Starrveld and Hope 1975, James and Ralphs 1986). Symptoms of poisoning are similar to all classes of livestock. See the information in general notes under Cicuta maculata. Toxicity and death in humans is possible with all three species of the genus Cicuta (water-hemlock). See the information in the general notes under Cicuta maculata. General symptoms of poisoning: 1- Cattle: a- bloat; b- coma; c- convulsions; d- death by asphyxiation; e- lesions, no specific; f- muscle spasms; g- muscle twitching; h- nervousness; and i- salivation; 2- Horses: a- bloat; b- coma; c- convulsions; d- death by asphyxiation; e- lesions, no specific; f- muscle spasms; g- muscle twitching; h- nervousness; i- salivation; and j- teeth grinding; 3- Sheep: a- bloat; b- coma; c- convulsions; d- death; e- death by asphyxiation; f- gait, unsteady; g- incoordination; h- lesions, no specific; i- mouth, frothing of; j- muscle spasms; k- muscle twitching; l- nervousness; m- salivation; n- tarsal joint knuckling; o- teeth grinding; p- trembling; and q- urination, frequent; 4- Swine: a- coma; b- convulsions; c- death by asphyxiation; d- muscle spasms; e- muscle twitching; f- nervousness; and g- salivation; and 5- Humans: coma. (references)
Cicuta maculata Aerospace Spotted water-hemlock is a native perennial herb found in wet soils and marshes across most of Canada and is considered the most violently toxic plant in North America. Humans and all classes of livestock are susceptible to poisoning and death after ingesting plant material. The onset of symptoms is often so sudden and traumatic that treatments are not always successful. The symptoms are similar in all cases of poisoning: salivation, muscular spasms, violent convulsions, coma, and death from asphyxiation. Death can occur within 15 minutes to 2-3 h after a lethal dose (Starrveld and Hope 1976, Panter et al. 1988). The toxin is concentrated in the rootstock in the spring. Later during the growing season, the roots contain less toxin, and the leaves and stems contain sufficient chemical to cause lethal poisoning (Starreveld and Hope 1975). The chemical cicutoxin, (trans) heptadeca-8:10:12-triene-4:6-diene- 1:4-diol, is a highly unsaturated higher alcohol. Cicutol is also present. Bohlman (pers. comm.) in Mulligan and Munro (1981) found the following concentrations of these chemicals in Cicuta rootstocks: 1- Cicuta maculata var. maculata (1.01 mg/g active ingredients); 2- Cicuta douglasii (0.75 mg/g); 3- Cicuta virosa (0.07 mg/g); and 4- Cicuta bulbifera (0.01 mg/g). The first two Cicuta spp. are considered the most violently toxic plants in North America. Cicuta virosa is less likely to cause poisoning because of its reduced concentration of toxic compounds. Cicuta bulbifera contains too little toxin to be considered a threat. Cattle have symptoms of poisoning similar to those of other livestock. The symptoms include salivation, grinding of teeth, muscular spasms, violent convulsions, and death by asphyxiation. Smith and Lewis (1987) developed a rapid technique for identifying the presence of the toxic compounds of water-hemlocks in rumen samples. Symptoms of poisoning by the genus Cicuta include dizziness, salivation, clenching and grinding of teeth, violent convulsions, cyanosis, coma, and death from asphyxiation. In one case, a fisherman took two bites from the roots and then felt dizzy and fell unconscious within 30 min. The patient endured pain and convulsions for some time. Recommended treatment includes administration of oxygen, anesthesia to control gross wild movements, and intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis. At least 83 cases of human poisoning by water-hemlock have been reported since 1900, of which 21 were fatal. The rootstocks are generally distasteful, but ingesting of only one bite causes symptoms in humans (Starrveld and Hope 1976). These notes apply to all water-hemlock species (Cicuta) listed in this information system. Ewes weighing 70 kg were experimentally poisoned with fresh rootstock. The ewe given 100 g showed few symptoms; 200 g of plant material caused extensive symptoms including seizures, recumbency, and labored breathing. Recovery occurred after several days. Gavage with 450 g of the rootstock caused death in 90 min (Panter et al. 1988). General symptoms of poisoning: a- Cattle: 1- convulsions; 2- death; 3- falling down; 4- nervousness; and 5- salivation; b- Sheep: 1- breathing, labored; 2- death; and 3- recumbency; c- Swine: 1- agonal squeals; 2- brain, congestion of; 3- convulsions; 4- death; 5- lesions, no specific; 6- lungs, congestion of; 7- muscle contractions; 8- paralysis; and 9- reflex excitability; and d- Humans: 1- abdominal pains; 2- cardiac arrest; 3- coma; 4- confusion; 5- convulsions; 6- cyanosis; 7- death; 8- dizziness; 9- eyeballs, protruding; 10- eyes, rolling; 11- faintness; 12- heart rate, elevated; 13- inebriation; 14- metabolic acidosis; 15- mouth, frothing of; 16- muscle contractions; 17- muscle spasms; 18- muscle twitching; 19- nausea; 20- neck, rigid; 21- opisthotonos; 22- pupil dilation; 23- pupils, pinpoint; 24- reflex excitability; 25- salivation; 26- teeth grinding; 27- unconsciousness; 28- voiding, involuntary; and 29- vomiting. (references)
Cicuta virosa Aerospace Northern water-hemlock is a native perennial herb found in wet soils across northern Canada. It contains lower quantities of the toxic chemicals that cause poisoning in humans and livestock. However, Frohne and Pfander (1983) mention a case of human poisoning in Europe after ingestion of some rootstock of this plant. Livestock can also be poisoned if enough of the plants are ingested. Instances of poisoning in Canada should be fewer for northern water-hemlock because the concentration of chemicals is lower and the plant has essentially a boreal distribution outside of major livestock-growing areas. See additional information under Cicuta maculata. (references)

Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Top

Extended Definition: Cicuta

Cicuta

Cicuta
Cicuta virosa
Cicuta virosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Cicuta
L.
Species

Cicuta bulbifera
Cicuta douglasii
Cicuta maculata
Cicuta virosa

Cicuta (Water Hemlock or Cowbane) is a small genus of four species of highly poisonous flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly North America and Europe. They are perennial herbaceous plants which grow up to 2 m tall. The species grow in wet meadows, along streambanks and other wet and marshy areas.

Although water hemlock bears a superficial resemblance to poison hemlock (Conium genus)—and is a member of the same family—the species are distinct.

Appearance

The stems are smooth, branching, swollen at the base, purple-striped, or mottled (C. malculata only), and hollow except for partitions at the junction of the leaves and stem. The leaves are alternate, tripinnate, only coarsely toothed, unlike the ferny, lacy leaves found in many other members of the Apiaceae. The flowers are small, white and clustered in the umbrella shape so familiar to this family. An oily, yellow liquid oozes from cuts to the stems and roots. This liquid has a rank smell resembling that of parsnips, carrots or mice.

One reliable method to identify water hemlock is to examine the leaf veins. Water Hemlock is unique in the Parsley family in that it has leaf veins which terminate in the notches between the leaf tips rather than extend to the tip of the leaf as is found in the leaf structure of Angelica, Osha, Cicely, Osmorhiza and other useful medicinal members of the Parsley family. Water Hemlock bears a frightening resemblance to Osmorhiza (Western Sweet Cicely) and Angelica, and these plants can at times be found growing in the same habitat. However, Water hemlock lacks the distinctive anise-like "spicy celery" odor of Sweet Cicely and Angelica, and possesses a unique leaf vein structure which differentiates it from all other umbelliferates.

Toxicity

The plant is occasionally mistaken for parsnips, due to its clusters of white tuberous roots; this is an often fatal error, as the Cicuta is extremely poisonous. Indeed, some consider water hemlock to be North America's most toxic plant.[1] Cicuta is fatal when swallowed, causing violent and painful convulsions. Though a number of people have died from water hemlock poisoning over the centuries, and historically it has been used as a poison in Europe, livestock have long been the worst affected (hence the name "cowbane"), causing death in as little as 15 minutes.[2][3]

The chief poison is cicutoxin, an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol that is most concentrated in the roots. Upon human consumption, nausea, vomiting, and tremors occur within 30–60 minutes, followed by severe cramps, projectile vomiting, and convulsions. There are occasional long-term effects, like retrograde amnesia.[4] Ingestion of water hemlock in any quantity can result in death or permanent neurological damage of the central nervous system.

Species
  • Cicuta bulbifera - Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock. Northern North America.
  • Cicuta douglasii - Western Water Hemlock. Western North America.
  • Cicuta maculata - Spotted Water Hemlock. North America (widespread).
  • Cicuta virosa - Cowbane or Northern Water Hemlock. Northern Europe and Asia, also Alaska.

Similar species

These plants all have white flowers in large compound umbels. Therefore, these plants are confused with each other; the water parsnip, (swamp parsnip, Sium suave) and the western water hemlock, (Cicuta douglasii, poison hemlock) or the spotted water hemlock (cicuta maculata, spotted water hemlock, spotted parsley, spotted cowbane). Water parsnip and water hemlock both have cluster of small white flowers shaped like umbrellas, and both have the same habitat near the shore line of lakes, and rivers. Water parsnip has leaves only once compound, and water hemlock has leaves which are three times compound. Water hemlock has a large swelling at the stem base. All water hemlock is highly poisonous.[5] Water parsnip is not poisonous.[6] The water hemlock has bracts at the base of each small flower cluster, not at the base of the main flower head.[7] The Water parsnip has small bracts at the base of flowers and main flower head as well.[8] The Yarrow, (Common Yarrow, Gordaldo, Nosebleed plant, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-leaf (as its binomial name affirms), Thousand-seal or Achillea millefolium) also has many small white flowers in a cluster. However, the yarrow has feathery looking leaves which are pinnately separated into small narrow segments.[9] The cow parsnip (heracleum lanatum, Heracleum maxinium Indian Celery or Pushki, and Heracleum sphondylium, hogweed) is also confused in this group with similar flower groupings. However, the cow parsnip has large, broad leaves, and an unpleasant odour.[10]

External links

References

  1. http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=9996 "USDA Poisonous Plant Research Products: Water hemlock". Accessed 1/27/07.
  2. http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/ppwater.htm "Poisonous Plants Slides: Water Hemlock" Accessed 1/27/07.
  3. USDA.
  4. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=1455113&pageindex=1#page David J. Costanza, M.D., and Vincent W. Hoversten, M.D., "Accidental Ingestion of Water Hemlock." Calif Med. 119: 78-82, Aug. 73.
  5. "Cicuta maculata.". Retrieved on 2008-08-03.
  6. "Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples By Harriet V Kuhnlein, Nancy J.". Google books. Retrieved on 2008-08-03.
  7. "Western Water Hemlock - Agriculture - Government of Saskatchewan". Retrieved on 2008-08-03.
  8. "Water Parsnip - Agriculture - Government of Saskatchewan". Retrieved on 2008-08-03.
  9. "Yarrow Achillea millefolium". Retrieved on 2008-08-03.
  10. "Heracleum lanatum". University of Saskatchewan. Retrieved on 2008-08-03.

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Cicuta". Image Credit.
 bookmark   email   print   tweet   facebook  



Topics by Level of Interest: Cicuta

Topics sorted by level of Interest Level (1=low, 600=high)     Topics sorted Alphabetically Level (1=low, 600=high)
Cicuta 14     Cicuta 14
Cicuta douglasii 9     Cicuta douglasii 9
Cicuta virosa 8     Cicuta virosa 8

Source: the editor, created by/for EVE to gauge likely levels of human interest in linguistically triggered topics (compiled across various sources, such as Wikipedia and specialty expression glosses).

Synonym: Cicuta
Position Synonym (sorted by strength)

Expression

 genus Cicuta.
Source: Eve, based on meta analysis. Top

Computed Synonyms: cicuta

 Rank

 Intensity 

 Word

 Synonyms

 Synonyms of synonym

 1   1.0194   cicuta     conium     hemlock, poison hemlock, bennet, herb bennet, poison parsley   
 2   1.0092   cicuta     hemlock     hemlock spruce, Canadian hemlock, American hemlock, eastern hemlock, conium   
 3   1.0086   cicuta     poison hemlock     hemlock, conium, cowbane   
Source: calculated by Eve using graph theory. "Intensity" is a score indicating the number of overlapping cliques where the word pair is found (an integer before the decimal); the first digit after the decimal is the number of overlapping terminal characters up to 9; the second characters is number of leading common characters up to 9; the last two digits measure the Levenshtein distance subtracted from 100. Top

Computed Expressions: cicuta

 Rank

 Intensity 

 Expression

 Synonyms

 Synonyms of synonym

 1   2.0188   Cicuta virosa     cowbane     cow-bane, poison hemlock   
 2   1.0188   Cicuta virosa     cow-bane     cowbane   
Source: calculated by Eve using graph theory. "Intensity" is a score indicating the number of overlapping cliques where the word pair is found (an integer before the decimal); the first digit after the decimal is the number of overlapping terminal characters up to 9; the second characters is number of leading common characters up to 9; the last two digits measure the Levenshtein distance subtracted from 100. Top

Translations: Cicuta

Language Translations (or nearest inflections or synonyms, in parentheses)
Spanish cicuta (hemlock, cicuta, conium, poison hemlock). Additional references: Spanish, Spain, Mexico, cicuta. (volunteer & more translations)
Source: Eve, based on a combination of meta analysis and graph theory (for near and back translations). Top

Constructed Language Translations: Cicuta

Language Translations for “cicuta” or closest synonym(s); back translations in parentheses.
Pig Latin icutacay (cicuta). Additional references: Pig Latin, cicuta. (volunteer)
Terran B cicuta (cicuta). Additional references: Terran B, cicuta. (volunteer)
Source: compiled by the editor. Top