| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Heliotropium curassavicum | Aerospace | Spatulate-leaved heliotrope is a native herb found in southern parts of western Canada. This plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It and other members of the genus (Heliotropium species) are used in herbal teas and have been used in several parts of the world for medicinal reasons. Over consumption of such teas may cause veno-occlusive disease of the liver (Budd-Chiari syndrome), with hepatic vein thrombosis (Lampe and McCann 1985, Huxtable 1989). The heliotropes contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids of the nonacyclic diester type. These alkaloids can cause veno-occlusive disease (Huxtable 1989). Symptoms of over-consumption of these plants may result in veno-occlusive disease of the liver. This is accompanied by abdominal pain and ascites. Cirrhosis of the liver can result. Other results are hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Death may result. There is no specific treatment for toxin-induced hepatic veno-occlusive disease (Lampe and McCann 1985, Huxtable 1989). General symptoms of poisoning: 1- Humans: a- abdominal pains; b- anorexia; c- ascites; d- death; e- diarrhea; f- liver, cirrhosis of; g- nausea; and h- vomiting. (references) | |
| Heliotropium curassavicum | Botanical | The ashes are used for salt. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
