Common Toxic Plants and Their Forensic Significance

Abstract

There are several species of plants that are poisonous to humans. Toxins are metabolites produced by plants to defend themselves against threats. The major poisonous principles present in plants are organic compounds such as alkaloids, diterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, phenylpropanoids, lignans, nitrogen-containing compounds, resins, oxalates, and certain proteins or amino acids. The nature of these toxic secondary metabolites changes with varying place of origin and environmental conditions. In addition to human toxicity, poisonous plants have been reported to cause death of livestock, deterioration in their health, decreased productivity, deformed offspring, and reduced longevity leading to tremendous economic losses. Toxic plants are of forensic significance, providing evidence in suicidal, criminal, burglary, and other criminal offences. In spite of their adverse effects on humans and other animals, some poisonous plants have medicinal and nutraceutical potential and can cure certain life-threatening diseases. This chapter deals with common poisonous plants in India, poisonous principles, and forensic significance. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.