Cardiac Poisons — Definition
Cardiac poisons are poisons which primarily affect the heart and cardiovascular system, producing disturbances in cardiac rate, rhythm, conduction and contractility, leading to circulatory failure and death.
Classification of Cardiac Poisons
| Plant | Active Principle(s) |
|---|---|
| Aconite (Aconitum napellus) | Aconitine |
| Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana) | Thevetin A, Thevetin B, Peruvoside |
| Cerbera Odollam (Suicide Tree) | Cerberin |
| Digitalis | Digoxin, Digitoxin |
Aconite Poisoning
Source: Aconitum napellus — common names Monkshood, Wolfsbane.
Active principle: the alkaloid Aconitine.
Mechanism of Action
- Nervous system: initial stimulation followed by depression.
- Heart: cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac failure.