Sweet Scented Oleander - An Ornamental Plant Poisoning - A Case Report

Dr. G. Karthik | Dr. Bharathi .V | Dr. K. Mamatha

Abstract: Deliberate self-harm by using toxic plant components is observed in many parts of our country, especially in the rural areas. Nerium odorum grows wildly in India and all parts of the plant are poisonous. Several cardiac glycosides are present in the plant which primarily are oleandrin and nerin which cause fibrillation and AV block. Here we are presenting a case of fatal Nerium odorum poisoning brought to our mortuary for autopsy. A 75 year old male was admitted and treated in our tertiary care hospital for oleander seed poisoning. Patient presented with symptoms of GIT and cardiotoxicity. ECG showed absent p waves, AV block. He survived for 24 hours and expired on the second day. This emphasizes the need for knowledge about potential lethal effects of poisonous plants like Nerium; which is mandatory for the clinicians; to treat the case promptly and to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Oleander, Poisonous, cardiotoxicity

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022,

Pages: 413 - 414