Management overview for toxalbumin poisoning from plants

There are at least two important toxalbumin-containing plants: castor oil plant or castor bean (Ricinis communis that contains the toxin ricin), and the crab’s eye creeper, gidee gidee or jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius that contains the toxin abrin) (see Common plant-derived toxins for common plant-derived toxins).

Ingestion of the beans or seeds of these plants is rare, but can occur accidentally in children or deliberately in adults. Sometimes the beans are ingested when they are mistaken as being edible.

Toxalbumins cause cytotoxic effects. Swallowing the beans or seeds whole causes minimal effects, but if they are masticated (crushed, chewed), severe toxicity can result. Ingestion of even one Abrus seed can be lethal to an adult.

If toxalbumin poisoning from plants is suspected, urgently contact a clinical toxicologist or poisons information centre (13 11 26). There is no specific antidote and treatment is primarily supportive care. All patients who present with deliberate self-poisoning from plants require psychiatric assessment before discharge.