Top 5 World's Most Dangerous Plants

Despite some plants looking really cool and mesmerizing, that does not mean that they will not pose a threat to your health. Some of them can release dangerous toxins that are quite lethal and have the potential for death.

From the death of Socrates due to the poison of the hemlock plant to the unintentional intake by little kids, poisonous plants are responsible for the many deaths of mankind throughout history.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 5 world's most dangerous plants that could potentially kill you.

5. White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

A typical dangerous plant, the white snakeroot is responsible for the death of the mother of President Abraham Lincoln, Nancy Hanks. The White Snakeroot is a small white flower herb native to the northern parts of America and it contains toxic alcohol known as trematol.

Unlike others who died after consuming the toxin directly, Nancy Hanks experience poisoning after consuming the milk produced by the cow that ate this plant. The meat and milk for this cow became poisonous after the toxin from the white snakeroot are absorbed into the cow.

The symptoms after consuming the poisonous milk include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue ness, abnormal acidity, and ultimately death. However, after the farmers realized of such a potential threat to their cattle, they made an initiative to remove these plants from the animal's grass field.

4. Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

Being grown widely as an aesthetic plant, the castor bean is an interesting plant native to Africa. Despite the process of seed being the source of castor oil, it naturally contains poisonous ricin that can potentially kill a human being.

Only 1 or 2 seeds are needed to kill a child and up to 8 seeds can be lethal to a full-grown adult. Ricin functions to prevent the synthesis of protein in the cell and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsion, and even death.

This poison was used in 1978 to kill Georgi Markov, a journalist who went against the Bulgarian government. It was also used against other US politicians in an attempt at aggression.

Most of the deaths that have occurred are due to children's accidentally taking them as well as the animals.

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3. Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius)

Also known as jequirity beans, this seed contains abrin which is a very dangerous type of protein. The rosary pea originates from tropical regions and is most commonly used for decoration.

One thing that needs to bear in mind is that the seeds that are in good condition are still considered safe. However, if there are any breaks, abrasion, or even bite signs on the seed then it could potentially kill you.

Only 3 micrograms of abrin are needed to kill an adult and this amount is far less than what is contained in one rosary pea. According to sources, many people who made jewelry from the rosary pea fell ill or even died after touching a broken seed while in the making.

Similar to ricin, abrin stops the synthesis of protein in the cells and can cause organ failure in a matter of 4 days.

2. Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Being told as a story by Pliny the Elder in ancient Rome, the oleander is a beautiful plant known for its colorful flowers. Even though the plant usually grows as a fence line and decoration, one needs to take precautions as the whole part of the oleander is very lethal, especially the roots and seeds containing the highest percentage.

Oleander contains a glycoside known as oleandrin and neriine that cause cardiac glycoside overdose which includes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, irregular rhythm, convulsions, coma, and ultimately death.

Touching the leaves of this plant can cause irritation to the skin for certain people. The potential toxin in oleander is so strong that when a person consumes honey obtained by bees from this plant can fall ill.

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1. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Tobacco is a non-commercial plant that is widely planted around the whole world. All parts of this plant especially the leaves contain nicotine alkaloids and anabasine which can cause death after consumption.

Despite being labeled as heart poison, the nicotine from tobacco is highly used around the world in cigarettes and is a very psychoactive ingredient. The use of tobacco has caused more than 8 million deaths each year making it the most dangerous plant in the world.

Source:

• Britannica

• NCBI

• WHO

Also read: Top 7 Rare Brain Diseases Ever Discovered