Nice, elegant, capable of embellishing courtyards and terraces with a wonderful flowering. There is no doubt that the oleandro (Nerium Oleander) He manages to immediately capture the attention: pink, red or white corollas, a dark green foliage always shiny, it really seems the perfect ally for anyone who wants a Mediterranean corner in the heart of the city.
Unfortunately there is a small problem: behind this beauty there is a dark face, because the oleandro, without exaggerations, is One of the most toxic plants in Europe.
The toxicity of the Alendro: a beauty that requires caution
All parts of the Allaandro contain a very powerful alkaloid, theoleandrinetogether with other cardiotoxic substances such as the fasting and the Nerioside.
These molecules belong to the family of cardiac glycosidessubstances that can heavily interfere with the electric and mechanical activity of the heart. At one time, similar principles were used in pharmacology to manage some arrhythmias, but these are molecules with a narrow therapeutic margin, where the difference between useful dose and toxic dose is really minimal.
That’s why oleandro can become dangerous in the home. Even small quantities are sufficient to cause serious intoxications, both in adults and in childrenwhich risk more for the lower body weight: the sap, the flower, the leaves and even the dry branches retain their danger.
How can the poisoning from oleandro take place?
THE’ingestion It represents the most common way of intoxication, especially for children who, attracted by flowers and fallen leaves, can put them in the mouth by exchanging them for a game. Also the pets High risks run: a small dog, for example, could undergo lethal poisoning after ingesting half dry leaf.
Also l‘inhalation of fumes deriving from the combustion of the allaandro can cause toxic symptoms. Use the dry branches for a barbecue, or in the fireplace, releases harmful substances in the air that can irritate the respiratory tract and intoxicate those who are nearby. Finally, the Direct contact with the lymph It can cause chemical burns and skin irritations, especially if the skin should present small wounds.
Symptoms: what to observe to intervene immediately
The signs of poisoning from oleandro can manifest themselves in a short time and vary according to the greedy and/or inhaled quantity. The first symptoms concern thedigestive systemwith nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, which can become hemorrhagic. If the intoxication progress would emerge Symptoms borne by the heart: alterations of the heart rhythm, slowdown or acceleration of the beat, decrease in blood pressure. In severe cases, tremors, confusion, convulsions and, in the worst scenarios, cardiac arrest and coma can be observed.
For animalsthe symptomatology is equally rapid: excessive salivation, tremors, weakness, breathing difficultiesEE, without a timely veterinary intervention, Death can also come within a few orAnd.
How to protect children and animals from the Aleandro
Those who decide to cultivate oleandro must do it with the full awareness of risks. The use of gloves during pruning and the accurate Hand washing They represent a simple but effective precaution. In the gardens where small children play and where dogs and cats live, prudence must double: better place the plant in inaccessible or fenced areas. Alternatively, they can Choose ornamental plants without toxicitywhich offer beauty without dangers for the little ones and for home animals.
It should be remembered that there is no specific antidote against poisoning from oleandro. The treatment focuses on supporting vital functions and symptom management. In case of accidental ingestion and of symptoms compatible with intoxication, it is essential to immediately contact the emergency number, your doctor or an anti -anti centeravoiding any home remedy in the most absolute way, which could even aggravate the situation.
A conscious choice
Oleandro is a fascinating plant, capable of resisting the heat, drought and urban conditions, for this reason it remains a very popular choice for avenues, roundabouts and gardens. However, beauty and resistance cannot make you forget that it is a toxic speciesfrom handle with extreme caution. As mentioned, each part of this plant represents a potential danger to the health of children and animals, and the responsibility of those who grow it cannot fail.
