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Actaea species: Bane Berry
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Family
Ranunculaceae
Common Name
Red bane berry, white bane berry (Actaea alba), Dolls eye snakeberry, necklace weed, red or white cohosh (Actaea erythrocarpa, A. pachypoda are European species). The plant known as white cohosh (A. pachypoda) should not be confused with blue cohosh or squaw root (Caulophyllum thalictroides), or black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), woodland plants of northern temperate areas, containing various toxic saponins, alkaloids, and methylcystine. Blue and black cohosh have been used in herbal medicine as abortifacients and for menstrual problems in women, but not without problems of toxicity including congestive heart failure [1-3].
Plant Description
The 8 known species of Actaea are woody perennial plants of Europe and North America, occurring mostly in moist woodland areas. Growing to 3 ft. in height, the plant grows from a root crown and has large compound, opposite leaves with distinct sharp teeth, and strong veining. Flowers are produced in short, terminal spikes, individual flowers small white with many white stamens.
The fruits are either red, white, or black berries (A. spicata), often on a stalk of contrasting color (Fig. 15 and Fig. 16).
Figure 15. Actaea alba.
Figure 16. Actaea rubra flower and fruits.
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action
The attractive red or white berries and the roots contain the glycoside ranunculin which is hydrolysed to protoanemonin when eaten. Protoanemonin is an irritating compound found in many of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) [4,5].
Risk Assessment
Being mildly toxic, poisoning occurs primarily in children who eat the attractive red or white berries. However, the berries have the potential for being eaten by household pets, should they be brought into the household.
Clinical Signs
Depending on the quantities of berries consumed, excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea may result. Fatalities are unlikely. Protoanemonin can be secreted in the milk of lactating animals and will impart a bitter taste to the milk. The signs of gastrointestinal irritation are usually self-limiting because the quantity of the berries consumed is limited by their bitter taste.
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Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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