Nandina domestica: Heavenly bamboo

Family

Berberidaceaea

Common Names

Nandina, Chinese sacred bamboo, heavenly bamboo.

Plant Description

Primarily a plant of China and Japan, the single species, Nandina domestica, has many cultivars. It is favored for its delicate flowers and bright red-orange berries. It is not a true bamboo but rather is closely related to Podophyllum species (May apple), and Berberis species (Barberry). As evergreen or deciduous woody shrubs, Nandina have erect stems, 2 - 3 times pinnately compound leaves with elliptic leaflets. Leaves turn red-purple in the Fall. The inflorescence is a panicle with numerous, small, cream-white flowers. Berries are orange-red or white with 1 - 3 seeds (Fig. 275, Fig. 276 and Fig. 277).

Figure 275. Nandina domestica flowers.

Figure 276. Nandina domestica.

Figure 277. Nandina domestica alba.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Some cultivars of Nandina contain significant quantities of cyanogenic glycosides (hydroxymandelonitrile) which when hydrolyzed release hydrogen cyanide [1]. Also present are various protoberberine alkaloids of unknown toxic significance. The best known of the alkaloids is berberine that is known to have anticholinesterase activity and causes smooth muscle relaxation and hypotension. In higher doses seizures may occur, possibly as a result of the antagonistic effect of nantenine on serotonin [2].

Risk Assessment

Commonly grown as an ornamental garden plant in many areas of North America, the plant is rarely a problem to household pets. However, the bunches of red berries (or white) that persist on the bushes in winter are attractive to animals. A brief report is given of a puppy that developed seizures after eating the berries [1]. Ruminants are more likely to be at risk from eating Nandina because they more readily hydrolyse the cyanogenic glycosides to hydrogen cyanide than do simple stomached animals. Prunings from Nandina should not be fed to ruminants, nor should it be planted in or around livestock enclosures.

Clinical Signs

Seizures appear to be the dominant sign of poisoning in dogs [2]. However, in the Nandina cultivars with high cyanide content, the clinical signs will relate to those associated with acute anoxia caused by the hydrogen cyanide. Acute onset dyspnea, cherry-red colored mucous membranes and venous blood, and death within a few hours of eating a toxic dose of the plant can be anticipated, especially in ruminants.

If cyanide poisoning is suspected, the animal should be treated intravenously with sodium thiosulfate solution (See Prunus spp.).