Two Kerala temple boards banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings after a woman’s accidental poisoning. Here’s what you need to know about oleander, its uses, and toxicity.
Incident Details
Surya Surendran, a 24-year-old nurse, died due to accidental oleander poisoning. She chewed oleander leaves before a flight to the UK, experiencing symptoms shortly after.
About Oleander
- Botanical Information: Nerium oleander, also known as oleander or rosebay, is a globally cultivated shrub known for its drought tolerance.
- Local Names: In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is commonly found along highways and beaches.
- Varieties: Oleander comes in different flower colors.
- Medicinal Uses: Ayurvedic texts mention oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, though it’s also recognized as a poison.
Medicinal Uses and Toxicity
- Ayurvedic References: Ayurvedic texts prescribe oleander for skin diseases like leprosy.
- Toxicity: Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, making it toxic. Ingestion or inhalation of smoke can be intoxicating.
- Cardiac Glycosides: Oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin are cardiac glycosides present in oleander, affecting heart muscle function.
- Effects of Toxicity: Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, confusion, irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and in severe cases, death.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What led to the ban on oleander flowers in temple offerings?
- A) Oleander’s popularity in Kerala
- B) An incident of accidental oleander poisoning
- C) Government regulations on temple offerings
- D) Oleander’s ornamental use in temples
- Answer: B) An incident of accidental oleander poisoning
- What is another name for oleander?
- A) Rosemary
- B) Lavender
- C) Nerium oleander
- D) Jasmine
- Answer: C) Nerium oleander
- What is the primary therapeutic value of cardiac glycosides found in oleander?
- A) Slowing down heart contractions
- B) Inducing sleep
- C) Exerting tonic effects on the heart
- D) Reducing blood pressure
- Answer: C) Exerting tonic effects on the heart
- Which of the following is NOT a symptom of oleander toxicity?
- A) Nausea
- B) Confusion
- C) Euphoria
- D) Irregular heartbeat
- Answer: C) Euphoria