Abstract
Introduction: Oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning is a common problem found in many parts of the world. The oleander toxicity is due to oleandrin and its aglycone metabolite oleandrigenin. Activated charcoal is a useful gastrointestinal decontamination agent that limits the absorption of ingested toxins. A relatively new clay product, Bio-SpongeTM, containing di-tri-octahedral smectite as the active ingredient, is also recommended for adsorbing bacterial toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Bio-Sponge TM has been used to prevent gastrointestinal absorption of oleander toxins in livestock but the efficacy of activated charcoal and Bio-Sponge TM for adsorbing oleandrin and oleandrigenin has not yet been studied. Methods: An in vitro experiment to compare the efficacy of three commercially available adsorbents was performed. The adsorbents include Bio-SpongeTM, ToxiBanTM granules, and a generic grade activated charcoal. Results: ToxiBanTM granules have the highest adsorptive capacity, followed by the generic grade activated charcoal, and finally, Bio-SpongeTM. Discussion: Bio-SpongeTM did not adsorb oleandrin and oleandrigenin at concentrations that are expected to be present in the gastrointestinal tract of poisoned animals. Conclusions: On the basis of this in vitro study, products containing activated charcoal are more effective for binding oleander toxins and providing gastrointestinal decontamination than products containing di-tri-octahedral smectite. However, the ability of these adsorbents to alter the clinical outcome in oleander-poisoned animals or humans is yet to be evaluated.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 213-218 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical Toxicology |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Activated charcoal
- Acute poisoning
- Adsorption
- Toxic plants
- Toxins
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Medicine(all)