Acidentes toxicológicos por plantas do gênero Dieffenbrachia spp.: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

An intoxication by the genus Dieffenbachia spp. occurs when a toxic substance enters the body through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, causing symptoms, such as pain in the abdomen, vomiting, cardiovascular disorders or mental confusion, among others. In severe cases, poisoning can put the person's life at risk. Ornamental plants are everywhere, beautifying and making our environments more and more cozy, but these plants can be the main key in episodes of poisoning and many people are unaware of the danger of these plants and cultivate them without taking proper care, and may be victims of poisoning. Among the vast list of ornamental plants that cause poisoning, in the present work, a literature review was developed on human toxicities caused by plants of the genus Dieffenbachia spp. There are 135 species involved in accidents, such as Dieffenbachia amoena, Dieffenbachia picta and Dieffenbachia camille, where poisoning occurs by three routes, the ocular, dermal and oral. Regarding the active ingredients involved in Dieffenbachia spp. poisoning, the results are inconclusive, but the important and significant role of calcium oxalate raffides and cardiotoxic glycosides, which inhibit the Na+/K+ pump, is known. The present study highlights the need for prevention based on knowledge of the best way to handle these plants in order to avoid domestic poisoning.