A Mimicker of Yellow Oleander Poisoning

Abstract

Cardiac glycosides are found in various plant products. Here we report a case of poisoning due to Cryptostegia grandiflora which was prescribed for a particular skin disease by a herbal medicine practitioner. This patient presented with nausea and was found to have second degree AV block. It was initially suspected to be a case of yellow oleander poisoning which is common in the southern part of our country, but was later found to be poisoning due to Cryptostegia grandiflora which also contains cardiac glycosides. A field visit and examination of the plant by a botanist confirmed the same. The patient required temporary pacing for the arrhythmia and was discharged after a week.