Pathogenesis, clinical signs and epidemiology of the poisoning by cyanogenic plants in the Brazilian northwest

Abstract

This review highlights the mechanisms of action of cyanogenic plants and provides clinical signs and distribution of outbreaks in Northeastern Brazil. Cyanogenic plants causing reported outbreaks of poisoning are Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Piptadenia macrocarpa), Cnidoscolus quercifolias (C. phyllacanthus), M. carthaginensis var glaziovii, Passiflora foetida, Piptadenia viriflora, Sorghum halepense and S. bicolor. Findings summarized herein emphasize the great importance and wide distribution of cyanogenic plant poisoning in the Northeastern Brazil. Displaying information of animal poisoning outbreaks in cities with little knowledge of the species causing cyanogenic poisoning is primordial as a preventive measure.