Pure Appl. Biol., 6(3): 989-1001, september, 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600105

Review Article

A study of poisonous of Balochistan, Pakistan

Abdul Hameed Baloch1, Iftekhar Ahmed Baloch2*, Hanif-ur-Rehman3, Imtiaz Ahmed 4 and Saeed Ahmed4 1. Faculty of Agriculture, LUAWMS, Uthal Balochistan-Pakistan 2. Govt. Degree College Khanozai-Pakistan 3. Department of Chemistry, University of Turbat, Kech, Makuran-Pakistan 4. Faculty of Water Resources Management, LUAWMS, Uthal Balochistan-Pakistan *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected] Citation Abdul Hameed-Baloch, Iftekhar Ahmed Baloch, Hanif-ur-Rehman, Imtiaz Ahmed and Saeed Ahmed. A study of poisonous plants of Balochistan, Pakistan. Pure and Applied Biology. http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600105 Received: 28/01/2017 Revised: 08/08/2017 Accepted: 15/08/2017 Online First: 16/08/2017 Abstract Poisonous plants growing in the different areas of Balochistan province were reviwed for their indigenous usage and chemical constituents. A total of 23 species (Acroptilon repens, Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, Daphne mucronata, Datura innoxia, Datura stramonium, Eremostachys vicaryi, Euphorbia helioscopia, Heliotropium europaeum, Hyoscyamus insanus, Hyoscyamus niger, Iphiona aucheri, Melia azedarach, persica, Nerium oleander, Phragmites karka, Sorghum helepense, Podophyllum emodi, Rhazya stricta, Solanum incanum, Solanum miniatum, Tephrosia apollinea and Xanthium strumarium) belonging to 12 different families (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Astraceae, Boraginaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Papilionaceae, , Podophyllaceae, Solanaceae and Thymelaeaceae) were considered poisonous due to their toxic effects against livestock and human beings. These include one (1) tree, three (3) shrubs, eighteen (18) perennial herbs and one (1) annual herb. Most of them are found in southern regions of Balochistan province. Despite some harmful effects on human health, these plants are also considered as medicinally important and normally used in folk medicine. It is mostly because these poisonous plants in general are not harmful to human health but cause toxicity when consumed in large quantities. However, some of these dangerous poisonous plants may also cause serious hazards on human health even if consumed in small quantities. Keywords: Balochistan; Folk medicine; Poisonous plants Abbreviations: Balochi (Bl), Brahvi (Br), Pashto (Pash), Persian (Pers) Introduction particular ailments. According to Ahmed Plants unlike animals are immobile and cannot (2012) [1], a poisonous plant is defined as a escape their predators; therefore they have to plant whose particular part(s) when consumed produce a defensive mechanism which protects in a certain amount causes some impaired them from the predation. For this purpose, functions or abnormality in the body of the during the course of evolution, some plants subject. The poisonous activities of plants are turned into poisonous ones by producing the results of producing the secondary secondary metabolites that are noxious for metabolites which include, tannin, alkaloids, herbivorous animals. Unfortunately it is hard to terpenoids, phenols, saponins as well as some define the poisonous plants, because a more complex compounds such as poisonous plant at the same time is also polyacetylenes. Like medicinal plants, these considered a beneficial one for the cure of poisonous plants are also classified into

Published by Bolan Society for Pure and Applied Biology 989 Baloch et al. different groups based on presence of certain Local uses and chemical constituents: chemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, (1) Cultivated as an ornamental plant. tannins, phenols and volatile oils [1]. The (2) All parts of C. roseus are highly toxic medicinal plants play an important role in due to presence of more than 130 alkaloids everyday life of rural folks and from medieval which have been isolated from different parts. time till today they use these plant or part(s) of Although two important alkaloids (Vinblastine plants for the cure of different ailments. and Vincristine) are used in cancer treatment However, some medicinal plants also possess but they are present in very low concentrations lethal effects on human beings when consumed [3]. in large quantities. Therefore, a comprehensive 2. Species: Nerium oleander L. survey of different plant species of Balochistan English Name: Oleander has been carried and the poisonous plants were Local name: Jaur (Bal, Br) Gander, Ganderae screened out and enlisted in this paper. (Pash.) and Kuran (Lasi). Methodology Distribution in Balochistan: Shadi Kor, Natural flora of Balochistan province was (Pasni), Hingol Kor, (Lasbela), Basol Kor, surveyed and catalogued with the help of (Kalmat), Kech Kor, (Turbat), Bolan Pass, “Flora of Pakistan” [2]. During these surveys Shahrag, Lasbela and Zhob areas. the rural folks of Balochistan were interviewed Habit: An erect evergreen shrub for local usage of different plants used for the Local uses and chemical constituents: cure of different ailments. The poisonous plants (1) Cultivated as an ornamental plant were screened out from this exhaustive floristic (2) All parts of plant are highly toxic. list. The local name(s) as informed by the local (3) The toxicity of plant is due to presence of folks during the survey are also mentioned. two hazardous compounds i.e. oleandrin and Upon availability of information, these names oleandrigenin which are also known as cardiac are mentioned in local languages of glycosides and cause cardiac arrest if foliage Balochistan province that include, Balochi and other parts of plant are ingested in higher (Bal.), Brahui (Br.), Lasi, Pashto (Pash.) and quantity by livestock [4]. Persian (Pers). Besides the uses of these (4) Results of experiments conducted by poisonous plants mentioned in available Szbuiewicz et al [4] and Wasfi et al [5] showed scientific literature, the folk uses as informed that rodents and birds were insensitive to by local inhabitants are also included. The oleander cardiac glycosides; however dogs and gathered information was again reviewed with humans were relatively sensitive to effects of the help of available scientific literature and the cardiac glycosides. phytochemical studies of these plants were (5) Although this plant is known for its higher documented. toxicity but from 1985 through 2005 there were The poisonous plants of Balochistan province 847 human reported in United States who were are summarized below and categorized into exposed with the Narium toxicity and only alphabetical orders of families followed by three deaths were reported. [6]. species. The images of these poisonous plants (6) An incident was reported by Wasfi et al [5] alongwith their names are shown in figure 1. of a person who consumed the aerial parts of Family: Apocynaceae plant for the cure of his diabetic problem. 1. Species: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don According to their findings the deceased English Name: Madagascar periwinkle or person’s blood indicated a total blood Rosy periwinkle concentration of cardiac glycosides of Local name: Sadabahar (Bal. Br.), approximately 20 μg/L, which is well above the Distribution in Balochistan: Ornamental reported fatal level. plant of parks and gardens of southern (7) When an individual consumes the foliage Balochistan. parts of oleander, within a few hours severe Habit: It is an evergreen subshrub or gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, herbaceous plant growing 1 m tall. sweating, and weakness are apparent. Cardiac

990 Pure Appl. Biol., 6(3): 989-1001, september, 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600105 irregularities are also common, often (4) The flowers of the plant are dried to make a characterized by increased heart rate. However, tablet from its powder which is used for a slower heart rate is often detected in the later constipation [10]. stages. (5) Leaves of plant are slightly roasted and then 3. Species: Rhazya stricta Decne. squeezed to obtain a juice which is used for ear Local name: Aeshark, Aizhwarg, Hishwarg, diseases. The ashes of leaves are used as Hezhwar, Hishark, Eshark, Aishwarg (Bal.Br.) antiseptic drug [11]. Rangobul, Phalz, Urgalam, Urgalami, (6) The warmed leaves are used as a poultice. Hezhwarg or Hayanwarg (Pash.) Sehar (Lasi). (7) The flowers of this plant are put in oil and Distribution in Balochistan: Pab hills applied to wounds to cure them. (Khuzdar), Bolan, Sharag, Basol, (Ormara), (8) Its latex from the stem was used to Nokbur, (Kolanch area, Gwadar), Lasbela, empoison the hunting arrows during the ancient Loralai, Kharan, Quetta, Bolan, Loralai and time. Kohlu. Family: Astraceae Habit: A stout erect evergreen shrub 5. Species: Acroptilon repens (L.) DC. Local uses and chemical constituents: Englih name: Russian knapweed (1) Clinically it has been proven that leaves Local name: Talkha, Talkha Kao, Tulkha (Bl, extract of R. stricta showed significantly Br), Kuragh (Pash.). decreased total and ambulatory activities when Distribution in Balochistan: Kalat, administered in lab animals [7]. Mangocher, Nimargh, Harboi, Nichara Wad (2) The phytochemistry of R. stricta reveals (Khuzdar District) and Loralai. that it contains over 100 alkaloids but the Habit: Perennial weed. Creeping roots usually pharmacological activities are known for only dark brown or black, with scaly adventitious a few of these compounds [8, 9]. buds. (3) The cattle do not like this plant due to its Local uses and chemical constituents: toxic characteristics [10, 11]. (1) The whole plant is boiled in water and Family: Asclepiadaceae syrup is used for blood purification. 4. Species Calotropis procera subsp. (2) In Loralai area the plant is used for the hamiltonii (Wight) Ali cure of wounds of sheep. English name: Apple of Sodom (3)The plant is very poisonous to horses, Local name: Kurk, karag, Karagh (Bal.), causing neurological symptoms. Because of its Aragh (Br.) Karag (Lasi) Ispalmen (Pash.) Aak, sour taste, grazing animals usually avoid it, and Madar, Mundar (Lasi). consequently it tends to spread more than Distribution in Balochistan: Khuzdar, Wadh, edible plants in the field. Drakalo, Rustam Khan. Lasbela, Bolan and 6. Species: Iphiona aucheri Sibi districts. Local name: Kollmir, Kolmurag (Bl. Br.) Habit: Erect shrub Distribution in Balochistan: Makuran, Local uses and chemical constituents: Kharan, Lasbela and Khuzdar (1) Its milky latex is also used with other Habit: Perennial herb, Chamaephyte. ingredients [12]. Local uses and chemical constituents: (2) The milky latex is nuisance when it comes (1) It is a highly poisonous plant. in contact with skin mucous membrane and (2) Iphiona aucheri is responsible for poisoning said to cause blindness [2]. of racing camels in U.A.E. Two diterpene (3) Although C. procera is a poisonous plant glycosides, atractyloside and but it is used for snake and insects bite. The carboxyatractyloside have been identified as milky latex is applied externally on affected the toxic principle of the plant [13]. area to reduce the poison’s effect. It is also used (3) Because of its toxicity, I. aucheri is avoided as a purgative and said to be specific for Guinea by grazing animals of Balochistan and remains worms [10]. evergreen all year around. It is one of the reasons that in Balochi folklore this plant’s

991 Baloch et al. name is used metaphorically for a person who signs of a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, there is always jubilant and carefree [12]. is no remedy for it and supportive treatment is 7. Species: Xanthium strumarium L. the mainstay of treatment [17]. The plant parts English Name: Rough cocklebur are also used for medicinal purposes such as Local name: Lichok wal (Bl.) treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, wounds, Distribution in Balochistan: headache, malaria, rheumatism and show Lasbella antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus Habit: Herb, annual, 20-120 cm with a tap root, aureus species [18]. spreading by seeds only. (10) The mature plant is reported as harmless; Local uses and chemical constituents: although toxicity has been reported in livestock (1) Xanthium strumarium L. is widely used in that ingested mature plants with burs despite traditional folk medicinal systems and the the general belief that ingestion of burs should whole plant, particularly the leaves are used by be limited by mechanical injury during hakims as blood purifier and in scabies. The mastication [18]. phytochemical investigations of leaves (11) There are a few case reports about X. revealed that foliage parts of plant contained strumarium poisoning in human. If ingested, various bioactive molecules, amino acid the symptoms include acute onset of abdominal composition and minerals. Plant is rich in pain, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, potassium and contains flavonoids, catechol, palpitations, sweating and dyspnea. alkaloids, cardenoloids and many free amino Convulsions followed by loss of consciousness acids [14]. and death have also been reported [19]. (2) In Ayurveda (The Hindu folk medicinal Family: Boraginaceae tradition) it is called ‘Shankeshwara’and 8. Species: Heliotropium europaeum var. ‘Arishta’, and is considered anthelmintic, lasiocarpum (F & M.) Kazmi. antipyretic, diuretic, laxative, alexiteric, tonic, English name: European heliotrope digestive and appetizer. It improves voice and Local name: Poput, Kapothchum (Bl.), Sago complexion and is used in epilepsy, (Pash.) leucoderma and as antidote for insect bite [15]. Distribution in Balochistan: Lasbela, (3) are plentiful in vitamin C and are Makuran. considered to be cooling and demulcent in Habit: Annual, 50 cm or more tall, branched. indigenous system of medicine. Local uses and chemical constituents: (4) Ashes of aerial parts of plant are applied to Heliotropium europaeum contains sores on lips and mouth. pyrrolizidine alkaloid which is poisonous [20]. (5) Roots are bitter and used in cancer, scrofula, Family: Euphorbiaceae boils, and ulcers. 9. Species: Euphorbia helioscopia L. (6) Leaves are used in herpes and malaria. English name: Wart spurge, Umbrella (7) Seeds are used for treatment of eye diseases, milkweed headache, piles and cancerous wounds. Local name: Zahrichk, Gurbagoond, (8) Flowers and fruits are used to prepare a Shohrbulok (Bl.), Rechask (Br.) drink while seedlings and leaves are used as Distribution in Balochistan: Northern and vegetable [16]. Central Balochistan. (9) The seedlings and seeds of X. strumarium Habit: An erect bright green fleshy annual herb contain the glycoside carboxyatractyloside and up to 50 cm tall, but more commonly 10-30 cm can be poisonous to livestock, including cattle, tall. horses and pigs. It is reported that Local uses and chemical constituents: Carboxyatractyloside poisoning causes (1) It is a highly poisonous plant [20]. multiple organ dysfunctions and can be fatal. (2) The active ingredients are used in The symptoms include coagulation pharmaceutical industry [20]. abnormalities, hyponatraemia, marked (3) The plant contains the jatrophone-type hypoglycaemia, hepatic and renal failures are diterpenoids euphoheliosnoid A, B, C [21] and

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D [22] and other toxic diterpenes such as (1) Stewart, J. L. (1869) [28] reported that the euphoscopins, epieuphoscopins euphornins, plant was used for poisoning the fish near cuphohelioscopins and euphohelionone [23]. Peshawar. (4) Several biologically important chemical (2) The phytochemistry of this plant revealed compounds have also been isolated from the the presence of aerial parts of this plant including four esters of (a) Vicarin, an isoflavone, which had been 12-deoxyphorbol (12-Deoxyphorbol-13- isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction phenylacetale-20-acetate, 12-deoxyphorbol- of the ethanolic extract of Eremostachys 13-dodec-dienoate-20-acetate, 12- vicaryi, deoxyphorbol-13-[2-methyl-cis-2-butenoate]- (b) Soforanarin B 20-acetate and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-[2-methyl- (c) luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and cis-2-butenoate]). These substances are the (d) hamighriprasin [29]. major causes of skin irritantation when latex of Family: Meliaceae this plant comes in contact with victim’s skin. 11. Species: Melia azedarach L. [24]. Similarly m-Hydroxyphenylglycine and English name: White cedar, Chinaberry tree 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine are two amino Local name: Bakaur, Bakain, Dhrek (Bl. Br.), acids that can be isolated from the latex of E. Bakain (Pash.), Senjid-i-talkh (Persian) helioscopia [25]. Distribution in Balochistan: Kalat, Quetta, (5) The detailed phytochemistry of this Pishin, Nasirabad and Makuran. It is a fast poisonous plant is as follows: Helioscopinin A growing tree of the plains and foot-hills, (1,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-2,4-(S)- cultivated along road-sides and in villages. dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl-3-O-galloyl-β- Habit: Tree, up to 12 m tall. D-glucose), helioscopinin B (1,6-(S)- Local uses and chemical constituents: hexahydroxydiphenoyl-3-O-galloyl-β-D- (1) The oil extracted from the seeds is used as glucose), helioscopin A (1,6-(S)- hair oil. hexahydroxydiphenoyl-2,4-(R)- (2) The leaves are so bitter that even locusts elaeocarpusinoyl-3-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose) leave them [12]. and helioscopin B (1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-2,4-(R)- (3) The is used by goats and sheep and the elaeocarpusinoyl-β-D-glucose) can be found stony endocarps are used as beads. together with the 8 other tannins corilagin, (4) Fruits are poisonous to humans if eaten in punicafolin, geraniin, elaeocarpusin, furosin, large quantity. The toxins are neurotoxins and terchebin, mallotusinin and carpinusin [26]. unidentified resins. The first symptom of Helioscopinin-A shows anti-allergic and anti- poisoning appears a few hours after intake. The asthmatic activities in guinea pigs. It is symptoms of poisoning are loss of appetite, suggested that this compound exerts its vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody activities through antagonism on leukotriene faeces, stomach pain, pulmonary congestion, D4-induced responses [27]. cardiac arrest, rigidity, lack of coordination and Family: Lamiaceae general weakness. Death may take place after 10. Species: Eremostachys vicaryi Benth. about 24 hours [20]. English name: Eremostachys (5) Leaves are used as a natural insecticide to Local name: Bishhaf, Bishkhaf, Gurganna, keep with stored food, but must not be eaten, as Khalatri, Rewand-chin. (Bl. Br.) they are highly toxic [20]. Distribution in Balochistan: Family: Poaceae Northern Balochistan 13. Species: Melica persica Kunth, Rev. Habit: Root thick, vertical. Stems solitary or Gram. few, 40-90 cm, simple or branched at Local name: Lewanai butae (Pash.) Inflorescence. Distribution in Balochistan: Ziarat in the Local uses and chemical constituents: Juniper tracts, common among bushes.

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Habit: Rhizomatous perennial forming clumps reported that it is, or may be, poisonous to stock up to 45 cm across; culms 15-50 cm high, erect while Helen Crookshank noted that it is heavily or ascending. grazed [2]. Local uses: The use of this grass as fodder is uncertain because Stewart and Santapau

Acroptilon repens (L.) DC. Calotropis procera Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don ssp. hamiltonii (Wight) Ali

Daphne mucronata Royle. Datura innoxia Miller Datura stramonium L.

Eremostachys vicaryi Benth. Euphorbia helioscopia L. Heliotropium europaeum var. lasiocarpum (F.&M.) Kazmi.

Hyoscyamus insanus Stocks. Hyoscyamus niger L. Iphiona aucheri

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Melia azedarach L. Melica persica Kunth, Rev. Gram. Nerium oleander L.

Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Sorghum helepense (L.) Pers. Podophyllum emodi Wall. ex Steud. Royle.

Rhazya stricta Decne. Solanum incanum Solanum miniatum L.

Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) Liuk Xanthium strumarium L. Figure 1. Poisonous plants found in Balochistan

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14. Species: Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. (3) The antitumor effect of P. hexandrum was ex Steud. observed in experimental animals carrying English name: Tall Reed solid tumours developed by transplanting Local name: Nal, Drogg, Masolk, Narrh, Nal Ehrlich Aascites Tumour (EAT). Subtoxic (Bl. Br.), Narrh (Lasi) Drumbi, Nar, Nalu. well-tolerated sequential doses of aqueous Distribution in Balochistan: Lasbela District. extract of P. hexandrum (a daily dose of 34.5 Habit: Perennial reed, with creeping . mg/kg b.w. for 15 days) enhanced tumour- Culms erect, up to 10m high. doubling time (TDT) from 1.94 +/- 0.26 days to Local uses: 19.1 +/- 2.5 days. The results of this experiment (1) Qasim et al. 2010 [31] reported this grass is revealed that there was no synonyme ergism used as a fodder in Lasbela region but it is far revealed between radiation and P. hexandrum, too coarse for fodder. though both independently manifested (2) It is said to be poisonous to cattle.” antitumor effects [33]. 15. Species: Sorghum helepense (L.) Pers. (4) The of P. hexandrum contains English name: Johnson grass several lignans, which possess antitumor Local name: Gomaaz, Baran Sohro (Bl.) Baru, activity. Podphyllotoxin is the most active Baran, Targhar (Pash.), Jowari (Lasi) cytotoxic natural product. It is used as starting Distribution in Balochistan: It is usually compound for the synonym thesis of anticancer found in fields, roadsides and waste places. drug etoposide and teniposide. Distributed in upper Zhob, Shahrugh and Podophyllotoxin acts as an inhibitor of Kohlu area (Sibi Division) Loralai area, Kachhi microtubule assembly. These drugs are used for area, Makuran and Lasbela Districts [12]. lung cancer, testicular cancer, neuroblastoma, Habit: Rhizomatous perennial; culms simple hepatoma and other tumors. Availability of or branched, 0.5-3 m high or more, slender to podophyllotoxin from plants has its limitations rather stout. Leaf-blades 20-90 cm long, 0.5-4 because of its intense collection from nature cm wide. and lack of organized cultivation [34]. Local uses and chemical constituents: Family: Solanaceae. (1) Plant tissues contain hydrocyanic acid 17. Species: Datura innoxia Miller which show a positive danger to livestock [32]. English name: Recurved thorn-apple (2) Under certain conditions S. helepense is Local name: Dathura (Bal. Br.) poisonous to livestock. Distribution in Balochistan: Lasbela District. Family: Podophyllaceae Usually grows on roadsides and weedy places, 16. Species: Podophyllum emodi Wall. ex from sea level to 1524 m. Royle. Habit: Plant up to 130 cm tall, branched, dense English name: Indian Podophyllum, pubescent-villous. Himalayan May Apple Local uses and chemical constituents: Local name: Bankarki, Papra, Banwagan (1) Extract of leaves is helpful in toothache, (Pash.) headache and epilepsy. Distribution in Balochistan (2) Leaves extract effect the nervous system, Northern Balochistan overdose may induce vomiting, coma and even Habit: Perennial herbs, 15-30 (-45) cm. tall, death. erect, smooth, glabrous. (3) Seeds are antipyretic, anti-rabies and Local uses and chemical constituents: narcotic. (1) Fruits are edible and rootstock produce (4) The poisonous seeds are intoxicating and podophyllol, a sticky resin, quarcetin and are also used as a cure for hydrophobia. podophyllo-toxin of medicinal importance [2]. (5) The plant contains two main toxic alkaloids, (2) The plant is poisonous. The rhizome of the atropine and scopolamine. plant contains a resin, which can be processed (6) To investigate the effect of intoxication due to extract podophyllotoxin, or podophyllin, a to consumption of plant materials, urine and neurotoxin [20]. plasma samples of the seven patients, as well as

996 Pure Appl. Biol., 6(3): 989-1001, september, 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600105 a sample of cooked vegetables, were analyzed (6) In Indian traditional medicine the flowers with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of plant have long been used as an extremely by Papoutsis et al. (2010) [35]. The urine and effective treatment for asthma symptoms. The plasma sample confirmed the presence of active anti-asthmatic agent is atropine, which atropine and scopolamine. The urine samples causes paralysis of the pulmonary branches of of all patients contained atropine in the lungs, eliminating the spasms that cause concentrations between 67.1 and 691.7 ng/mL, the asthma attacks. while urine concentrations of scopolamine (7) The plant parts are used in fevers, for ranged from 32.4 to 186.4 ng/mL. The worms, skin diseases, boils and indigestion [2]. concentrations of atropine and scopolamine in (8) Seeds possesse higher potential of the cooked vegetables were found to be 0.8 and dormancy when remained in soil seed bank. 1.2 µg/g, respectively. The patients who by 19. Species: Hyoscyamus insanus Stocks. mistake or deliberately consumed the plant Local name: Kakeink, Koh-e-Bang, Kohbanan materials required mechanical ventilation. The (Bl.), Kohbanan (Br.) Ghurso nohai, Narhai results of this experiment revealed the risks of (Pash). using of D. innoxia for medicinal purposes. Distribution in Balochistan: 18. Species: Datura stramonium L. Northern Balochistan English name: Jimson weed or Devil's snare Habit: Perennial up to 70 cm tall, branched. Local name: Dathura, Sinah-Azghi (Bal. Br.) Local uses and chemical constituents: Shinah (Pash.) (1) Burkill (1909) [12] mentioned that local Distribution in Balochistan: people of Balochistan smoked the leaves of this Northern Balochistan plant but it was not proved by any other study. Habit: Plant 60-120 cm or even taller, (2) This species is also used for the medicinal branched, pubescent; the branches are often purposes. purplish. (3) The biochemical analysis of this plant Local uses and chemical constituents: demonstrated that it contains three alkaloids i.e. (1) The plant has a very strong smell and is Hyoscyamine (atropine), hyoscine and extremely poisonous and contains alkaloids as apoatropin. More than 70% of the total hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which are alkaloids were hyoscyamine. Regarding this classified as deliriants, or anticholinergics, high percentage of hyoscyamin, this species which have a powerful narcotic effect. There is could potentially be used for large-scale a high risk of fatal overdose amongst production [39]. uninformed users [36]. 20. Species: Hyoscyamus niger L. (2) The amount of toxins varies and depends on English name: Black henbane or Stinking its age, place where it is growing, and the local nightshade. weather conditions [36]. Local name: Kohi bang (Bl. Br.) (3) Datura intoxication typically produces Disrtibution in Balochistan: hallucination; hyperthermia; tachycardia; Northern Balochistan strange behavior; and severe mydriasis with Habit: Plants annual or biennial, up to 1.5 m consequential painful photophobia that can last tall, pubescent to hairy. for several days and pronounced memory loss Local uses and chemical constituents: [37]. (1) This is a very toxic plant. Hyoscyamine, (4) The Datura seed contains about 0.1 mg of scopolamine, and other tropane alkaloids have atropine, and the fatal dose for adult humans is been found in the foliage and seeds of the plant. >10 mg atropine or >2–4 mg scopolamine [38]. (2) The effects of poison include (5) Although, livestock do not prefer this weed, hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness, and but may be poisoned by eating very small flushed skin. Less common symptoms are plants or some leaves when mixed with regular tachycardia, convulsions, vomiting, fodder [32]. hypertension, hyperpyrexia and ataxia [20].

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(3) In low doses henbane can be toxic, even (3) The plant has long been regarded as fatal, to animals. poisonous, and several incidents of toxicity 21. Species: Solanum incanum L. were reported in United State, particularly English name: Bitter apple and Bitterball green berries which contained carcinogenic Local name: Bătāg, Bhaer (Bal) compounds [32]. Habit: Shrub up to 120 cm tall. Family: Thymelaeaceae Distribution in Balochistan: Common in the 23. Species: Daphne mucronata Royle. plains and the lower hills up to 1400 m. Local name: Mantrah, Pipal (Bl. Br.) Local uses and chemical constituents: Disrtibution in Balochistan: (1) The plant parts used in folk medicine, as a Northern Balochistan remedy for toothache, sore throats and in chest Habit: A xerophytic Shrub up to 2.5 m tall. complaints [2]. Local uses and chemical constituents: (2) Local people also use the fruits of S. (1) The leaves are poisonous but are endured by incanum for the treatment of cutaneous mycotic goats. infections and other pathological conditions. (2) The bark is used in diseases of bone and for (3) It is reported to contain solanine and related washing hair. glycoalkaloids. The crystals of this compound (3) The wood used for making charcoal for are effective inhibitors of the growth of gram- heating and cooking. positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, (4) The fruit can be eaten and is used as a dye dermatophytes, and some pathogens of for leather [2]. agricultural [40]. (5) The phytochemistry of plant demonstrated (4) The toxicity of unripe fruits of S. incanum that the alcohol extracts of Daphne mucronata (L.) in goats was observed by Thaiyah et al. to a group of breast tumor bearing rats, for more (2010) [41]. Dried unripe fruits of S. incanum than 20 consecutive days, reduced significantly (L.) were orally fed to goats at a dose rate of 0 the diameter of tumor or eliminated them (group1), 0.75 (group 2), 1.5 (group 3) and 2.25 totally if the treatment continued for a longer (group 4) g/kg /day for 9 weeks. The four time [42]. treated groups of goats showed bloat, colic, (6) Several novel chemical compounds have coughing and shivering while one goat had been isolated from different parts of this plant, additional signs of depression, staggering gait one of them is Gnidilatimonoein, a diterpene and continuous bleating before death. The ester, which was isolated from the leaves with results obtained from these experiments potent anti-tumoral and anti-metastastic indicated that unripe fruits of S. incanum (L.) activities. To prove the effect of leaf extracts on are toxic to goats and allowing animals to graze tumoral cells such as Promyeloblastic (KG1), on this plant could be deleterious to their health. promyelocytic (NB4) and promonocytic 22. Species Solanum miniatum L. (U937) cells were cultured in various Local name: Tol angur, Mukko (Bl. Br.), concentrations of the drug (0.5-3.0 µM) for 3 Angun, Kamuri, Mako, Karezgi (Pash), Tajrizi days. The results showed that the drug inhibited (Pers). growth and proliferation of KG1, NB4 and Disrtibution in Balochistan: U937 cells with IC50 values of 1.5, 1.5 and 1.0 Northern and northern Balochistan µM, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. Habit: Annual, 15-60 cm tall [2]. Similarly the Cell viability was also decreased Local uses and chemical constituents: by 18, 20 and 23%, respectively, after 72 h (1) The fruits (berries) are bitter, pungent, treatment with the drug. From these promising heating, laxative, aphrodisiac, tonic, diuretic, results it was concluded that the new compound appetizer and useful in diseases of the heart, is an effective chemotherapeutic agent acting leucoderma, fever, diarrhoea, ophthalmia, through induction of differentiation and hydrophobia. apoptosis [43]. (2) In Loralai District the ripened fruits are (7) Similarly plant extract also showed a eaten locally [12]. decreasing effect on the size of breast

998 Pure Appl. Biol., 6(3): 989-1001, september, 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600105 adenocarcinoma in rats. Because it boosted production. Pharmacie Globale (IJCP) 4 monocytes TNF-α releasing, which potentially (12): 1-16. inhibited Leukemia cell line [44]. 4. Szabuniewicz M, Schwartz WL, McCrady Conclusion and recommendations JD, et al. (1972). Experimental oleander From ancient times till today, the local folks of poisoning and treatment. Southwestern Vet. Balochistan are dependent upon the medicinal 25 (2): 105–114. plants for the cure of different ailments. 5. Wasfi IA. Zorob O, Al Katheeri, Nawal A. Although it is true that herbal sources may have Al Awadhi & Anwar M. (2008). A fatal case medicinal value and have shown promising of oleandrin poisoning. Forensic Science results for the cure of different minor ailments. International 179 (2–3): 220-225 Unfortunately many of the important herbal 6. Watson, William A., et al. (2003) 2002 remedies also possess hazardous compounds Annual Report of the American Association which show negative impacts when consumed of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure in large quantities. On the other hand the Surveillance System. American Journal of ignorant people, believe that things that are Emergency Medicine 21 (5): 353-421. "natural" are safer to use compared with 7. Ali BH, Bashir AK & Tanira MOM (1999). allopathic drugs. It is clear from the above The Effect of Rhazya stricta Decne, a mentioned list that some of the most deadly Traditional Medicinal Plant, on poisons are screened out from these plants but Spontaneous and Drug-Induced Alterations the local folks are still using these plant parts. in Activity of Rats. Pharmacology Similarly, during these surveys a stubborn Biochemistry and Behavior. 64(3): 455– misconception came to our knowledge that the 459. local folks of Balochistan believe that if a plant 8. Gilani, SA, Kikuchi A, Shinwari ZK, bitter, it has the beneficial effects for the cure Khattak ZI & Watanabe KN (2007). of diabetes. In conclusion it is highly Phytochemical, pharmacological and recommended that before taking any medicinal ethnobotanical studies of Rhazya stricta plant as herbal remedy, people should know the Decne. Phytother Res. 21(4): 301-307. known health hazard risks associated with these 9. Ahmad M., Muhammed S, Jahan N, Jan, SU medicinal plants. & Qureshi, ZUR. (2014). Anti-dermatitis, Authors’ contributions anxiolytic and analgesic effects of Rhazya Conceived and designed the paper: AH Baloch, stricta from Balochistan. Pakistan journal of IA Baloch, HU Rehman, I Ahmed & S Ahmed, pharmaceutical sciences, 27(3). Wrote the paper: AH Baloch & IA Baloch. 10. Tareen RB, Bibi T, Khan MA., Ahmed M Acknowledegement & Zafar M (2010). Indigenous knowledge We are thankful to the anonymous reviewers of folk medicine by the women of Kalat for their helpful suggestions which enabled us and Khuzdar regions of Balochistan to present the refined version of this review Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 42(3): 1465-1485. article. 11. Qureshi R. (2012) Medicinal Flora of References Hingol National Park Baluchistan, 1. Ahmed S (2012) A study of poisonous Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot. 44(2): 725-732. plants of Islamabad area, Pakistan. Pak. j. 12. Burkill, IH (1909). A Working List of the sci. ind. Res. Ser. B: boil. Sci. 55(3): 129- Flowering Plants of Baluchistan. 137. Superintendent Government Printing: 2. Ali SI & M Qaiser (Eds.). 1993-2015. Flora Calcutta. p. 136. of Pakistan, Karachi. 13. Roeder E, Bourauel T, Meier U & 3. Aslam J, Khan SH, Siddiqui ZH, Fatima Z, Wiedenfeld H (1994). Iphiona aucheri. Maqsood M, Bhat MA, Nasim SA, Ilah A, Phytochemistry. 37(2): 353-355. Ahmad IZ, Khan SA, Mujib A & Sharma 14. Bhogaonkar PY & Ahmad SA (2012). MP (2010) Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Pharmacognostic studies on Xanthium Don. An important drug: its applications and strumarium L. a folk Unani medicinal

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