MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Jack-in-the-pulpit

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Jack-in-the-pulpit

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Arisaema triphyllum; Bog onion; Brown dragon; Indian turnip; Wake robin; Wild turnip

Definition Return to top

Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from Jack-in-the-pulpit.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

oxalic acid
asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Note: The roots are the most dangerous part or the plant.

Where Found Return to top

Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

body as a whole
- burning in mouth
- swelling of tongue
- swelling of mouth
- slurred speech
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- burning pain in the throat
- teary eyes
gastrointestinal
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea

Home Treatment Return to top

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Wash skin with water. If eye involvement, irrigate eyes with water.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the plant and the parts eaten
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Plants containing oxalic acid may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.

Update Date: 2/23/2004

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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