Plants with toxic alkaloids - University of Washington

Unusual Poisons
The slobber weed: Pilocarpus pennatifolius stimulates the
salivary glands much more than the betel nut Areca catechu
(the nut causing red saliva that stains the street of Asia). Here
the secretion becomes so powerful that it interferes with
speech (ideal for political opponents!). Unfortunately, the
drooling (up to 2 pints) is followed by nausea & dizziness.
Drooling is also caused by the pencil tree extract. Pilocarpine
(an alkaloid used for glaucoma) is used to treat dry mouth &
also to stimulate sweat glands.
Pilocarpus: approx13
species in the Rutaceae,
from the tropics of S Amer.
The Suicide Tree: Cerbera odollam is a relative of
Madagascan arrow poison tree Cerbera tanghin ( nuts that
are used in trials by ordeal). The tree grows at the SW coast
of India and has white jasmine-scented flowers. The nuts
look like green mangos & the white meat inside is full of
cardiac glycosides that stop the heart of a human within 4
hours. Widows & other religiously inclined people use these
nuts (mashed nut meat with brown sugar) as their last meal.
Also used to poison people since it has no bad taste & a
delayed action.