The Hidden Danger in Your Home? Unmasking the Toxicity of the American plum Plant.
1
The American plum plant contains compounds that can turn into cyanide in all its parts, except for the fruit.
2
When consumed, the seeds or foliage of the American plum transform cyanotoxins into a gaseous form of cyanide.
3
Cyanide toxicity from the American plum leads to fatal outcomes, marked by severe symptoms.
Is American plum toxic to humans?
The American plum, similar to almost all species within the *Prunus* genus, contains cyanide precursors in all its components, including its seeds, with the only exception being its fruit. Should a person ingest the seeds, foliage, or any other portion of the plant, these cyanotoxins will transform into cyanide gas upon contact with stomach acid. This gas is absorbed through mucous membranes, leading to poisoning. Symptoms escalate from restlessness to feebleness, impaired coordination and muscle contractions, challenges with movement or speech, decelerated breathing and heart rate, and ultimately, fatality.
