Hemlock has been classified as one of the most toxic plants in the world Native to Europe and North Africa, in Chile It grows in the central and southern part of the country.
Scientifically known as «Conium maculatum”, this wild plant made news over the weekend after claiming the life of a child under eight years old, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, who ingested it in the The Morrillos of Santa Oliviain quillota.
Related news
“Hemlock does not have any recognized therapeutic activity, therefore it cannot be considered a medicinal plant.l”, warns the doctor in Toxicology María Fernanda Cavieresacademic of the School of Chemistry and Pharmacy of the University of Valparaíso.
Dr. Cavieres adds that, on the contrary, hemlock is neurotoxicproduces a series of manifestations in the body and can become lethal with low doses of consumption: “It is a very toxic plant, the ingestion of a few leaves can cause death”.
The toxicologist points out that “the most dangerous consequence occurs when paralyzes the muscles and the person can’t breathe and that ultimately leads to a cardiorespiratory arrest. It can also have effects serious in the gastrointestinal tracthim, causing vomiting, nausea and anorexia”.
Because of its appearance, hemlock often is confused with parsleydue to the similarity of their White flowers and also with fennel by the shape of its leaves.
“You have to be very careful. Generally this plant grows as in stainsbecause it is a undergrowth. Its taste is very bitter and the toxic effect is quite immediate. The risk is in its intake, since there are no reports of intoxication occurring just by touching it. Anyway, the recommendation would be to avoid having contact with the plant, wear gloves and uproot it from the place, to avoid possible risks of intoxication”, concludes Dr. Cavieres.