Bees who take pollen from certain plants may inadvertently introduce plant toxins into their honey. People who ingest the honey may become ill and even die. Reports of honey-related poisonings go back to antiquity.
Plants involved:
(1) rhododendron
(2) Azalea
(3) Datura
(4) Hyoscyamus
(5) Andromeda
(6) Kalmia
(7) Coriaria (tree tutu)
(8) Gelsemium
(9) Euphorbia
plus many others.
Toxins may include:
(1) glycosides
(2) belladonna
(3) atropine or scopolamine
(4) tutin or hyenanchiin
(5) andromedotoxin
plus others
Features of the tainted honey:
(1) none
(2) bitter taste
(3) abnormal smell
(4) discoloration
Clinical effects vary with the plant toxin but may include:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) neuropathy with paresthesias
(3) bradycardia and cardiac conduction abnormalities (Rhododendron)
(4) hypotension
(5) delirium, seizures or other neurologic complaints
Factors affecting response:
(1) concentration of the toxin in the honey
(2) amount of honey ingested
(3) comorbid conditions in the person exposed
Differential diagnosis:
(1) botulism
(2) herbicides or pesticides
(3) intentional or accidental additives
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