This spring, our EM toxicology specialists have seen poisonings related to the toxic Veratrum plant. During this time of year, people are foraging for Allium tricoccum, commonly known as “ramps.”
Dr. Michael Yeh, a fellow in the Emory/CDC/Georgia Posion Center Medial Toxicology Fellowship within Emory University’s Department of Emergency Medicine, wants to protect Georgia's citizens and advises using reliable sources to identify ramps or any plant. Dr. Yeh said, "Ramps are in the onion family (Genus Allium) and are a seasonal delicacy in the eastern United States. However, there are toxic plants in Georgia that can be confused with ramps. One of them is the false hellebore, in the genus Veratrum. There are several species within the genus, such as Veratrum parviflorum or Veratrum viride, and all are commonly known as false hellebores. The false hellebore can be found in Georgia’s woods and are toxic plants."
Dr. Brent Morgan from Emory Emergency Medicine’s Toxicology Section, contributed to a paper on poisonings related to Veratrum parviflorum. False hellebore contains several chemicals known collectively as steroid alkaloids. After eating this plant, people can develop nausea and vomiting soon afterwards. In severe cases, people can develop a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. There can also be a need for hospital treatment.
Dr. Yeh also notes, "wild ramp populations are decreasing in some areas and conservation efforts will be important to protect them."
Emory’s Emergency Medicine Department's Medical Toxicology Section works with EMS and the Georgia Poison Center to provide medial toxicology direction. The Emory Department of Emergency Medicine’s Medical Toxicology Section is devoted to teaching, patient care, and research in the field of medical toxicology.