MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Jack-in-the-pulpit

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Jack-in-the-pulpit

Contents of this page:
Alternative Names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Care Before Calling Emergency Poison Control What to Expect at the Emergency Room Outlook (Prognosis)

Alternative Names

Arisaema triphyllum; Bog onion; Brown dragon; Indian turnip; Wake robin; Wild turnip

Definition Return to top

This article describes poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from Jack-in-the-pulpit.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

oxalic acid
asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Note: The roots are the most dangerous part of the plant.

Where Found Return to top

Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

body as a whole
- burning in mouth
- swelling of tongue
- swelling of mouth
- slurred speech
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- burning pain in the throat
- teary eyes
gastrointestinal
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea

Home Care Return to top

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Wash skin with water. If eye involvement, irrigate eyes with water.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the plant and the parts eaten
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room Return to top

The symptoms will be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Plants containing oxalic acid may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.

Update Date: 2/13/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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