Daphne Mezereum

DAPHNE MEZEREUM, a plant of the Thymelaeaceae family, shrubs with leathery leaves, with flowers appearing before the leaves; flowers are sessile in small bunches along the length of the stem; fruit is a red berry. Grows in the USSR, in Western Europe, and in Northern Asia. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Constituent principles: daphnin (C₁₅H₁₈O₉·2H₂O) - a crystalline body of glycosidic nature, and mezerein, or the anhydride of mezereic acid, which causes the irritant effect of the bark (Cortex Mezerei, wolf's bark). All parts of the plant, especially the bark and fruits, cause severe irritation and inflammation at the point of application, and when taken internally - severe gastroenteritis. Cases of poisoning from the beautiful red flowers of this plant have been observed repeatedly, especially in children. Symptoms of poisoning: a scratching and burning sensation in the mouth and throat; profuse salivation, swelling of the lips and tongue; difficulty swallowing; thirst; pain in the stomach and intestines; vomiting of mucus and blood; diarrhea with blood; difficult and painful urination with protein and blood; headaches, weakness, cold sweat, small and rapid pulse; difficult breathing; unconscious state; in children - also convulsions. When acting on the skin - redness, blisters, and pustular rash. Therapy, as in poisoning with Spanish flies. In medicine, an extract of the bark was used to prepare Unguentum Mezerei - a vesicatory ointment acting like cantharides.