Baylor Health Care System
 

Rhubarb leaves poisoning

Definition

Rhubarb leaves poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of leaves from the rhubarb plant.

Alternative Names

Rheum officinale poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

  • Anthraquinone glycosides (possible)
  • Oxalic acid

Where Found

The leaves (leaf blade) of the rhubarb plant. The stalk can be eaten.

References

Caravati EM, et al. Natural Toxins. In: Dart R, et al, Medical Toxicology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2004:chap 215.

Review Date: 2/27/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.