The philosopher Socrates was born in 399 BC. He was condemned to death by the Athenian authorities in 125 BC for corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods, which must have been the case Drink hemlock tea, a deadly poison was very common in ancient times in the execution of criminals Greece.
In many parts of the country there is a very serious danger that can lead to death and that is the confusion of the wild fennel, edible, (Foeniculum vulgare) with the Hemlock or Viznaga (Conium maculatum). Both plants are biennial (live for two years) or perennial, with branched and cylindrical stems 1 to 3 meters high. The hemlock It develops mainly in moist and cool environments, in poorly drained soils, near streams, rivers, lagoons and ditches. It also appears on roadsides.
The most important difference between the fennel and the hemlock are theirs leaves And Flowers. While the fennel has leaves needle-shaped (like needles) And Flowers small and Yellow, The hemlock has leaves triangular And Flowers small and White. Both plants have shaped inflorescences. umbrella (or umbrella).
The hemlock published a very unpleasant smell when the stems and leaves break. To identify them hemlock You have to take this into account purple spots at the base of the Stems. These are the main differences between both types.
While the wild or cultivated fennel It is an excellent human food and also useful as a medicinal plant (essential oils and as an antioxidant). The hemlock or Viznaga It is just as dangerous to animals as it is to people and can reach into the air Death.
The entire plant contains Alkaloids (flavone and coumarin glycosides), a essential oil and two NeurotoxinsThe conicein and the coniin, which inhibit the central nervous system.
The Concentration of both neurotoxins varies depending on the stage of ripening and climatic conditions and is mainly found in the region green fruitsfollowed in the ripe fruits and to a lesser extent in the flowers and leaves. The dry plant it gradually loses its (volatile) alkaloids, but a hay Freshly made rolls can contain high concentrations of these toxic ingredients.
All animals are sensitive to these neurotoxins and alkaloids ruminant (cattle, sheep, etc.) such as: Nonruminant (pigs, horses, birds, etc.). After a temporary period of excitement, their pupils dilate, they urinate and defecate frequently, and they find it difficult to breathe.
The affected animal trembles and tears. The DeathRespiratory paralysis is not preceded by convulsions. In addition, poisoning of pregnant cows or sows often results in calves or piglets being born dead or with congenital deformities.
In humans, after one hour of ingestion, it causes indigestion, dizziness and headaches, paresthesias, a drop in body temperature, a reduction in muscle strength and finally ascending paralysis.
The first symptoms appear quickly: excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, intestinal pain. The drunk person is thirsty, has difficulty swallowing and speaking, and has dilated pupils, among other symptoms. Finally, the respiratory muscles are also affected Death by suffocation.
He Consume a few grams of dry matter of the leaves or some fruit (8-10 g MS/day). Death from one adult human in a few hours.
There are no specific antidotes coniine. The first thing you need to do is to go “urgently” to the nearest health center to receive the first treatments. It is advisable to perform gastric lavage as soon as possible.
The plants must be pulled out with a shovel, completely removing the root and burning the cut plants. Always wear protective clothing and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant.
For this method to be effective, all plants must be removed before flowering. Do not leave the flower heads in the ground as the seeds may still be viable.
To prevent the plants from forming seeds, they should be cut with a weeder before flowering. Persons performing this task must wear a protective mask.
Herbicides (glyphosate, 2,4-D or metsulfuron) are effective in high doses and on actively growing plants (spring), followed by further application in late summer during late floods. Only cut treated plants when they have died. The effects can last two weeks or longer.
The author is a doctor of veterinary science specializing in animal nutrition and managing director of the International Consulting Firm for Production and Nutrition of Cattle (Meat and Milk). afmayer56@yahoo.com.ar //resalancursos@gmail.com. www.nutriciondebovinos.ar
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