Plant Toxin Emergency

Dear Colleagues,

Plant toxins are natural compounds that are found in several plant species and act as a defense mechanism against herbivores, pathogens and environmental stressors. Some common plant toxins include alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and protein molecules, including ribosome-inactivating proteins and various lectins. Some of these toxins can be highly toxic and thus capable of causing serious health problems in animals and humans. While many plant toxins pose health risks, some are used medicinally for therapeutic purposes. However, the improper handling or ingestion of these toxins can lead to symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to organ failure and death. Possessing a comprehensive understanding of plant toxins is fundamental in fields such as toxicology, agriculture and medicine; this is in order to mitigate risks and exploit their potential benefits safely.

This Special Issue focuses on the growing public health concern related to plant toxins. This Special Issue welcomes the submission of research, case reports and clinical insights that highlight the importance of understanding, preventing and treating plant toxin exposures.

Key themes include:

1. The identification and distribution of toxic plant species. Highlighting common and lesser-known toxic plants in different regions, and emphasizing the need for accurate identification and public awareness to prevent accidental exposures.
2. Mechanisms of toxicity. Exploring the pathogenic mechanisms and biochemical pathways of intoxication, detailing how plant toxins can interfere with physiological functions and the resulting clinical manifestations.
3. Clinical management and treatment protocols. Presenting updated protocols for the management of plant toxin-related emergencies, from initial diagnosis to advanced treatments such as antidotes, supportive care and novel therapeutic approaches.
4. Public health and safety. Providing an overview of small toxic molecules (alkaloids, glycosides, glucosinolates and others) and plant protein toxins, especially ribosome-inactivating proteins and toxic lectins, that can pose serious public health risks if consumed or handled improperly. Public health and safety concerns involve preventing accidental ingestion, handling these substances with caution, and raising awareness about their risks, particularly in bioterrorism or after accidental exposure.
5. Case studies. Featuring real-life cases of plant toxin exposure, offering practical insights into diagnosis, management challenges and outcomes. These case studies provide valuable lessons for healthcare professionals and first responders.

This Special Issue aims to proviede a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with plant toxin emergencies. By advancing knowledge in this area, this Special Issue also aims to enhance response efforts and ultimately reduce the impact of plant toxins on human health.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Bolognesi
Dr. Massimo Bortolotti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxins is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• plant toxins
• secondary metabolites
• alkaloids
• ribosome-inactivating proteins
• toxic lectins
• biological activity
• toxicity mechanisms
• clinical features of intoxication
• bioterrorism
• toxin detection