- The death of a 24-year-old woman in Kerala after chewing the leaf and flower of Nerium oleander (Arali) has put the spotlight on the poisonous plant.
- Nerium oleander, native to the Mediterranean region contains highly poisonous cardiac chemical substances and directly affects the heart.
- Poisoning may occur through ingestion and dermal exposure.
- All parts of the plant contain varying amounts of cardiac glycosides.
- Concentrations of toxins peak during flowering season, and are found in seeds, stems, roots, and red flowers, in particular.
- It contains oleandrin, neriin, and digitoxigenin, of which oleandrin is the principal toxin found in leaves.
- The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB) announced their discontinuation of the use of Arali flowers (oleander) in most rituals conducted at temples under its administration.
- It has rapidly supplanted local varieties like ixora shrubs (Chethi), jasmine, and holy basil (Tulsi) in performing pujas.
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