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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

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BRIEF: Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid phytoerythrin?


QUESTION:
Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid phytoerythrin?

ANSWER:
One of the catbolites of chlorophyll is called phylloerythrin and if it is not excreted efficiently in the bile, then secondary phototoxicty can occur. When plants have a hepatotoxic effect, phototoxicity due to failure to eliminate phylloerythrin is a common symptom.