Author/Editor		Razinger, Gašper; Brvar, Miran
Title		Zastrupitev z ricinom
Translated title		Ricin poisoining
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 89, št. 5/6
Publication year		2020
Volume		str. 327-334
ISSN		1318-0347 - Zdravniški vestnik : glasilo Slovenskega zdravniškega društva : Slovenian medical journal
Language		slv
Abstract		In Slovenia, ricinus ( Ricinus communis ) is best known as a decorative plant. However, in warmer climates the plant is widely distributed in nature and grows as a weed. The whole plant is poiso - nous since it contains a highly poisonous toxin ricin. The highest concentration of ricin is found in ricinus seeds. Ricinus is grown commercially especially for its oil. This report presents a case of ricin poisoning following oral ingestion of ricin seeds. The main symptoms were dizziness, headache, chest pain, choking sensation, nausea, vomiting and diar - rhoea. Ricin is a toxic protein and one of the most potent plant toxins. Its cellular mechanism is inhibiti - on of protein synthesis. The main routes of ricin administration are oral, inhalation, transdermal and parenteral. Both lethal dose and clinical presentation are dependent on the route of admi - nistration. Treatment of ricin poisoning is supportive. The use of ricin for acts of bioterrorism is of major concern. Active and passive immunisations are being developed.
Keywords		kloščevec ricin zastrupitev ricinus ricin poisoning