Understanding Taxines: The Harmful Toxin in Yew Plants

Target Audience: This infographic is intended for a general audience, with a focus on gardeners, pet owners, and anyone who may come into contact with yew plants. What are Taxines? Taxines are a group of toxic alkaloids found in all parts of the yew plant, except for the fleshy red arils (the fleshy part of the berry) (Rutkiewicz et al., 2019). Taxines are most concentrated in the leaves and seeds, but they are also present in the bark and wood. Mechanism of Action Taxines work by blocking sodium and calcium channels in the heart (Natasha et al., 2020). This can lead to a variety of cardiac problems, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. Treatment ü  Seek immediate medical attention if taxine poisoning is suspected. ü  There is no specific antidote for taxine poisoning. ü...