Poisoning of 'binthamburu' (Ipomoea asarifolia) due to misidentification as 'kankun' (Ipomoea aquatica).

Abstract

Ingestion of 'Binthamburu' (Ipomoea asarifolia) by misidentification as 'kankun' (Ipomoea aquatica) as a leafy vegetable causes acute gastrointestinal symptoms and confusion. The authors have encountered four such cases in the past. All cases have been recorded from the dry zone of the country. Both plants are two trailing vines similar in their appearance and preferring the wet habitats. During the course of the day when exposed to sunlight, 'binthamburu' leaves mimic 'kankun' leaves by folding the leaf margins making it difficult to separate the two during harvest and only a closer examination will reveal the difference in their leaf shapes. Ipomoea asarifolia toxicity in human has not been recorded but animal toxicity in North Brazil due to ingestion of Ipomoea asarifolia had been investigated and linked to a toxic substance identified as lectin or LTS.