The term “bittersweet” can refer to a flavor profile or to specific plants. This distinction is particularly important because certain plants known as bittersweet can pose health risks if ingested. This article clarifies the identity of these plants and addresses whether they are poisonous to humans, emphasizing the need for accurate information to prevent accidental exposures.
Identifying Bittersweet Plants
Two distinct plant species are frequently referred to as “bittersweet”: Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus).
Bittersweet Nightshade is a semi-woody perennial vine that typically scrambles over other plants, reaching heights of one to four meters. Its leaves are generally arrowhead-shaped and can be four to twelve centimeters long. The flowers are star-shaped with five purple petals that curve backward, featuring prominent yellow stamens. They produce clusters of round or egg-shaped berries that ripen from green to orange or red. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in North America, often found in woodlands, scrubland, hedges, and marshes.
Oriental Bittersweet is a woody, perennial vine that can climb up to sixty feet. It is characterized by multi-branched vines ranging from brown to gray, with new growth appearing green. Its leaves are glossy, alternate, and can vary from oblong to round, typically two to five inches long with fine teeth. Small, greenish-yellow, five-petaled flowers develop into green fruits that mature to bright red, encased in a yellow outer membrane that splits open in the fall. This vine, also native to East Asia, was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant and thrives in woodland edges, roadsides, and open areas.
Toxicity of Bittersweet Nightshade
Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a member of the nightshade family, which includes other well-known plants like potatoes and tomatoes. This plant contains toxic compounds known as solanine glycosides, specifically solanine and dulcamarine. These compounds are present in all parts of the plant, but their concentration is highest in the unripe berries and young leaves.
Upon ingestion, solanine glycosides exert their poisonous effects by disrupting cell membranes, causing cell damage and potentially cell death. The severity of poisoning depends on the amount of plant material consumed. Children are particularly sensitive to these toxins, and there have been documented fatalities in children who ingested the unripe berries.
Toxicity of Oriental Bittersweet
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is often confused with Bittersweet Nightshade, but its toxicity to humans is generally considered much lower. While all parts of Celastrus orbiculatus are considered toxic to animals and humans, ingestion of its berries or other parts by humans is not typically associated with severe poisoning. Instead, consuming large quantities, especially the brightly colored berries, can potentially cause mild digestive upset.
Symptoms of such ingestion might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to irritant compounds present in the plant.
Symptoms of Ingestion and What to Do
Ingestion of either Bittersweet Nightshade or Oriental Bittersweet can lead to various symptoms, with those from Bittersweet Nightshade generally being more severe due to its higher toxicity. Common symptoms following ingestion of Bittersweet Nightshade can include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms might involve headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty speaking. In more severe cases, particularly with larger ingestions of Bittersweet Nightshade, symptoms can escalate to convulsions, slowed breathing, paralysis, dilated pupils, and even death.
If ingestion of any bittersweet plant is suspected, remove any plant parts from the mouth and rinse the mouth thoroughly. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, offer a small amount of water or milk to drink. Contact a medical professional or a poison control center for guidance. The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, connects callers to their local poison center, which is available 24/7 for expert advice. Call 911 immediately if the person collapses, experiences a seizure, has trouble breathing, or is unconscious. Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional or poison control, as this can sometimes cause more harm. To prevent accidental ingestion, keep children and pets away from these plants, and avoid planting them in areas accessible to curious individuals or animals.