Abstract 2062 Oxidant-induced damage to equine erythrocytes from exposure to galloyl derivatives and from exposure to leaf extracts of plant species in the family Sapindaceae (sub-family Hippocastanoideae)

Maple leaf toxicosis is a lethal condition in which wilted leaves from the plant genus Acer are ingested by equines, leading to hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. The suspected toxins causing maple leaf toxicosis are galloyl derivatives (e.g., tannic acid, gallic acid, and pyrogallol). The objectives of this study are 1) to quantify the effect of eight galloyl compounds associated with Acer spp. on hemolysis and methemoglobin production in bioassays with equine erythrocytes and 2) to determine the toxicity of Acer's closest relatives within the family Sapindaceae, specifically the four additional genera (Aesculus, Dipteronia, Billia and Handeliodendron) in the subfamily Hippocastanoideae.