Decoding plant toxins: Forensic significance of phytochemical classifications

AbstractPlants are a significant part of forensic toxicology due to their varied phytochemical profiles, which contain both medicinal and toxic compounds. The forensic importance of plant-derived toxins emerges from potential use in criminal activities, unintentional poisonings, and suicides. In the United States, Plant exposure represented about 2.4% cases, whereas in India it comprises 6-15% of total poisoning cases. This review examines the classification of toxic phytochemicals, their mechanisms of action, and their role in forensic science. Eight poisonous plants, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellus, Abrus precatorius, Ricinus communis, Nerium oleander, Strychnos nux vomica, Peganum harmala, and Brugmansia suaveolens were analyzed for their toxic phytochemicals, which consist of alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and resins. These substances affect cellular and neurological processes, resulting in toxicity. A detailed analysis is conducted of these toxicity mechanisms, which include ribosome-inhibiting protein-induced organ failure, neurotoxic alkaloid-induced seizures, and cardiac glycoside. The review also emphasizes the analytical methods used in forensic probes to identify and interpret toxins in criminal cases. Understanding plant toxins improves forensic investigations, aiding in criminal profiling, court cases, and the medical management of poisoning cases.