| Karwinskia humboldtiana | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Karwinskia |
| Species: | K. humboldtiana |
| Binomial name | |
| Karwinskia humboldtiana | |
| Synonyms | |
Karwinskia humboldtiana, commonly known as coyotillo, cacachila or Humboldt coyotillo, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native to southern and western Texas in the United States [2] as well as much of Mexico. [1] The seeds and leaves of this plant contain the quinones eleutherin and 7-methoxyeleutherin [3] and chrysophanol and β-amyrin in the fruits [4] that are toxic to humans and livestock. [5]
The toxins typically induce an ascending paralysis, which is often followed by death. However, it often takes days or even weeks after consumption for the symptoms to manifest. [6] Symptoms are similar to those of Guillain-Barré syndrome. [7]
