Definition

The Jerusalem cherry is a plant that belongs to the same family as the black nightshade. It has small, round, red and orange fruit. Jerusalem cherry poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of this plant.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Christmas cherry poisoning; Winter cherry poisoning; Ground cherry poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

The poisonous ingredient is:

• Solanocapsine

Where Found

The poison is found throughout the Jerusalem cherry plant, but especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.

Symptoms

The effects of Jerusalem cherry poisoning mostly affect the primarily gastrointestinal (often delayed 8 to 10 hours), and central nervous system. This type of poisoning can be very dangerous. Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain or stomach pain
• Delirium (agitation and confusion)
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Loss of sensation
• Lower than normal body temperature (hypothermia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Paralysis
• Shock
• Slow pulse
• Slowed breathing
• Vision changes

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care provider.

Before Calling Emergency

Get the following information:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name and part of the plant that was swallowed, if known
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Fluids by IV (though the vein)
• Laxatives
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed, and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Symptoms most often get better within 1 to 3 days, but hospitalization may be necessary. Death is uncommon.

DO NOT touch or eat any unfamiliar plant. Wash your hands after working in the garden or walking in the woods.

References

Auerbach PS, Constance BB, Freer L. Toxic plants. In: Auerbach PS, Constance BB, Freer L, eds. Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 40.

Graeme KA. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 65.

Higgins T. Wild plant and mushroom poisoning. In: Higgins T, ed. Medicine for the Outdoors. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:422-430.