ABSTRACT
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action Some cultivars of Nandina contain significant quantities of cyanogenic glycosides (hydroxymandelonitrile) which when hydrolyzed release hydrogen cyanide.1 Also present are various protoberberine alkaloids of unknown toxic significance. The best known of the alkaloids is berberine that is known to have anticholinesterase activity and causes smooth muscle relaxation and hypotension. In higher doses seizures may occur, possibly as a result of the antagonistic effect of nantenine on serotonin.2
