Phytochemical screening of various phytotoxins causing toxicity in livestock
Author(s): Dr. Vivek Kumar, Dr. Vinay Kumar SD and Dr. Rinku Sharma
Abstract: This communication briefly discusses the various phytotoxins with their mechanism of toxicity resulting in phytotoxicosis and phytochemical screening of these phytotoxins through various biochemical tests. Phytotoxins are broadly classified as alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolics. Poisoning can occur either by accidental ingestion of toxic plants with usual feed or by willful consumption of toxic plants because of dry pastures. Animals that are already under nutritional stress are more susceptible to plant poisoning. Nitrate and cyanide-containing plants are a considerable threat to livestock health causing severe toxicity mainly in ruminants. Prior to diagnosis, Veterenarian should have sound knowledge about some common poisonous plants, signs of toxicity, category of phytotoxin, Chemical nature of phytotoxins, phytochemical screening and biochemical tests for detection of alkaloids, terepenes, phenolics etc. The key measure of prevention is that the animals should not be allowed to graze in areas with poisonous plants. Diagnostic tests and methods used for the detection of phytotoxins mainly phytochemical screening and biochemical tests are discussed, however these tests are mainly preliminary phytochemical screening tests for phytotoxins and confirmatory assays are chromatography, spectrometry, spectroscopy, immunological assays etc. Biochemical tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis of phytotoxic substances, particularly alkaloids, terpenoids, nitrates, and glycosides.
