The common oleanders, Thevetia peruviana (Pila Kaner) and Nerium-oleander contain a mixture of poisons including glycosides and are extremely toxic. They are widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in the plains of India and have been used for the purpose of suicide, homicide, and as an abortifacient. We have come across three cases of suicidal poisoning with Pila Kaner in the last 9 months, an uncommon occurrence even for a major referral hospital such as ours.
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