What is the mechanism of action for Yew plant cardiotoxicity?
The yew plant (Taxus baccata) is a popular landscaping tree containing the toxic alkaloid taxine B. According to the cited article, taxine B exerts its cardiotoxic effects by inhibiting calcium and sodium channels on cardiac myocytes and suppressing vascular smooth muscle contraction. This inhibition will produce negative inotropism and atrioventricular conduction delay. Patients will typically present with bradycardia, wide QRS complexes, and marked vasodilation.
Pinto A, Lemos T, Silveira I, Aragão I. Taxus baccata intoxication: the sun after the electrical storm. Intoxicação por Taxus baccata: sol após a tempestade elétrica. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2021;33(1):172-175. doi:10.5935/0103-507X.20210019
Contributed by Sydney Robbins, PharmD Candidate