The beautiful but toxic oleander plant - banning the oleander plant within Abu Dhabi

Oleander, a shrub often found in rocky areas and planted for its attractive flowers, contains toxic substances in all its parts.

Ingestion, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, and potentially fatal heart irregularities.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has announced a ban on the cultivation, production, propagation, and circulation of the toxic oleander plant in the emirate.

This decision is aimed at safeguarding public health, particularly for children and pets, from the dangers associated with this poisonous plant. 

Experts caution that all parts of the oleander plant can be poisonous if ingested, potentially causing symptoms that range from nausea to severe cardiovascular issues.

The reasons behind its toxicity

    Oleander is hazardous because it contains cardiac glycosides, which are toxic if consumed. Symptoms of poisoning can range from nausea to more severe cardiovascular issues. Ingestion, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, and potentially fatal heart irregularities.

ADAFSA urges residents to report any oleander plants and to avoid touching or consuming unfamiliar plants. For emergencies, the Poison and Drug Information Services hotline is available 24/7 at 800424.