TOXIC PLANT ORGANISMS FOUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Scientific Name
Vicia faba

Common Names
Fava bean, broad bean, horse bean, English bean, Windsor bean

Family
Fabaceae

Plant Description
Coarse, annual vine; leaves alternate, divided with 2-6 leaflets; flowers pea-like, axillary, dull white with purple spot; fruit a long, thick and angled, many-seeded pod, the seeds flattened and angled or nearly rounded, brown to green, purplish, or black.

Origin
Asia and Africa.

Poisonous Part
Seeds, raw or cooked.

Symptoms
Severe enemia, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, 2-3 days after eating.

Toxic Principle
Cyanogenic glycosides.

Severity
Highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten