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Klin Padiatr
DOI: 10.1055/a-2769-3888
Pictorial Essay

Mistaking Gloriosa Tubers for Ginger: Moderate Symptoms after Accidental Ingestion of a Potentially Life-Threatening Amount of Colchicine

Verwechslung von Gloriosa-Knollen mit Ingwer: Moderate Symptome nach versehentlicher Vergiftung mit einer potenziell lebensbedrohlichen Colchicinmenge

Authors

  • Eliane Streiff

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Katrin Koehler

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Angela Huebner

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Jörg Pietsch

    2   Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Katja Schulz

    2   Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Anne Stuerzebecher

    3   Poisons information centre Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
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Introduction

Gloriosa superba (glory lily) is a popular flowering plant that contains colchicine. The highest concentration is found in the tubers ([Fig. 1]), varying from 0.02% to 0.86% (Basak U.C. et al., IJPPR 2012; 4(3): 157–161, Misra A. et al., JAOAC Int. 2012; 104(4):1155–1166, Kavithamani D. et al., IJRPB; 4(1):554–557). The poisonous properties of colchicine are well known. As an inhibitor of microtubule polymerisation, it is used therapeutically but has a narrow therapeutic index with therapeutic and toxic doses overlapping in acute ingestions (Alaygut D. et al., 2016, Pediatr. Emerg. Care; 32(3):168–172). Colchicine has an oral bioavailability of about 20 to 40% and shows extensive enterohepatic recirculation. After rapid absorption, maximum plasma levels are expected within 30–90 minutes after ingestion (Nelson L. et al., 2019, Goldfranks Toxicologic Emergencies; 11th edition, chapter 34; 501–510). Fatal outcomes are possible if the ingested oral dose exceeds 0.5 mg/kg (Nelson L. et al., 2019, Goldfranks Toxicologic Emergencies; 11th edition, chapter 34; 501–510), or the plasma level of colchicine is higher than 9 ng/mL (Schulz M. et al., Crit care 2020, 24:195). The clinical presentation of acute poisoning usually starts with gastrointestinal symptoms and might proceed into multi-organ failure (Finkelstein Y. et al., Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010; 48(5): 407–414). Early treatment options for colchicine poisoning include gastric lavage and application of activated charcoal, ideally administered within the first hour, optionally followed by repeated doses of activated charcoal to prevent enterohepatic recirculation, alongside supportive care. We report on a case of an adolescent, who mistook the Gloriosa tubers for ginger.

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Fig. 1 Gloriosa superba plant (left side) and tubers (right side top) resembling ginger (right side bottom).


Publication History

Received: 09 April 2025

Accepted after revision: 09 December 2025

Article published online:
02 February 2026

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