Survey and Identification of Toxic Plants in the Region of Osfan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Wild plants have many benefits for humans, animals, birds, and most of the creatures on earth. Because all organisms live in one environment, insects attack plants from time to time and the plant defends itself by mechanical or chemical methods by forming chemicals that kill insects or reduce insect attacks on them. Thus, these plants become toxic to insects and may be toxic to animals and humans as well. Hence, we find among wild plants a number of them that are toxic to animals and humans. Knowledge of these plants is extremely important, especially for those who graze camels and sheep in order to escape from their danger. What's more, it is very important for a person to recognize it and get away from her. In addition, naturally many of these poisonous plants are used in the manufacture of medicines for a large number of diseases and epidemics. The current study aims to identify poisonous plants in the Osfan region to educate people about their danger and to highlight them for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Thirty-four poisonous plants were registered in the area and toxic chemicals were observed in them, as well as their toxicity, location, and apparent description. In addition, by that, it will be the first step towards building a database for poisonous plants in the region.