ABSTRACT
Taxines are a mixture of poisonous compounds from the evergreen gymnosperm plant genus Taxus (family Taxaceae), particularly Taxus baccata (commonly known as English yew, European yew, or common yew). Often used in decorative landscaping, especially hedges, across the continent of Europe, T. baccata produces taxines and other toxic compounds in seeds, leaves (needles), bark, branches, and roots, but not berries (or apils). Accidental or deliberate ingestion of fresh or wilted parts of yew trees can lead to poisoning in humans and animals, with symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, diffuse abdominal pain, tachycardia, convulsions, bradycardia, respiratory muscle paralysis, to death.
