LCMSMS Analysis of the Daphnane Orthoester Simplexin in Poisonous Pimelea Species of Australian Rangelands

Abstract

Toxic Pimelea species (also known as desert riceflower) are ephemeral native plants found throughout inland regions of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, extending over about one quarter of Australia's pastoral lands. Three rangeland species of Pimelea (P. simplex, P. elongata, and P. trichostachya) are poisonous to livestock and potentially fatal to cattle, with serious economic consequences through loss of production, stock deaths and the costs of agistment. The associated poisoning syndrome in cattle is unique to Australia and is characterised by loss of condition and pulmonary venule constriction leading to right ventricular dilation and subcutaneous oedema of brisket and head. Consumption of green plant material can also lead to acute diarrhoea in both cattle and sheep.