The common oleander (Nerium oleander L.) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It originates from the Mediterranean region and the Indian-Pakistani subcontinent. Due to its versatile use, it is now widespread worldwide and is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant in landscape architecture. Despite its broad distribution and popularity, the plant is well known for its toxicity, primarily resulting from the presence of cardiac glycosides, such as oleandrin. It also produces various other secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and phenols, which are of interest for their toxicological properties and their potential medicinal applications. Poisonings are relatively common in humans and animals and can cause diverse toxic effects, often leading to severe clinical outcomes. Despite its toxicity, oleander has a long history of use in traditional medicine, where it has been used as an abortifacient, for the treatment of skin diseases and wounds, leprosy, as a diuretic and for managing diabetes. In recent years, it has been studied as a potential source of bioactive compounds for use in conventional medicine and pharmacy, due to its recognized anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated its potential as a natural agent for controlling insects, snails, rodents and microbes in agriculture.
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