Is the ‘Suicide Fruit’ From The White Lotus Real? Its Lethal Effects Explained
Is the 'Suicide Fruit' From The White Lotus Real? Its Lethal Effects Explained
What if a seemingly innocent fruit could be the key to a deadly outcome? In Season 3 of The White Lotus, a dangerous fruit from the Pong Pong tree plays a significant role in the unfolding drama. When a character warns another about its lethal properties, viewers are left wondering if such a fruit could truly exist—and it turns out, it does.
This intriguing fruit, which has captured the attention of the show’s vast fanbase, is called Othalanga, and it grows on the Cerbera odollam tree, better known as the Pong Pong tree. Found in parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Queensland, and Australia, this fruit has earned the chilling nickname “suicide tree” due to its deadly reputation. Despite its seemingly innocent appearance, this green fruit harbors a toxic secret, making it potentially lethal if consumed.
The Pong Pong tree belongs to the dogbane family, a group of flowering plants notorious for producing toxic compounds. The seeds of this tree contain a powerful toxin known as cerberin, which is responsible for its lethal effects. The seeds of the Pong Pong fruit are about the size of peach pits, and just a small amount of cerberin can be fatal. While there have been rare cases of survival after poisoning, the risks are undeniably high.
The fruit itself has a bitter taste, and its toxic compound, cerberin, is classified as a cardiac glycoside. This means that it directly impacts the heart’s function, disrupting its electrical impulses. As a result, the heart’s ability to contract and relax is compromised. According to Owen McDougal, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Boise State University, “It will basically override the polarization within the body that’s required for the heart muscle to contract and relax. Without the impulse and relaxation phases, the heart muscle just stops working.” This severe disruption can lead to life-threatening heart issues.
The symptoms of poisoning are rapid and severe. After consuming the seeds, a person may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Within an hour, the heart rate becomes dangerously low, leading to palpitations and arrhythmias, which can ultimately result in heart failure. A study in the Journal of Emergency Medicine identifies common symptoms as vomiting and bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. The condition can escalate to heart block, where the heart beats slowly or skips beats entirely. In severe cases, this can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Historically, the Pong Pong tree’s seeds have been linked to numerous deaths, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Between 1989 and 1999, a study from Kerala, India, showed that Pong Pong poisoning accounted for a significant portion of plant poisoning cases in the region. In fact, it was estimated that around 3,000 people may have died annually from poisoning caused by the Pong Pong tree or its relative, the sea mango (Cerbera manghas), which was historically used as a poison during witch trials in Madagascar in the 19th century.
There is no specific antidote for Pong Pong poisoning, and treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. The most common approach is to administer atropine, a drug used to counteract the effects of the toxin, along with efforts to resuscitate the heart. If someone is not treated quickly, they may die within an hour. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers Pong Pong poisoning to be a medical emergency, emphasizing the need for immediate treatment to prevent fatal arrhythmias and other heart-related complications. The timely administration of supportive care and appropriate medications is crucial for survival.
So, while it may sound like a fictional plot twist from a TV series, the danger of the Pong Pong tree and its deadly fruit is all too real. Whether used in ancient rituals or as a deadly form of poisoning, the fruit’s threat is not just fictional. It is a significant and lethal reality.
