Alicia Silverstone Eats Poisonous Berry in TikTok Video

Alicia Silverstone raised alarms among her fans this week after sharing a TikTok video in which she appeared to nibble on a potentially poisonous berry during her trip to England. The berry, resembling a tomato, is believed to be a Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), a member of the nightshade family, which includes other common plants like tomatoes and eggplants. The unripe berries of the Jerusalem cherry are particularly hazardous, posing risks of severe gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. The dangers of misidentifying edible plants are underscored by the presence of various toxic lookalikes in nature. For instance, the Jerusalem cherry's berries can be confused with blueberries, while pokeweed and Virginia creeper fruits also share a similar appearance but can be fatal if consumed. Additionally, wild onion and garlic grasses, often found in spring, have toxic counterparts such as death camas, which can be lethal to both livestock and humans. Moreover, the risks extend to other common plants that can cause serious health issues. Wild parsnip, which resembles carrot flowers, can lead to photodermatitis, a painful skin reaction triggered by sunlight. Similarly, creeping buttercup, an invasive weed, can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. The Canadian moonseed, often mistaken for wild grape, poses a significant threat as ingestion can result in convulsions and death, highlighting the importance of plant identification in foraging.