Food poisoning due to money tree seeds: a case report of toxic encephalopathy

Background The money tree is a favored indoor potted plant in China. Its seeds resemble chestnuts in both shape and flavor when cooked, which are generally considered non-toxic and safe for consumption. Case presentation This report presents the first published case of food poisoning due to the ingestion of large amounts of money tree seeds. A 67-year-old man exhibited toxic encephalopathy symptoms and dyspnea after consuming the seeds for approximately 6 months. After empirical mechanical ventilation, therapeutic plasma exchange, and other medical interventions, the patient’s clinical status improved significantly. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital. Conclusion Consuming a substantial quantity of money tree seeds within a limited timeframe can lead to poisoning, resulting in adverse outcomes, particularly toxic encephalopathy. Moreover, plasma exchange may have some therapeutic effect.