Jean-Louis Tu <[log in to unmask]>:
>My question would be: would you happen to know whether some toxins have
>been identified in (ripe) fruits that are commonly used by humans, like
>apples or mangoes (these fruits are supposedly suitable for
>consumption by mammals).

Tom:
Apples contain acetic acid, which is toxic in large enough quantities.
There is an on-line phytochemical database (the USDA hosts it, and it
was developed by Prof. James Duke) that lists many of the "nasties"
in fruits. I don't have the URL handy but will try to dig it up
when I have a chance.

Jean-Louis Tu <[log in to unmask]>:
>Okay, but the toxin is in the seed, not in the flesh, so these toxins
>are easy to avoid.

Tom:
Yes, one can avoid the toxins in large seeds. It is harder to avoid toxins in,
say, tomato seeds which are small and abundant in the fruit.

Thanks for your comments, Jean-Louis!

Tom Billings