Alicia Silverstone raised concern among fans after she shared a TikTok video in which she appeared to sample a potentially poisonous fruit. The actress, known for her role in “Clueless,” discovered the fruit while walking the streets of England.
In the video, posted on Monday, Silverstone expressed her confusion about the fruit, which resembled an orange cherry tomato. “I just bit into it because it was on the street, and we were discussing whether this was a tomato or not,” she explained to her followers.
She noted that the fruit contained seeds resembling those of a pepper and expressed skepticism about its identity as a tomato based on the leaves’ appearance. “So, what the heck is this? Because when you open it up, it looks like that. And if I bite it — I don’t think you’re supposed to eat this, but it’s almost like a pepper? Does anyone know what this is?” she asked.
Viewers quickly identified the fruit as a Jerusalem cherry, which is native to South America and considered toxic. According to GardeningKnowHow.com, the fruit’s vibrant appearance belies its dangerous nature. “Despite their cheery colors, the fruit of the Jerusalem cherry houseplant is toxic and should be kept out of the reach of curious children and pets,” the website advises. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to serious health issues.
The health risks associated with consuming Jerusalem cherries can impact both the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, potentially causing symptoms such as stomach pain, fever, diarrhea, paralysis, slowed breathing, and delirium, as stated by MedlinePlus.gov.
In the comments section of Silverstone’s video, many fans voiced their worries. One user asked to be notified of her well-being, while another questioned why anyone would consume unknown substances found on the street.
As of Tuesday morning, there had been no updates from Silverstone on social media, and her representative has not yet responded to inquiries for comment. Silverstone, who published a vegan cookbook titled “The Kind Diet” in 2009, promotes plant-based eating and encourages her followers to adopt healthier dietary habits.