Alicia Silverstone, the 47-year-old actress known best for her role in Clueless, sparked concern among her fans after she was seen eating a potentially toxic plant in a video shared on social media.
While visiting London, Silverstone filmed herself eating an unfamiliar fruit she found on the street, leaving her followers both worried and puzzled. In the video, posted on TikTok, Silverstone asked for help identifying the mysterious fruit.
“OK, I’ve discovered something that I can’t figure out what it is and I need your help,” she said. “I just bit into it because it was on the street, and we were discussing whether it was a tomato or not. So what the heck is this?”
She later admitted that she probably shouldn’t have eaten the unknown fruit, saying, “I don’t think you’re supposed to eat this. But it’s almost like a pepper. Does anyone know what this is? I don’t know what it is.”
In the caption, Silverstone added, “What the heck is this!? I’m in England and can’t figure it out.” Her followers were quick to express their shock, warning her of the dangers of eating unidentified berries found by the roadside.
@aliciasilverstoneWhat the heck is this!? I’m in England and can’t figure it out. 🤔♬ original sound – Alicia Silverstone
After showing the plant in the video, Silverstone noted that it was definitely not a tomato plant based on the leaves. The fruit she consumed resembled a tomato but was filled with seeds similar to those found in a pepper.
Despite acknowledging that she probably shouldn’t be eating it, Silverstone took another bite of the fruit. TikTok users were quick to identify the plant as a Jerusalem Cherry, a toxic species.
According to Medline Plus, consuming any part of the Jerusalem Cherry plant, including its fruit and leaves, can lead to poisoning. “The effects of Jerusalem cherry poisoning mostly affect the primarily gastrointestinal (often delayed 8 to 10 hours), and central nervous system,” the site states. The symptoms of poisoning can be severe and may include:
Abdominal pain or stomach pain Delirium (agitation and confusion) Diarrhea Dilated pupils Fever Hallucinations Headache Loss of sensation Lower than normal body temperature (hypothermia) Nausea and vomiting Paralysis Shock Slow pulse Slowed breathing Vision changes
“The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery,” the site advises.
Fans have since expressed their concern, especially as Silverstone has not posted any updates since the video. One follower commented, “Can someone tag me when we know she’s OK,” while another asked, “Is Alicia ok??? We need an update!” A third fan pleaded, “Okay, it is 7am in England, can you give us an update PLEASE. Just a quick ‘hey I’m okay!’”
