From the article link posted at the start of this thread:
Dr. Benil Kottakkal, an expert on oleander toxicity, explained that the alkaloids present in the flower, particularly in the latex within the stalk, are cardiac glycosides that directly affect the heart. While the toxicity levels may vary among oleander plants, especially newer varieties designed to yield more flowers, the exact extent remains to be scientifically quantified.
Joseph Job, Vice-Principal and Associate Professor at the Department of Botany, SB College Changanassery, affirmed that the toxicity of oleander depends on factors such as the ingested part of the plant, the individual’s age, and health condition.
Perhaps the part she chewed had enough potent juice to enter her system and cause rapid cardiac failure? She definitely had age on her side but maybe the newer varieties of plants like stated in the article have stronger poisonous toxins and even lesser amounts are enough to kill someone?
