Cynanchum species

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: • C. ellipticum and C. obtusifolium grows over trees and shrubs in the coastal bush along the eastern coast line. • C. africanum is most common in the south-western, southern and south-eastern Cape Provinces.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Cynanchum africanum General: These plants are climbers with slender stems and branches. They contain milky, bitter latex that is apparently non-irritant. Leaves: The leaves of C. africanum are heart-shaped. Flowers: The flowers of C. africanum are brownish in colour. Fruit: The horn-shaped fruits contain club-shaped plumed seeds. Cynanchum ellipticum General: These plants are climbers with slender stems and branches. They contain milky, bitter latex that is apparently non-irritant. Leaves: The soft leaves of C. ellipticum are broadly elliptical and with a pronounced tip at the apex. They are in pairs opposite each other with a ring-like thickening at the junction of the leaves and stem. Flowers: The flowers of C. ellipticum are pungent, white to greenish and have a tubular corolla, which is a distinctive characteristic. Toxic principle: Various neurotoxic compounds (cynanchosides) have been isolated from Cynanchum species.

SYNDROMES: Cynanchosis, Krampsiekte.

CLINICAL SIGNS: Systems affected: Central nervous system. • CNS stimulation followed by protracted paralysis. • Hypersensitivity, incoordination, tremors • Recurrent tetanic seizures, orthotonus or opisthotonus • Protracted paralysis (lasting a week or more) • Nervous signs may be precipitated by a stimulus Krampsiekte (poisoning with Cynanchum species) is characterized by tetanic seizures, while krimpsiekte is primarily a paretic syndrome.

TREATMENT: • Symptomatic • It is often necessary to euthenaze paralyzed animals.