Gomphocarpus fruticosus

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: Widely-spread, to be found along roadsides, old cultivated lands, etc. all across the country.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: The larvae of the African monarch butterfly feed on this plant. General: This is an erect, sparsely branched perennial shrub that can grow up to 2m tall and all parts contain milky latex. Leaves: The thick leathery leaves are glossy dark green above and paler below. They are hairless and often tinged red. The petioles are often also reddish. Opposite, sometimes alternate with entire margins. Flowers: Dense clusters of cream to yellow drooping flowers. October - April. Fruit: The fruit is a balloon-like structure with long hair-like growths hanging from it. It contains many black seeds, which have plumes with long silky hairs.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Poisonous cardenolide cardiac glycosides have been isolated from Gomphocarpus fruticosa.

SYNDROME: Acute poisoning by cardenolide-containing plants (Also refer to Tulp Poisoning)

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Cardiovascular system.

CLINICAL SIGNS: • Paralysis • Breathing difficulties • Quick, but weak heartbeat

NECROPSY:Macroscopic pathology: • Not specific - rather negative • Subepi- and endocardial haemorrhages • Lung oedema, congestion, emphysema • Ruminal atony and enteritis - even haemorrhagic • Leaves present in rumen

HISTOPATHOLOGY: In more chronic cases small foci of degeneration of cardiac musculature are seen occasionally

TREATMENT: • Activated charcoal is very effective • Dose 2g/kg • Large dose is essential • Adsorption • Even retro-diffusion from plasma • Adsorption and fixation of excess in rumen • Minimize stress to prevent catecholamine release Additional treatment for valuable animals: • Lignocaine • ß-blocking agents • ACP: Tranquillizer (multipotent blocker) • Atropine (if AV-block is present)