Jatropha species

Abstract

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Jatropha multifida General: A small spreading tree Leaves: The leaves are large, deeply cut (fingered or palmate) Fruit: The fruits are fleshy. Jatropha curcas General: A shrub or small tree of up to 5 m high. Leaves: The heart-shaped leaves have long leaf-stalks. Flowers: Small and yellow Fruit: Egg-shaped, dark brown, splitting open to reveal 2 -3 black seeds.TOXIC PRINCIPLE: • The seeds of Jatropha spp. contain curcin, a toxalbumin with an action similar to that of ricin. • The leaves of Jatropha multifida are also rich in cyanogenic glycosides. • It is suspected that ruminants that browse on the leaves can suffer from prussic acid poisoning.SYNDROMES: Toxalbumin.SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Gastro-intestinal system.CLINICAL SIGNS: Appear within hours after ingestion of the seed and include diarrhoea, dyspnoea, dehydration and loss of condition.