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Acute toxicity studies with Jatropha curcas L
Human Toxicology
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Jatropha curcas seeds are toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal issues and death in children and mice. Even small doses of seed extract administered intraperitoneally proved lethal in animal studies.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Jatropha curcas L. seeds are known for their potential toxicity.
- Accidental ingestion in children can lead to severe health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of Jatropha curcas L. seeds.
- To characterize the clinical syndrome and pathological findings associated with Jatropha curcas L. seed ingestion and administration.
Main Methods:
- Case study of two children with Jatropha curcas L. seed ingestion.
- Toxicological studies in mice involving oral administration with feed and intraperitoneal injection of seed extract.
Main Results:
- Ingestion by children resulted in restlessness, severe vomiting, and dehydration.
- Oral administration in mice caused anal hemorrhage and death, with gastrointestinal infarction observed.
- Intraperitoneal administration of seed extract in mice was lethal at low doses (1 mg/kg), causing widespread hemorrhages and organ infarction.
Conclusions:
- Jatropha curcas L. seeds possess potent toxic properties affecting the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
- The seeds can cause severe poisoning in humans and are highly toxic to mice, with rapid lethality observed with intraperitoneal administration of extracts.