Abstract :
Jatropha curcas, is a large shrub, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant is widely distributed in the wild and semi-cultivated areas of India, South East Asia, Central and South America and Africa. There are number of studies have shown the seed component to be toxic and lethal in lower animals. There are only a few case reports on this plant showing some features about its toxicity in human. There are no reported deaths associated with its consumption. All the reported cases belong to paediatric age group and which happens by accidental manner. Its seeds contain a toxalbumin, curcin, which is very less potent than ricin. Seed oil also contains curcanoleic acid or Jatrophin which can cause hepatotoxicity. We are reporting six cases of Jatropha curcas poisoning in children who consumed the seeds thinking as peanut.
Keyword :
Jatropha curcas, Purging nut, Antidote, Biofuel.