Euphorbia

Euphorbia

Euphorbia Common name: ،حلببون حلبلوب، لبين،

فربيون البوم، حليب الحليب، ام .لبينة، Scientific name: Euphorbia spp. L. Family: Euphorbiaceae.

Diterpenoid phorbol esters and steroidal saponins. Jatrophane diterpenoids were isolated from Euphorbia

peplus. Diterpene esters of the phorbol and ingenol types that

typically occur in members of the Euphorbiaceae are known to be highly active tumor promoting agents, investigations on poisonous milk of lactating goats fed experimentally on aerial parts of the herb Euphorbia peplus L. were developed, three diterpene ester toxins were detected in the milk, these results provide data for a novel interpretation of the high incidence of esophageal cancer observed in certain areas associated with a greater consumption of goat's (and sheep's) milk.

Honey sample were found to be moderately irritant, and this activity was associated with the presence of tri-acylates of the diterpene ingenol, which are transferred from the nectar of Euphorbia seguieriana by honey bees to the honey.

Toxic parts: The latex.

Symptoms: Severe contact dermatitis, painful erythema,

papules and vesicles, mucosal burns. Self-limited, spontaneous vomiting may occur in

cases of ingestion. Initial symptoms in cases of accidental

instillation of the latex in the eye, are burning or stinging pain with blurred vision. In most cases, visual acuity was reduced, tearing and phtophobia, keratoconjunctivitis has been associated with the exposure.

SIGNS: Spurges contain sap that is highly irritating upon contact, especially to the eyes and mouth, and upon prolonged exposure to skin (legs and head primarily). Irritation, redness, pain and swelling will result, and salivation and head-shaking if the oral mucosa is affected. Blistering and open sores are possible with spurge sap, and some plants have historically been used as a chemical brand for cattle. If the plants are swallowed, stomach and intestinal irritation can occur, with vomiting (in those species that can vomit), abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

FIRST AID: Prevent further contact and ingestion of spurge. If a large quantity was consumed, if an eye is affected, or if the animal cannot eat, contact a veterinarian immediately. For minor irritation, provide supportive care, since the signs are usually self-limiting within about 12 to 24 hours.

Treatment: Supportive. Patients who suffer from occular

inflammation from the plant sap are treated with antibiotic drops or ointment (chloramphenicol). Cycloplegic and steroid drops are also used for some patients. Patients are observed until all signs and symptoms resolve.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Containing Plants

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants are the most widespread and expensive poisonous plant problem that affects plants, insects, animals and humans.

PA Global Problem

>6000 plants contain PA’s

Most common poisonous plant affecting livestock, wildlife, and humans

Contaminated feed, food and herbal preparations

Plants Containing Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids

Compositae :Senecio (1200 species)

Fabaceae (Liguminosae)Crotalaria (600 species)

Boraginacea

Borago officinalis (borage)

Cynoglossum officinale (hound’s tongue)

Echium plantagineum (echium)

Echium vulgare (vipers bugloss)

Heliotropiu europaeum (heliotrope)

Symphytum officinale (comfrey)

Echium

Chemistry

Camel Belly Disease

Charmak disease, sometimes called Gulran disease or camel belly, is an unusual and potentially fatal liver

disease. It is caused by eating wheat flour contaminated with seeds of charmak weeds (Heliotropium plants), which contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Charmak weeds grow in wheat and other grain fields following abnormally dry weather.

Cont…

People can get charmak disease by eating flour-based foods, such as bread, that have been derived from wheat grain harvested from fields with a high concentration of charmak weed. It is believed that it is also possible to get the disease by drinking milk from goats that graze on charmak weeds.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of charmak disease include anorexia, loss of weight, fatigue, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting. Liver

damage, jaundice, and a hugely extended stomach often appear several weeks after symptoms begin.

The liver damage is caused by the obstruction of major veins in the liver associated with consumption of

pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Left untreated, charmak disease can be fatal within 3 to 9 months following the appearance of an extended stomach.

Camel belly

Treatment

Two grams of sodium in the daily diet, the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, and the extraction of unnecessary liquids from a patient’s swollen belly in serious cases, can save lives and treat the disease.