Croton Botanical Name Croton tiglium Physical Appearance ■■ This plant belonging to family Euphorbiaceae grows well in Assam, Bengal, and the Western Ghats. ■■ It is a small evergreen tree with ovate or elliptical leaves which are narrow-pointed, toothed, and 2 to 4 inches long, varying in colour from metallic green to bronze, orange, or yellowish ( Fig 10.10 ). ■■ Seeds are oval, smooth, 1 to 2 cm long, and brownish in colour ( Fig 10.11 ). Uses The seeds, oil, and root extract are used as a drastic purgative in folk medicine. Toxic Part Stem, leaves, seeds. Toxic Principles ■■ Crotin (toxalbumen). ■■ Crotonoside (glycoside). Clinical Features · Plants in this family contain irritant diterpene esters that are strongly irritating. Rubbing the latex of these plants to the face, or chewing on the stem may result in erythema, swelling, and blistering. Initial symptoms of reddening and swelling occur in 2 to 8 hours...
Autumn Crocus Other Common Names Meadow saffron; Meadow crocus; Naked lady; Son-before-the-father; Wild saffron. Botanical Name Colchicum autumnale. Physical Appearance · It is a perennial plant with whitish or pale purple flowers ( Fig 11.3 ). · The long, broad-lanceolate, dark green leaves are produced in spring, while the flowers bloom in succession from August to October, soon dying down. · The bulb-like fleshy underground stems (corms) are about the size of a small tulip bulb, and lie from 6 to 10 inches deep in the soil. · This plant grows well in England, Wales, and many European countries, but is relatively uncommon in Asia. However, it is encountered in the Himalayan region. The Indian variety usually bears yellowish flowers. Uses ■■ The main active principle colchicine is used in the treat-ment of gout. It acts ...
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