Health Advisory on Jathropa Poisoning

In the light of the potential hazard of jatropha seeds/nuts consumption, the Department of Health is issuing the following health advisory to the general public:

1.  The DOH is warning the general public NOT to eat jatropha (also know as tuba-tuba, kasla, tagumbao tubang bakod, tangan-tangan) seeds/nuts due to its potential hazard.  The fruit or nut is samll, green and fleshly wen immature, becoming dark brown when ripe.  The meat of the seeds is white and oily in texture with pleasant/agreeable taste.

2. The major toxins in jatropha are: (1) curcin which is toxalbumin (phylotoxin) found mainly in the seeds (2) purgative oil from the seeds with a yield of 40% curcanoleic acid (irritant) (3) hydrocyanic acid (4) resin - producing dermatitis (5) alkaloid glycoside which can produce cardiovascular and respiratory depression; and atropine-like effects.

3. Acute systemic poisoning in humans have resulted mostly from ingestion of the plant materials, usually the seeds.  In adults and children, 1 to 3 chewed seeds eaten can cause symptoms of poisoning.  Reports from the National Poison Management and Control Center in 2007 showed 39 cases of acute jatropha seed ingestion among children (ranked 7th of ten top poisons).

4. The most prominent symptoms of jatropha intoxication are nausea and vomitting followed by watery diarrhea after a delay of 30 minutes to 2 hours from the time of ingestion.  There is also acute abdominal pain and burning feeling in the throat. In severe poisonong these symptoms progress to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and marked dehydration.  Children are more susceptible either to the direct effect of the toxins or secondary to the dehydration and electrolyte loss.  In  serious cases of poisoning, liver damage may occur together with oliguria secondary to hypotension.

5. Victims of jatropha poisoning should be brought to the nearest health facility at the soonest possible tome so that gastrointestinal decontamination and fluid and electrolyte replacement can be initiated.

6. The general population should be educated regarding the toxicity of the jatropha plant especially the seeds.  Parents should warn their children never to eat the seeds of jatropha or even play with them since primary skin irritation may occur.  School authorities should not cultivate the plant within the school premises.  In the plantations where the jatropha oil si to be used as biodiesel there should be adequate warnings signs posted within the plantation ares.

 

DOH Poison Control Centers                           Toxicologist                   Contact Number

1. East Avenue Medical Center                        Dr. Visitacion Antonio                 4342511

2. Rizal Medical Center                                     Dr. Danilo Villamangca                 6719615; 6719740

3. Batangas Regional Hospital                          Dr. Rhodora Reyes                     (043) 7233578

4. Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center     Dr. Lourdes Agosto                    (053)3213131

5. Zamboanga Regional Hospital                       Dr. Ayeesha Pingli                      (062)9912934