Colocynth(Citrullus colocynthis) - Gastric Irritant Plants

Colocynth

Botanical Name

Citrullus colocynthis

Physical Appearance

·              This plant belonging to family Cucurbitaceae grows wild all over the country.

·              branched, and hirsute. Leaves are usually triangular in shape, 5–7 lobed, pale green

·              Fruits are globular, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, variegated green and white, with a dry, spongy, bitter pulp (Fig 10.9).

·              Seeds are 4 to 6 mm long and pale brown in colour.

·              The root is bitter and pungent, and is used as a folk remedy for various ailments.

Uses

1.   Dried fruit pulp is used as a purgative by rural folk.

2.   Root is used by quacks for the treatment of jaundice, rheu-matism, constipation, etc.

Toxic Part

Fruit, root, leaf.

Clinical Features

Vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, shock.

Treatment

Decontamination: Stomach wash, activated charcoal.

IV fluids, dopamine.