Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
of testosterone.
16
Oral administration of a 50% ethanol extract of
Abrus
seeds (250 mg/kg) in albino
rats for 30 and 60 days induced absolute, but reversible, infertility in males, with marked suppression
of sperm motility in the cauda epididymis.
17
The treatment did not appear to affect the histological
and histocytometric characters of the testes and parareproductive tissues, but protein, sialic acid, acid
phosphatase, and succinic dehydrogenase levels were significantly depleted.
17
An isolate of the seeds,
BN, was shown to inhibit contractions of guinea pig ileum to field stimulation, acetylcholine, and
histamine and to reduce rhythmic activity of rabbit isolated intestine.
18
The seed oil was also found
to cause dose-dependent contractions of both gravid and primed virgin uteri.
19
The contractions were
blocked by indomethacin but resistant to the effects of atropine. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the
tissue to oil could be restored by subeffective doses of prostaglandin E2 following blocking with
indomethacin.
19
These effects appear to support the use of the seed extract as an antidiarrheal agent
in traditional medicine.
The extracts of the
Abrus
have also been shown to possess trypanosocidal action,
20
aldose
reductase inhibition,
21
antidiabetic properties,
22
milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia in the
management of asthma,
23
antitumor and immunomodulatory activities,
24
and anthelmintic activi-
ties.
25
A polyherbal preparation containing extract of
Abrus
leaves has demonstrated hair-growth
properties in clinical studies.
26
Toxicity —
Fatal incidents have been reported for ingestion of well-chewed seeds of
Abrus;
because of its hard seed coat, it can pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested and remain
harmless. The unripe seed has a soft and easily broken seed coat and is thus more dangerous. It
has been reported that poisoning has been experienced through a finger pricked while stringing the
seed. Symptoms may develop a few hours to several days after ingestion; they include severe gastro-
enteritis with pronounced nausea and vomiting. Mydriasis will occur as well as muscular weakness,
tachycardia, cold sweating, and trembling. There is no known physiological antidote. The treatment
is essentially symptomatic. Since there is a long latent period associated with abrin poisoning, little
value can be placed on induction of emesis or gastric lavage; these measures are useful only if diges-
tion has just occurred. Bismuth trisilicate may be given during poisoning with
Abrus
to reduce the
degree of gastrointestinal damage. If the emesis or diarrhea become excessive, replacement fluids
and electrolytes are advocated. If hemorrhage occurs, blood transfusion may be necessary.
Toxicity of
Abrus
to goats has been evaluated. Doses of 2, 1, or 0.5 g/kg/day via stomach tube
caused death between days 2 and 5 for those given 2 or 1 g/kg; one goat that received 0.5 g died
on day 32, and another was killed on day 33. The main signs of poisoning include inappetence,
bloody diarrhea, dyspnea, dehydration, loss of condition, and recumbency.
19
Abrin, the main toxic
compound in
Abrus,
is antigenic, and animals can thus be immunized with small doses before
being allowed to graze on pastures infested with
Abrus
. Because of the potential use of abrin and
the related castor bean toxin ricin in terrorism as a chemical or biological warfare agent, human
immunization against both toxins is under development.
27
ACACIA SENEGAL
Botanical Name —
Acacia senegal
( L.) Wild
Synonyms —
Mimosa senegal
L.,
Acacia verek
Guill. et Perr.,
Acacia circummarginata
C h iov.,
Acacia cufodontii
C h iov.,
Acacia oxyosprion
C h iov.,
Acacia rupestris
Boiss.,
Acacia spinosa
Marloth & Engl.,
Acacia volkii
Suess.,
Acacia senegal
( L.) Br it ton
Family —
Leguminosae
Common Names —
Gum Arabic tree (E), Gommier, Gommier blane (F)
African Names —
Arabic: shagar; Samgh Arabic: konait; Bambara: patukill; Hausa: akovia,
dakwara; Fulani: dibehi; Kanuri: kolkol; Ndebele: umhlahalinye; Nyamwezi: katatula, mgwata,
kakakantunda; Peuhl: patuki, bulbi; Swahili: kikwata mgunga; Zinza: mkoto
