Pedilanthus tithymaloides 紅雀珊瑚

POISONOUS PARTS

Sap.³

TOXICITY

• Toxic Constituents

  Euphorbol and proteolytic enzymes.^4-6

• Mechanism

  Euphorbol is an irritant to skin, eyes and mucosal surface. The proteolytic enzymes may cause local injury.^4,6

• Poisoning Features

  Skin contact: irritant contact dermatitis. Eye contact: keratoconjunctivitis. Ingestion: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.^4,5

• Poisoning Events

  An 8-year-old boy in Malaysia had left eye keratoconjunctivitis after accidental exposure to the sap of the plant when he fell into a shrub. He recovered uneventfully after treatment.⁶

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Supportive treatment. For skin and ocular exposure, affected area could be irrigated with water.^4,5

IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

Erect subshrubs, 40–70 cm tall. Stems and branches stout, slightly fleshy, strongly zigzag. Leaves distichous; leaf blades 3.5–8 × 2.5–5 cm, midribs elevated abaxially. Cymes terminal or axillary at upper part, each one with many male flowers and 1 female flower. Involucres about 1 cm long, shoe-shaped, deep-red or purple-red, apex nearly labiate-shaped, bifid.²

MEDICINAL USES

Whole plant used in TCM: clear heat and remove toxin, dissipate stasis and disperse swelling, relieve pain, stanch bleeding and promote tissue regeneration. Recommended dose: 3–9 g.^7,8