Jatropha curcas: use as a traditional tswana medicine and its role as a cause of acute poisoning

Jatropha curcas, although not indigenous to South Africa is found widely and has become incorporated into traditional Tswana medicine as a laxative. During the first 10 months of 1986, 50 cases out of a total of 442 admitted to Ga‐Rankuwa hospital with acute poisoning were due to accidental ingestion of the seeds. All cases were children. They presented with nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps and 10 needed intravenous fluid replacement. Out of 43 cases of acute poisoning with traditional medicines, 31 presented with a similar clinical picture. Interviews with traditional healers have indicated that the toxic effects of Jatropha curcas are known and that misuse appears to be uncommon. In the light of our findings an educational poster campaign is planned for 1987.