| Scientific noun: Ecballium Elaterium L. |
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| Family: Gourd family- cucurbitaceae. |
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| Habitat: In waste places with a great deal of human garbage, by the side of the paths, etc. |
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| Active principles: cucurbitacine, elaterine and fatty acids. |
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| Active parts: The whole plant, specially the fruit. |
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| Uses : It has been being used in internal use as a strong purgative to treat constipation , as diuretic, hepatic ( cirrhosis ) and against obesity. In external use, for the rheumatic pain. |
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Toxicity : High. It is not reasonable to use this plant internally, since its active properties differ a lot according to season (It is very active in August) In addition, elaterine is very irritating for the digestive tract, so it should not be used by elderly people or those ones with intestinal or kidney problems. It is also abortive.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, hemorrhages and kidney injuries. It is lethal in big doses. |
